Unit information: Hydrosphere 2 in 2013/14

Unit name	Hydrosphere 2
Unit code	GEOG25050
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Diego Miralles
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	All units in Single Honours Geography Year 1
Co-requisites	All units in Single Honours Geography Year 2 on B Syllabus
School/department	School of Geographical Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit comprises two elements: ‘River Hydraulics’ taught by Dr. Sara Liguori and ‘Ecohydrology’ taught by Dr. Diego Miralles. It will provide a comprehensive introduction to the physical basis for hydrological, ecological and meteorological processes across a spectrum of scales – from the regional hydrological cycle to hydrological processes in catchments – and dynamically over time.

The physical-basis of these processes is relevant to many other areas of the physical sciences. Through this unit a number of general concepts are introduced such as: conservation of mass and momentum, force-balance equations, fluid dynamics (atmospheric, surface water and flows through vegetation), atmospheric thermodynamics, and mathematical modelling. More specifically, the unit provides an essential foundation for the hydrology units to be followed next year.

Aims: • To insight into the hydrological processes affecting regional ecosystems and river catchments: o the essential principles of river hydraulics necessary to understand the tools and methods in use for flood modelling. o the atmospheric and environmental variables driving the regional hydrological cycle, with specific reference to the effect of vegetation in the water cycle of different ecosystems. • To introduce the basic physical concepts and equations which represent these processes • To introduce come of the concepts and methods involved in developing and applying physically-based models of these processes

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this Unit students should be able to:

• Understand the basic hydrological processes at work in regional climates and ecosystems, catchments, and slopes

• Understand the relevant driving forces and equations of motion in hillslope hydrology, slope stability and ecohydrology/micrometeorology

• Understand the basic models used to simulate the above processes and the concepts of model selection, parameterization, calibration and verification.

A subsidiary aim of this element is to introduce a number of essential (and transferable) mathematical concepts in a manner suited to the mixed ability background of geographers. One of its major roles is to facilitate development of numeracy skills necessary for geographers to compete with other scientists and engineers for careers. In addition it will encourage the development of an ability to critically evaluate technical material.

Teaching Information

Lectures (20 x 1 hour) and a practical (1 x 3 hours)

Assessment Information

• 25% of practical report
• 75% unseen exam

Reading and References

• Bierkens, M.F.P. , Dolman, A.J. , and Torch P.A. (Editors) (2008). Climate and the Hydrological Cycle. Wallinford: IAHS Press, IAHS special publication 8. (Queens Building QC981.8.C5 CLI)

• Hornberger, G.M, J.P. Raffensperger, P.L. Wiberg and K.N. Eshleman (1998) ‘Elements of Physical Hydrology’. John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore (Geographical Sciences, E ELE)

• Jones, J.A.A. (1997) ‘Global Hydrology: Processes, Resources and Environmental Management’. Longman, Harlow. (Geographical Sciences, E JON; Wills Memorial Buidling GB661.2 JON)

• Selby, M.J. (1993) ‘Hillslope Materials and Processes’, Oxford University Press, Oxford. (Geographical Sciences, F4 SEL)