Benjamin Spitaler

My PhD research focuses on the reconstruction of glacier dynamics in the Eastern Alps based on glaciolacustrine and ice-marginal sedimentary systems. A particular emphasis is placed on constraining the depositional age of deltaic sequences (topsets, foresets and bottomsets) preserved in ice-dammed lake environments, using optical dating techniques. These types of sediment sequences provide key constraints on depositional processes, ice-margin positions and glacier behaviour.

An integrated approach is applied, combining detailed geomorphological and sedimentological analyses with luminescence geochronology: OSL and IRSL datinng of polymineral fine grain extracts. While sedimentological data are used to reconstruct glacier dynamics, chronological constraints are established through luminescence dating, primarily targeting well-bleached bottomset deposits.

The combined sedimentological and numerical dating framework enables the reconstruction of the spatiotemporal evolution of Alpine glacier systems and improves the understanding of pre-LGM glacier variability.