Description
The module provides in-depth coverage of physical hydrology and geomorphology with a focus on integrating catchment-scale hydrological and landscape processes and their controls as influenced by land use and climate change.
The integrated hydrology and geomorphology components of the module will enable students to understand and critically evaluate the science behind catchment-scale water cycle problems under land use, flood, drought and climate change; and to equip students with critical analytical skills in devising sustainable water management plans. The hydrology component will cover a) the physical basis of water cycle at catchment scale including water input, storage and outputs, and b) contemporary global issues in catchment management affecting water resources including emerging tools for sustainable water management.
The geomorphology teaching will review fundamental controls on landscape systems and processes, using new and classic research. These concepts are discussed in both simple qualitative frameworks, but also using quantitative modelling approaches where numerical expressions are introduced. These are applied to a wide range of geomorphic environments based on the current research interests of staff delivering the module.
By the end of the module students should be able to:
- Critically evaluate fundamentals of catchment water cycling under land use and climate change and its implications for water quantity
- Appreciate the key drivers of the hydrological cycle and their functioning in catchments across environmental and human modification gradients.
- Apply geomorphological principles to understand how processes are linked to resultant landforms in different geomorphological systems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate application of quantitative and qualitative modelling techniques to geomorphological problems.
Assessment
- Coursework (50%)
- Exam - Written Unseen (50%)