CEE 4330 - Physical Hydrology in the Built and Natural Environments

Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: ENGRD 3200 or equivalent, CEE 3310 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Co-meets with CEE 6330.

Q. Li.

Understanding of the physical processes of the movement of water on Earth is essential to water resource management, natural hazard assessment and mitigation. This course covers the fundamental principles governing the pathway of water in the global hydrologic cycle and emphasizes the applications of physical hydrology in both the natural and built systems. Topics include but not limited to: fluid mechanics of the lower atmosphere, free surface and subsurface flows, and groundwater outflows. These concepts will be applied to both the natural environment and systems that are responding to human modification of the water cycle due to urbanization, climate change, the construction of reservoirs, and groundwater extraction. Grades are based on individual and group assignments and a final project.

Outcome 1: Gain an understanding of the key physical processes involved in the hydrologic cycle.

Outcome 2: Apply the fundamental understanding to solve problems in the context of both natural and built systems.

Outcome 3: Provide opportunities for students to revisit and apply relevant analytical and numerical methods to solve problems pertaining to physical hydrology.