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Hydrosphere
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:46:58
Abstract
The course aims to describe the relevant processes that control the terrestrial water cycle. Energy and mass exchange, mixing and transport processes are described and the coupling of the hydrosphere with the atmosphere and the solid Earth are discussed.
Objective
Qualitative and quantitative understanding on how physical (and geochemical) processes control the natural dynamics in groundwater, lakes ans oceans and constrain the exchange of mass and energy.
Content
Topics of the course. Physical properties of water (i.e. density and equation of state) - global water resources Exchange at boundaries - energy (thermal & kinetic), gas exchange Mixing and transport processes in open waters - vertical stratification, large scale transport - turbulence and mixing - mixing and exchange processes in rivers Groundwater and its dynamics - ground water as part of the terrestrial water cycle - ground water hydraulics, Darcy's law - aquifers and their properties - hydrochemistry and tracer - ground water use Case studies - 1. Water as resource, 2. Water and climate
Resources
Lecture Notes
In addition to the self-learning literature handouts are distributed.
Literature
Textbooks for self-studying. Surface water. 'Physics and Chemistry in Lakes', ed: Lerman, A., Imboden, D.M., and Gat, J., Springer Verlag, 1995: Chapter 4: Imboden, D.M., and Wüest, A. 'Mixing Mechanisms in Lakes' 'Environmental Organic Chemistry', ed: Schwarzenbach, R., Imboden, D. M., and Gschwend, Ph., Willey, 2002: Chapter 6.4: Air-Water Partitioning Chapter 19.2: Bottleneck Boundaries Ground water: Fetter, C.W. 'Applied Hydrogeology', Prentice Hall, 2002 (4th edition): Chapters 1 - 6, 8, 10, 11. Optional additional readers. Park, Ch., 2001, The Environment, Routledge, 2001 Price, M., 1996. Introducing groundwater. Chapman & Hall, London u.a. a) Park, Ch., 2001, The Environment, Routledge, 2001 b) Price, M., 1996. Introducing groundwater. Chapman & Hall, London u.a.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| revision course / private study |
Hydrosphere
Self-study course. No presence required.
Please contact Prof. Rolf Kipfer or Prof. Martin Schroth for further information.
|
No time listed | 90 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Course Units for Additional Admission Requirements (The courses below are only available for Master students with additional admission requirements.)
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