Hydrologi, grunnvann og geofarer

This course introduces topics in physical geography related to the interaction between water, climate, landscape and society. It aims to give the student a better understanding of the scientific aspects of water flow, including some calculations and fundamental physics and chemistry, and how human activity and climate change influence hydrological systems and catchments on different spatial and temporal scales. The course focuses on the dynamic processes in nature related to runoff, and the objective is to increase the ability of participants to identify and reflect on the interaction between nature and society in hydrological processes.

The course also aims to disseminate an understanding of how water flows above and below the ground and how human activity can influence the flow conditions. Students will gain experience with collecting, analyzing and presenting hydrological data. Furthermore, the course will discuss triggering mechanisms of hydro-meteorological geohazards and the impact on society by fluvial- and slope-related processes following predicted anthropogenic climate changes with increased precipitation, higher sea level and extreme weather events. We will also discuss how society can use planning and management to adapt to water-related problems. The course will have a focus on a Norwegian context.

On completion of the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can explain important concepts, theories and processes in hydrogeology
• can outline and discuss how climate change and human activity influence drainage above and below ground
• can explain the influence of climate change on geohazard risks and discuss the impact on society
• is familiar with research on geohazards and extreme weather events
• can update their knowledge about ground and surface water hydrology and climate-related geohazards

Skills

The student

• can assess how human activity, land use and climate change may influence catchment hydrology
• can apply knowledge to define a water-related academic problem and find literature to elaborate on that topic
• has acquired skills in discharge gauging
• can use precise professional language to describe and discuss processes and problems in hydrogeology, hydrology and geohazards

General competence

The student

• can communicate current issues in hydrogeology, hydrology and geohazards and relate them to scientific literature
• can exchange opinions with others with a background in the field and provide constructive comments on their work
• can write a field report in small groups with adequate analysis and illustrations