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701-0401-00L 3 Credits
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Hydrosphere

Hydrosphäre

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Rolf Kipfer, Dr. Martin Herfort
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:54:51

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative understanding of the physical 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 of the physical 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.

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 suggested literature handouts are distributed.

Literature

Suggested literature. a) Park, Ch., 2001, The Environment, Routledge, 2001 b) Price, M., 1996. Introducing groundwater. Chapman & Hall, London u.a.

General Information

Language
German
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
Taschenrechner, Wörterbuch für fremdsprachige Studierende.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Hydrosphäre
  • Tue 10:15-12:00 (HG E 5)
2 h weekly

Offered In