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GEOG0026 Surface and Groundwater Hydrology is designed to develop students’ understanding of hydrological processes with a specific focus on the surface water and hydrogeological domains. It also introduces and evaluates a range of techniques used to monitor and model hydrological processes. A particular focus is an introduction to modelling through the use of user-friendly systems modelling software that enables students to develop modelling related dissertations for the third year.

The course aims are as follows:

To explore the operation of terrestrial hydrological processes, with a particular emphasis on surface and groundwater, and their interactions.

To introduce students to a range of field, laboratory and analytical techniques used in monitoring and modelling these processes.

To increase students’ quantitative analytical skills through practical exercises with a particular focus on hydrological modelling.

To facilitate hydrological based third year dissertations.

The module is structured around two main themes: surface water hydrology and hydrogeology. Within each of these themes emphasis is placed on explaining the key water and water-related processes, their interactions and techniques available to monitor and model them. The following topics are included within the themes:

Surface Water Hydrology: Runoff generation; Measurement and monitoring of stream flow; Analysis of flow data; Catchment hydrological modelling.

Hydrogeology: Groundwater recharge and storage – theory and measurement; Groundwater flow – geological controls, issues of scale and time; Surface-groundwater interactions.

The two themes are brought together through an assessed practical which focuses on computer-based modelling of a real world hydrological system and the use of the model to assess a number of scenarios which impact surface and groundwater hydrology.

The user-friendly modelling system, Stella, is used which enables rapid model development and testing. A number of students go on to use this software in their dissertation leading, in some cases, to national award winning research.

The module is taught by lectures and practical classes associated with the computer-based modelling exercise. Students are expected to follow up lectures with reading in order to develop their understanding of the material presented in the module.

There are no prerequisites for this module although students who have not taken the first-year module GEOG0005 Understanding Our Planet may find it necessary to undertake additional reading.

The primary career skills (taken from the UCL Geography Transferable Skill Log) which students will acquire from this module include:

• Critical thinking: ability to assess data and ideas.
• Communication: academic writing.
• Time management: organisation and planning of work.
• Problem-solving.
• General ICT competence – in particular use of Excel.
• Statistical analysis – e.g regression, model performance.
• Numerical modelling – in particular the Stella systems modelling software.