HWM-23306 Field Practical Hydrology, Water Quality and Meteorology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

MAQ-21806 Meteorology and Climate; SEG-20306 Water Quantity and Quality; MAQ-22806 Atmosphere-Vegetation-Soil Interactions

Continuation courses:

HWM-20806 Hydrogeology; HWM-23806 Fluid Mechanics; AEW-20306 Processes in Aquatic Systems; MAQ-32306 Boundary-layer Processes

Contents:

The practical is based upon the water system description of catchments on different scales i.e. Berkel, Leerinkbeek and Hupselse beek. The description of the water system includes field observations of hydrological and meteorological variables and water quality. It involves the study of the relationship between water quantity, water quality, atmospheric and catchment characteristics (i.e. geology, topography, land use, drainage and rainfall-runoff characteristics). Research is on atmospheric transport, discharge characteristics, water retention and conservation, as well as transport and behaviour of pollutants and the identification of human impact on the total water system. Students will collect, verify, analyse, process, and interpret components of the water and nutrient balance on different temporal and spatial scales. Quality and error analysis of observed data is an important part of this course.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the practical students are able to:
- survey, to recognize and to describe the hydrological system (surface water, groundwater, soil water and atmosphere) of catchments on various scales;
- identify and describe the relationship between water quantity and quality of some small hydrological basins;
- design observational networks for meteorological/hydrological/water quality measurements in catchments;
- measure, analyse and interpret hydro(meteoro)logical and water quality data from catchments to calculate and to assess water and nutrient balances;
- elaborate catchment characteristics.

Activities:

Study of the practical guide and literature. Field survey, at several spatial scales, of the water and meteorological system (Berkel, Leerinkbeek and Hupselse beek), incl. field observations and laboratory analysis. Compilation of water quantity, water quality and meteorological data. Analysis and interpretation of observations and research results. Compilation of a research poster and presentation.

Examination:

Evaluation of the tasks.

Literature:

Field practical guide, literature on the Berkel, Leerinkbeek and Hupselse beek catchments and literature on catchment studies. Available at the WUR-shop.