VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Multi-disciplinary Hydrologic Science Issues
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:18:59
Abstract
The course is an in-depth exploration of advanced topics in hydrologic science with particular emphasis on the coupling between hydrologic, vegetative, and climatic processes at different spatial and temporal scales.
Objective
The course will be given in a series of 2-hour weekly workshops during which selected topics will be presented and discussed in depth. Each week, a set of readings will be assigned, which students will be expected to read in advance of class. Students will be expected to come to class ready to discuss the specific topic of the day and to take the initiative in leading the discussion. In addition, as a semester-long project, students will be required to select a specific topic from the list below and write a thorough review of key papers on the topic. Final evaluation of the performance of the students on the course will be based on their report and on their participation in the class discussions.
Content
The course will explore the following topics: 1. Hydrologic feedbacks in land/atmosphere interactions a. Soil moisture feedback b. Ground water convergence feedback 2. Non-linear dynamics of soil moisture a. Bimodality of soil moisture distribution b. Soil Moisture feedback c. Thermodynamic feedback 3. Precipitation a. Atmospheric thermodynamics and Cloud physics b. Precipitation recycling c. Soil moisture feedbacks and precipitation 4. Evaporation/Transpiration a. Potential and actual ET b. Boundary layer physics c. Regional scale ET (Bouchet's Hypothesis, Complementary Relationship) d. Extremal principles of evaporation: Optimality 5. Scale and Subgrid scale variability a. Evaporation efficiency b. Transpiration efficiency c. Partial storm wetting 6. Controls on hydrologic fluxes a. Hillslope controls b. Climatic controls 7. EcoHydrology a. Soil moisture and vegetation b. Ecological controls, water cycle and climate variability c. Ecological optimality d. Vegetation and climate 8. Scale Issues a.Process complexity, hillslope scale and basin scale response 9. Climate change and the hydrologic cycle
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Multi-disciplinary Hydrologic Science Issues |
|
2 h weekly |