Syllabus for Global Hydrology

Learning outcomes

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

• describe basic principles of energy balance at the soil surface
• carry out micrometeorological measurements and data analysis
• interpret field measurements of stream water discharge and groundwater levels
• explain the hydrological processes occurring on regional and global scale in different climatic conditions
• analyse and interpret climate data from global databases
• apply an insight of water use and concepts of water management in various sectors
• relate the effect of human activity and climate change on water resources leading to problems of water quality and water availability in different regions of the world

Content

Theoretical aspects of micrometeorology, energy and water fluxes between earth and the atmosphere. Energy balance, evaporation and precipitation. Discharge and runoff. Soil water and groundwater; aquifers. Measurement methods and analysis of surface and goundwater. Hydrological processes in different climatic zones: from the poles to the equator. Water resources in an international perspective: water boundaries, water management. Virtual water. Human impacts on water resources; fragmentation, dams and chemical pollution. Water use in different sectors (municipalities, industrial and agriculture).

Instruction

Lectures, field work, seminars, project work.

Assessment

The course is graded using a written examination (6 credits), seminar presentations (1 credit) and the written and oral presentation of project work (3 credits).