Description
The aim of this module is to demonstrate: First, how sound knowledge of fluvial geomorphological and hydrological processes can be used for effective river management. The importance of understanding the link between catchment water and sediment budgets and their impact on the channel system will be stressed. Demonstrate an in-depth familiarity with key concepts, models and datasets appropriate to the quantification and interpretation of river morphodynamics. Second, the importance of placing rivers within the context of their wider catchment. The need to revisit the basin hydrological cycle will be considered, to introduce ‘riverflow hydrology’ and the hydrology of extremes (low and high flow). The limitations of traditional approaches to river and catchment management will be assessed using examples from urban catchments, trans-boundary rivers, and tropical systems.
By the end of the module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate the principles of geomorphological channel management
- Understand the link between catchment processes and the associated channel response
- Apply fluvial geomorphological principles
- Demonstrate a good practical understanding of fundamental concepts and methods used within the hydrological sciences
- Demonstrate the ability to apply these concepts and methods to represent ‘real’ hydrological systems in contrasting environments
- Understand the application of simple numerical methods to represent catchment water movement at a variety of scales
Assessment
- 2,000 word review essay (50%) and 2-hour examination (50%).