Snow Physics and Hydrology
Syllabus, Master's level, 1GE056
- Code
- 1GE056
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Earth Science A1F
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 12 March 2015
- Responsible department
- Department of Earth Sciences
Entry requirements
120 credits with at least 90 credits in Earth Sciences and Dynamics of Earth Systems - Global Change, 10 credits
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).