EARTH SC/ENVIR SC 2W03

Physical Hydrology

Calendar Description

Hydrological processes including precipitation, snowmelt, hillslope runoff, streamflow and hydrological data analysis. Two lectures, one lab (two hours); one term
Prerequisite(s):ISCI 1A24; or one of ENVIR SC 1A03, 1B03, 1G03
Prerequisite(s)(EFFECTIVE 2013-2014): ENVIR SC 1A03 or ISCI 1A24

Cross-list: EARTH SC 2W03, ENVIR SC 2W03

Time/Term Offered: Term Two, Winter 2012-13

Instructor: Dr. P. Coulibaly
Room: General Science Building Rm. 235
Tel:(905) 525.9149 x23354
Email: couliba@mcmaster.ca
Office hours: TBA

Teaching Assistant:
TBA

Course Outline

Avenue to Learn

Introduction:

“Hydrology is the science which deals with terrestrial waters, their occurrence, circulation, and
distribution on our planet, their physical and chemical properties, and their interactions with the
physical and biological environment, including the effect on them of human activities”.

This course will not review all the major topics in hydrology, but will focus upon the major hydrological processes that occur above the ground surface, using examples mainly from the temperate latitudes. Emphases will be placed upon:
· understanding the principles of hydrology
· quantification of the hydrological processes
· analysis of hydrological data

Hydrology is closely related to other fields in atmospheric, environmental, and earth sciences and therefore ENVIR SC 1A03 or ISCI 1A24 is recommended as a prerequisite to 2W03. This course will evolve around the water balance concept and will be partitioned into the following topics:

· hydrological cycle and water balance
· spatial and temporal variations of precipitation
· snow cover and snowmelt
· evaporation and evapotranspiration
· infiltration and hillslope runoff
· streamflow measurement and analysis
· unit hydrograph and channel-flow routing techniques
· flood frequency analysis

Lecture/Labs:

Lectures: (BSB/B135) Wednesday: 08:30 - 09:20, Friday: 10:30 - 11:20

Labs:
L01 (Thursday: 14:30 -16:20 BSB/238)
L02 (Tuesday: 15:30 – 17:20 BSB/B142)
L03 (Wednesday: 12:30 –14:20) BSB/122)
L04 (Thursday: 11:30–13:20) BSB/238)
L05 (Monday: 15:30–17:20) BSB/238)

Required Text Books/Course materials:

Evaluation:

Course work includes labs, mid-term test, and a final examination. The marks will be distributed approximately as follows:
Labs* 25% (* 5% of the lab mark per day for late submission)
Mid-term test 25%
Final Exam 50%

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one’s own or for which other credit has been obtained.

Improper collaboration in group work.

Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/policy/Students-AcademicStudies/AcademicIntegrity.pdf

The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.