GES2210

Environmental hydrology

Dr David Dunkerley

4 points
* 2.5 hours per week on average (2 lectures and 1 lecture and 2-hour practical in alternate weeks)
* Clayton
* Second semester
* Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in geography, or permission of the head of department

Objectives After completion of this subject students should be able to understand the fundamental principles of hydrology in an environmental context, stressing links with erosional processes and land management; comprehend the role of biota generally, but especially vegetation, in the partitioning of water at the surface of the earth, and correctly view water as a component of landscape ecosystems; demonstrate a knowledge of how the condition of the landsurface influences hydrologic behaviour at a range of scales from local to basin-wide; explain the ways in which landscape hydrology varies geographically, and illustrate the need for a proper understanding of environmental gradients in hydrologic response in the context of landscape management.

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 subject.

Assessment Written examination (2 hours): 40%
* Essay (2000 words): 40%
* Practical class exercises: 20%

Recommended texts

A consolidated reading list will be issued at the start of the subject
Gordon N D McMahon T A and Finlayson B L Stream hydrology: An introduction for ecologists Wiley, 1992