ATM2242

Environmental hydrology

(SCI)

Associate Professor David Dunkerley

6 points + 3 hours per week + Clayton + Second semester + Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in geography or permission + Prohibitions: GES2210

Synopsis: Movement of water in environment, and roles played by water in environmental processes, discussing behaviour of water from condensation in lower atmosphere through to groundwater and river flow. The role of vegetation in intercepting and redirecting water at surface. The processes of infiltration, percolation, groundwater flow, stormflow and baseflow production. Instances of major hydrological change, case studies of large-scale deforestation or desertification, habitat or biodiversity decline, including human use of water and landscape. Observation and measuring techniques employed in hydrologic research are introduced in Practical Class.

Assessment: Examination (2 hours): 30% + Written (1500 words): 50% + Practical class reports: 20%