Quaternary geology of Lake Zurich

Swiss lakes are a national treasure, with naturalists leading the way in limnology. These lakes serve as model oceans for natural experiments, revealing insights like the significance of turbidity currents in sedimentation, recognized in Swiss lakes long before similar roles were acknowledged in oceans. Non-glacial varves in Lake Zurich have been cited as modern analogues of ancient ocean sediments, and current studies are linking water circulation to fertility, crucial for understanding oceanic chemistry. Since the 1960s, limnogeology research in Switzerland has utilized oceanographic techniques, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration among geoscientists. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology's limnogeology group has engaged in diverse activities, including geophysics and palaeontology, inspired by discussions on deeper lake bottom exploration. Lake Zurich was selected for drilling due to its low Holocene sedimentation rate, allowing for deeper historical insights. Preliminary studies indicated stable deepwater temperatures, making it ideal for geothermal research. The Zübo 80 drilling project aimed to measure heat flow, uncover climatic history during the Quaternary, and understand sedimentary responses to glacial movements. Completed to 200 m in three months, the project involved a diverse team of doctoral students and researchers, culminating in a multiauthored monograph that maintains a consistent style.