Syllabus for Snow Physics and Hydrology

Snöfysik och hydrologi

A revised version of the syllabus is available.

Syllabus

  • 10 credits
  • Course code: 1GE056
  • Education cycle: Second cycle
  • Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1F

    Explanation of codes

    The code indicates the education cycle and in-depth level of the course in relation to other courses within the same main field of study according to the requirements for general degrees:

    First cycle

    • G1N: has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
    • G1F: has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G1E: contains specially designed degree project for Higher Education Diploma
    • G2F: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G2E: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
    • GXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

    Second cycle

    • A1N: has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1F: has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)
    • A2E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
    • AXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

  • Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
  • Established: 2015-03-12
  • Established by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology
  • Applies from: Autumn 2015
  • Entry requirements:

    120 credits with at least 90 credits in Earth Sciences and Dynamics of Earth Systems - Global Change, 10 credits

  • Responsible department: Department of Earth Sciences

Learning outcomes

After the completion of the course, the student should be able to:

  • Describe the key physical and chemical properties of snow cover
  • Explain the role played by snow cover in the energy balance of the Earth
  • Demonstrate how runoff predictions can be derived from snow measurements
  • Apply some remote sensing techniques to characterise snow cover properties
  • Discuss the importance of snow as an environment for life

Content

Snow is a key part of the Earth's climate system, and plays important roles as a water resource, an environment for life, a medium for chemical exchanges between the surface and atmosphere, and sometimes a potential hazard. This course offers an introduction to various aspects of the science of snow, including snow physics and chemistry, snow climatology and surface energy balance, snow hydrology, remote sensing of snow cover, snow cover pollution, and the ecology of snow-covered environments.

Instruction

Lectures, practical exercises and a project.

Assessment

Evaluation of the course is based on participation in the practical exercises (3 credits), a written report (3 credits) and a written exam (4 credits).

Syllabus Revisions

Reading list

Reading list

Applies from: Autumn 2015

Some titles may be available electronically through the University library.

  • DeWalle, David R..; Rango, Albert. Principles of Snow Hydrology

    Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008

    Find in the library

Print syllabus and reading list
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