iver valleys in the Anthropocene: a long-term geomorphic and historic analysis of human-environment interactions and legacies

This PhD-position is part of an interdisciplinary C2 research project that examines the impact of humans as geomorphic agents. The research focuses on the reconstruction and analysis of human-environment interactions in river valleys to determine the extent to which anthropogenic processes have shaped present-day landscapes. It is framed within the concept of the Anthropocene, a period that underscores the significant influence of human activity on the landscape. The research examines two contrasting regions and their floodplains (Dijle and Grote Nete), which are representative for the European Loess and Coversand Belts. Both regions have been influenced by human activities, albeit at different times and with varying rates. To analyse these dynamics, an interdisciplinary approach is adopted that combines geomorphological and historical methods. The data sources include LIDAR data, historical maps, archival material, interviews, and other visual records. While the project analyses long-term landscape developments over a broader time-depth, this PhD research concentrates specifically on the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. It aims to provide insights into the historical functions of river valleys and to support the development of sustainable landscape and water management practices. Furthermore, the research explores the potential integration of cultural heritage into future landscape management. The research seeks to contribute in both scientific knowledge and policymaking in the domains of landscape and water management.