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GGR 206 Introduction to Hydrology Instructor: Office: Telephone: E-Mail: J. M. Chen Room 305, 45 St. George St. 978-7085 [email protected] Teaching Assistant Office: Telephone: E-Mail Ajit Govind Room 306, 45 St. George St. 946-7715 [email protected] Lectures Monday 10-12, SS 2125 Tutorials Thursday 10-12, SS 2125, 5 times (see Schedule) Consultations 2-4 pm, Monday, Room 305, 45 St. George St. Evaluation 4 assignments_______________ 40% Mid-term exam_______________20% Final exam __________________40% Late assignment reports will be penalized at 10% of the portion of the assignment for each day of delay, i.e., a multiplying factor of 0.9 will be used for 1-day delay, and 0.8 for 2-day delay, etc. Text Book Ward, R. C. and M. Robinson, 2000, Principles of Hydrology. 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0077095022. (Available in the U of T bookstore) Other References Jones, J. A. A., 1997. Global Hydrology: Processes, Resources and Environmental Management. Longman. Definition of Hydrology “Hydrology is the science dealing with the waters of the earth, their occurrence, distribution and circulation, their chemical and physical properties and their interaction with the environment” Ward and Robinson, 2000 Course Outline This course encompasses major hydrological processes, including precipitation, evaporation, transpiration, rainfall interception, soil water, ground water, and runoff. The emphasis of this course will be on the basic principles of these physical processes forming the complete hydrological cycle at global, regional and watershed scales. A series of 4 assignments are given for students to gain practical skills in hydrological analysis. Why Do We Study Hydrology? Water is the essential ingredient of all life on Earth • • • • Natural Hazards Water Supply Important Component of Earth’s System Profound Human Impacts Natural Hazards (1) • Flood Resulting from excessive rainfalls and causing loss of lives and extensive damages Natural Hazards (2) • Drought Resulting from abnormally low rainfall, and having great impacts on agriculture, forestry, transportation, etc. Natural Hazards (3) • Soil Erosion During heavy rainfall events, top soils are washed away by water flows forming rills, galleys, streams, and rivers. Soil Erosion Problems • Soil erosion is a very widespread phenomenon, and is usually irreversible • Once the nutrient-rich surface soil has been lost, the ability to sustain plant growth is severely reduced • Increased runoff from the more impermeable subsoil results in a decrease in plant-available water. • Erosion brings various associated "off-site" problems, including reduced water quality from increased sediment loads and poorer air quality due to dust. http://www.nmw.ac.uk/GCTEFocus3/networks/erosion.htm GCTE: Global Change and Terrestrial Ecology Water Supply • • • • Dinking and sanitation Irrigation Industry and power generation Transportation Water supply is limited by the small fraction of fresh water on Earth, but the demand is increasing due to various reasons: Increasing population Increasing urbanization Increasing agricultural and industrial production The global demand for water is now about 3500 km2/year Water is an important component of the Earth environment system 1. Biosphere • • • Vegetation distribution Plant growth Indirect effects on global climate 2. Lithosphere • • • Significant geomorphic agent Topography resulting from tectonics determines water distribution Plate tectonics determines distribution of oceans 3. Atmosphere • • • Fundamental in redistribution of energy Most important “greenhouse gas” affecting climate Sea level Human activities directly affect local, regional and global hydrology • • • Direct effects of extraction (ground water, river water, lake water, etc.) Deforestation Urban development