Available in 2024
Course code

GEOS2050

Units

10 units

Level

2000 level

Course handbook

Description

Water is vital for life on earth and its abundance or scarcity is driven in part by global climatic cycles and change. The integrated study of climatology (examining long-term weather patterns) and hydrology (exploring water and its interactions) is essential to comprehend the complex processes shaping our planet. This knowledge allows us to navigate the challenges posed by climate change, effectively manage water resources, and understand the potential for natural disasters. Designed for students intrigued by the interactions between the Earth's atmosphere and water systems, this course delves into fundamental principles, unravelling the intricacies of the hydrological cycle and exploring how its processes impact ecosystems and communities. This course aims to equip you with a solid foundation in climatology and hydrology, helping you understand current environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable solutions in the future. Practical skills, such as climate data analysis, hydrological modelling and GIS applications, will also be introduced to provide hands-on experience.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental principles of climatology and hydrology, including the processes shaping Earth's climate systems and water cycles.

2. Critically analyse and interpret climate data, hydrological patterns, and environmental phenomena.

3. Apply analytical tools to analyse and simulate real-world environmental data for climatological and hydrological applications.

4. Identify environmental challenges related to climate change, water resource management, and natural disasters.

5. Collect and effectively communicate geoscientific information.


Content

The major themes covered in the course are:

  • Recent climate, climate zones and classifications
  • Climate variability and climate change processes
  • The hydrological cycle and Water Resources
  • Hydrological processes including surface and groundwater interactions
  • Hydrological extremes - floods and droughts
  • Palaeoclimatogy and palaeohydrology.

Assumed knowledge

GEOS1040 or GEOS1050 or ENVS1001


Assessment items

Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Practicals 1-12

Report: Field Trip Report

Quiz: Quizzes


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Field Study-1
  • Face to Face Off Campus 24 hour(s) per term
  • Note: There will be 3-4 days of field work.
Laboratory-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1

Course outline