Overview

This module will provide a management-oriented understanding of the factors influencing the quality and quantity of soil and water resources through lectures and fieldwork. From this, you will develop a multifaceted understanding of the hydrological and geomorphological processes within the catchment systems and how they can be utilized to manage the catchment resources effectively.

This module will provide a management-oriented understanding of the factors influencing the quality and quantity of soil and water resources. Examples of topics that may be studied are: The hydrological cycle and water balance in catchments; rainfall/runoff relationships; catchment characteristics; catchment structure - hillslope, channel & floodplain domains; sedimentation; the role of vegetation and land-use changes in catchment stability, hydrological processes and soil erosion; water quality; temperate and tropical catchment results and case studies; degrading processes in catchments; legislation and the Water Framework Directive.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grade D- to D+ Adequate knowledge of catchment management. A basic multidisciplinary approach of issues. Presentation of appropriate examples to illustrate effectiveness of organisations, techniques and policy tools. Structured, accurate and relevant account. Some quantification and basic level of critical evaluation expected.

-good -Grade C- to B+ Clear understanding and thorough knowledge of catchment management, with evidence of reading and recent developments. Multidisciplinary issues emphasised, and thoroughly described with an appreciation of scale and time. Balanced review of success and failure. Thorough quantification and critical evaluation of case studies. High standard of presentation.

-excellent -Grade A- and above Clear understanding, wide and thorough knowledge of catchment management. Evidence of substantial reading, and knowledge of recent developments of different geographical and temporal scales from around the world. Multidisciplinary issues with greater social, cultural and economic emphasis. Detailed quantification and explanation of derivations. Critical evaluation with well-reasoned opinion. Elegant and flowing presentation, with flair for subject.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply the principles of good catchment management to temperate and tropical areas of the world

• Examine the relationships between catchment characteristics, land use and land use changes and their effects on the catchment

• Explain the controls upon river channel morphology and the dynamics of water and sediment transport within catchments

• Explain the key processes and forms of the catchment system and its role within the hydrological cycle.