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Hydrosphere
Hydrosphäre
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:54
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 suggested literature handouts are distributed.
Literature
Suggested literature. a) Park, Ch., 2001, The Environment, Routledge, 2001 b) Fitts, C.R., 2023. Groundwater Science. 3rd ed., Academic Press, Amsterdam.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- Wörterbuch für fremdsprachige Studierende. Weiteres Hilfsmittel: Geodreieck bzw. Lineal
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Hydrosphäre |
|
2 h weekly |