Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Module Identifier
EAM4920
Module Title
Modelling River System Dynamics
Academic Year
2015/2016
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Essay on approaches to numerical modelling in fluvial geomorphology (3000 words) | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Individual modelling report based upon group numerical modelling project (2500 words) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of failed/non-submitted coursework components only if the overall module mark is a fail. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Synthesise information on the different approaches to modelling in hydrology and fluvial geomorphology.
Outline the stages of a typical numerical modelling investigation.
Discuss approaches to the analysis of hydrometric data and estimation of extreme flow.
Describe the merits and limitations of different approaches to modelling river flow.
Utilise numerical modelling software to predict river flow, sediment transport and morphological change.
Apply suitable data presentation, error analysis and statistical techniques to interpret model predictions.
Identify suitable research questions for a fluvial numerical modelling project and then design an appropriate methodology.
Brief description
The module provides an introduction to the different approaches available to model river dynamics. The module has two sections. The first section involves two lectures and two seminars that introduce approaches to modelling river system dynamics, data requirements and the practice of modelling. The second section features a set of practicals that provide foundations in a range of numerical modelling approaches. These include: analysis of hydrological data and flood estimation; one- and two-dimensional river flow modelling; and the prediction of bedload transport and morphological change. The first section of the module is assessed by an essay. The second section of the module is assessed by a report on an investigation that builds upon the modelling techniques from one of the practicals.
Content
Lecture 1 and seminar 1: Introduction to modelling approaches
This lecture will introduce one-, two- and three-dimensional approaches to simulating river flow, sediment transport and morphological change. The lecture will also discuss the different levels of process representation that are associated with reduced-complexity and physics-based modelling strategies. The seminar will discuss issues raised during the lecture and students will present summaries of pertinent modelling studies.
Lecture 2 and seminar 2: Data requirements and the practice of modelling
This lecture will introduce the diverse range of data that are used to provide model boundary conditions and assess model predictions. The lecture will also examine typical modelling workflows including stages of model construction, calibration, sensitivity analysis, validation and uncertainty analysis. The seminar will discuss issues raised during the lecture and those identified by students from independent reading.
Practicals will follow a common format of combining short lectures on theory and techniques, and practical application of appropriate software to solve problems.
Practical 1: Analysis of hydrometric data and flood estimation
This practical will introduce streamflow frequency analysis, flow duration analysis and flow estimation techniques. It will discuss the application of these techniques in ecohydrology and flood risk management.
Practical 2: One-dimensional river flow modelling
This practical will introduce the fundamentals of modelling river flow using steady and unsteady one-dimensional models. Practical elements of the workshop will involve model building and the assessment of model predictions.
Practical 3: Two-dimensional river flow modelling
This practical will introduce the fundamentals of modelling river flow using two-dimensional models. Practical elements of the workshop will involve model building and the assessment of model predictions.
Practical 4: Bedload transport and morphological change modelling
This practical will introduce the fundamentals of modelling bedload transport and morphological change. Practical elements of the workshop will involve model building and the assessment of model predictions.
Practical 5: Project surgery
The objective of this practical is to provide guidance for students to set their aims and objectives for Assignment 2 (modelling project) and to provide technical support with modelling software. Students will undertake the modelling project in small groups (2-3 students) but will write-up the project independently.
This lecture will introduce one-, two- and three-dimensional approaches to simulating river flow, sediment transport and morphological change. The lecture will also discuss the different levels of process representation that are associated with reduced-complexity and physics-based modelling strategies. The seminar will discuss issues raised during the lecture and students will present summaries of pertinent modelling studies.
Lecture 2 and seminar 2: Data requirements and the practice of modelling
This lecture will introduce the diverse range of data that are used to provide model boundary conditions and assess model predictions. The lecture will also examine typical modelling workflows including stages of model construction, calibration, sensitivity analysis, validation and uncertainty analysis. The seminar will discuss issues raised during the lecture and those identified by students from independent reading.
Practicals will follow a common format of combining short lectures on theory and techniques, and practical application of appropriate software to solve problems.
Practical 1: Analysis of hydrometric data and flood estimation
This practical will introduce streamflow frequency analysis, flow duration analysis and flow estimation techniques. It will discuss the application of these techniques in ecohydrology and flood risk management.
Practical 2: One-dimensional river flow modelling
This practical will introduce the fundamentals of modelling river flow using steady and unsteady one-dimensional models. Practical elements of the workshop will involve model building and the assessment of model predictions.
Practical 3: Two-dimensional river flow modelling
This practical will introduce the fundamentals of modelling river flow using two-dimensional models. Practical elements of the workshop will involve model building and the assessment of model predictions.
Practical 4: Bedload transport and morphological change modelling
This practical will introduce the fundamentals of modelling bedload transport and morphological change. Practical elements of the workshop will involve model building and the assessment of model predictions.
Practical 5: Project surgery
The objective of this practical is to provide guidance for students to set their aims and objectives for Assignment 2 (modelling project) and to provide technical support with modelling software. Students will undertake the modelling project in small groups (2-3 students) but will write-up the project independently.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Students will require a reasonably high level of numeracy to benefit from this module. Appropriate error analysis techniques to analyse model predictions will be taught. |
| Communication | Oral communication will be encouraged throughout the seminars and practicals. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Students will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed study, including extensive reading. They will also develop personal strategies for dealing with the problems encountered when undertaking numerical modelling investigations |
| Information Technology | Students will make extensive use of information technology during all components of this module. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Numerous transferable skills, useful in preparing students for research careers, and positions in environmental consultancies, conservation groups and governmental environmental management agencies are developed during this module. |
| Problem solving | Students will devise their own research questions and testable hypothesis for their numerical modelling project (Assignment 2). During the module practicals they are likely to encounter modelling problems that will need to be resolved. |
| Research skills | Students will learn to write a research aim and objectives, devise appropriate numerical modelling methodologies, collect a range of field-based data, and how to analyse and interpret the data. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Numerical modelling of river systems. |
| Team work | The numerical modelling component of Assignment 2 will be undertaken in groups of 2-3 but will be written up independently. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7