Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis This subject will treat the behaviour of water from the stage of condensation in the lower atmosphere through to groundwater and river discharge. The role of vegetation in intercepting and redirecting water at the surface will be considered. The various factors that influence infiltration of rainwater into the regolith will be treated in some detail, in association with factors such as surface cover, stoniness, and regolith sealing and crusting. Groundwater movement and the associated baseflow regime of streams will be introduced, together with a discussion of stormflow production. At all stages possible effects of human use of the landscape will be highlighted. Observation and measurement techniques employed in hydrologic research and modelling will be introduced through the practical class component of the course.
Assessment Written examination (2 hours): 40% + Essay (2000 words): 40% + Practical class exercises: 20%