WRM-702: Fundamentals of Hydrology and the Water Cycle

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This doctoral-level course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of hydrology and the water cycle. Students will explore the physical processes governing the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth, including precipitation, evaporation, transpiration, infiltration, runoff, and groundwater flow. Key topics include the global water balance, catchment hydrology, measurement techniques, and the application of hydrological principles to water resources management. The course integrates theoretical foundations with practical examples and emphasizes the role of hydrology in addressing contemporary challenges such as water scarcity, floods, and climate change.

COURSE TEACHING OBJECTIVES

1. Analyze the key physical processes of the hydrological cycle and their interactions at local, regional, and global scales.
2. Apply the water balance equation to quantify water fluxes and storage changes in catchments and other systems.
3. Evaluate measurement techniques for major hydrological variables, including precipitation, evaporation, streamflow, and groundwater.
4. Assess the role of hydrological understanding in water resources management, flood forecasting, and climate adaptation.
5. Critically examine the impacts of land use change, climate variability, and human activities on hydrological processes.

COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the components of the hydrological cycle and their interconnections.
2. Quantify the water balance for a given catchment or region using available data.
3. Interpret precipitation data and calculate areal average rainfall using different methods.
4. Analyze streamflow data and construct hydrographs for flood or drought assessment.
5. Evaluate the impacts of land use and climate change on hydrological processes and propose management responses.

Organization of Course Studies

The course is organized into five study periods (typically 2 weeks each, though self-paced). Each period includes intensive reading of the assigned textbook, viewing of the supplementary video, and a short response paper or ethical analysis (500–1,000 words) reflecting on the material and its application.