Module Identifier WS20310  
Module Title DYNAMICS OF HYDROLOGICAL SYSTEMS  
Academic Year 2003/2004  
Co-ordinator Dr Stephen Tooth  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   10 x 1 hr  
  Practical   5 x 1 hr  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam 1 x 2 hr written examination50%
Semester Assessment 5 problem sets50%
Supplementary Exam Resubmission of failed problem sets and/or resit of failed end of semester examinations 

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

  1. outline the main flow processes operating in river channels, on hillslopes and in the ground;
  2. describe how these flow processes interact with the movement of sediment in channels and on hillslopes;
  3. demonstrate how these flow and sediment processes and their interactions can be represented and analysed quantitatively.

Brief description

  1. Introduction: properties of fluids
  2. Flow in alluvial channels
  3. Flow resistance
  4. Flow resistance in sand-bed rivers
  5. Flow resistance in gravel-bed and boulder-bed rivers
  6. Sediment transport in rivers
  7. Flow and sediment transport on hillslopes
  8. Groundwater movement

Problem set 1 - Morphometric and hydraulic parameters of river channels
Problem set 2 - Downstream channel changes
Problem set 3 - Regimes of fixed-bed flow
Problem set 4 - Bedforms in sand
Problem set 5 - Predictive equations for ephemeral gully width

Aims

This module is designed to provide students with a conceptual, factual and practical introduction to the dynamics of hydrological systems, with particular reference to the flow of water and transport of sediment in channels, on hillslopes and in the ground (as soil or groundwater). The emphasis is on dynamics over short timescales and small areas, and how these dynamics can be represented quantitatively.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Gordon, N.D., McMahon, T.A., Finlayson, B.L., Gippel, C.J. and Nathan R.J. (1992) Stream Hydrology: An Introduction for Ecologists 2nd. John Wiley and Sons ISBN 0-470-84358-6 (Pb)
Knighton, A.D. (1998) Fluvial Forms and Processes: A New Perspective Arnold, London ISBN 0-470-2556-0 (Pb)
** Consult For Futher Information
Billi, P., Hey, R.D., Thorne, C.R. and Tacconi, P. (eds) (1992) Dynamics of Gravel-Bed Rivers John Wiley and Sons, Chichester
Hey, R.D., Bathurst, J.C. and Thorne, C.R. (eds.) (1982) Gravel-Bed Rivers: Fluvial Processes, Engineering and Management John Wiley and Sons, Chichester
Richards, K.S. (1982) Rivers: Form and Process in Alluvial Channels Methuen, London
Thorne, C.R., Bathurst, J.C. and Hey, R.D. (eds) (1987) Sediment Transport in Gravel-Bed Rivers John Wiley and Sons, Chichester
** Recommended Text
Robert, A (2003) River Processes: An Introduction to Fluvial Dynamics Arnold, London ISBN 0-340-76339-6 (Pb)
** Consult For Futher Information
Bridge, J.S. (2003) Rivers and Floodplains: Forms, Processes and Sedimentary Record Blackwell, Oxford

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5