ESW-30806 Physical Aspects of Land Management
Vak
Studiepunten 6.00
| Onderwijstype | Contacturen |
| Lectures | 20 |
| Tutorial | 55 |
| Course coordinator(s) | dr. ir. G Sterk |
| Lecturer(s) | dr. ir. G Sterk |
| Examiner(s) | dr. ir. G Sterk |
| prof. dr. ir. L Stroosnijder |
Language of instruction:
English
Assumed knowledge on:
ESW-10306
Contents:
Water and wind erosion are globally the most important soil degradation processes, which may threaten food security for many people. Water erosion is particular important on sloping lands in semi-arid, humid tropical and temperate areas, while wind erosion is mainly a problem in arid and semi-arid regions. Controlling wind and water erosion requires a thorough understanding of the processes involved and an ability to quantify sediment transport rates. For the latter, more and more use is made of detailed erosion models.
This specialized course deals with several topics relevant to experimental studies of erosion processes, as well as modelling of erosion and sedimentation dynamics. During the lectures the following topics related to wind and water erosion processes are presented: properties of sediment particles and fluids, fluid mechanics, fluid particle interactions, soil crusting, infiltration into crusted soils, overland flow hydrology, soil detachment, sediment transport, and wind erosion processes. Much emphasis is placed on modelling concepts in water erosion. Two types of water erosion models will be presented, and students will make an exercise with the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model. Finally, students will work with a rainfall simulator in the laboratory to quantify the water balance and surface erosion from a sandy soil.
Aims:
The aims of this course are:
- to improve the understanding of erosion and sedimentation processes;
- to get insight in erosion modelling concepts and model applications;
- to get familiar with scientific journal articles on erosion processes and modelling;
- to improve knowledge and experience with soil erosion experimental research.
Activities:
- attendance of lectures;
- studying lecture notes and journal articles;
- application of the WEPP erosion model;
- erosion experiment with a rainfall simulator.
Examination:
Written examination.
Literature:
Reader from book 'Sediment transport and depositional processes' by K. Pye (1994), additional journal articles on selected topics.
| Opleiding | Fase | Specialisatie | Periode | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verplicht voor: | MIL | International Land and Water Management | MSc | A: Erosion, Soil and Water Conservation | 3 |