Geological Sciences 58
Environmental Studies 58
Synopsis: Water, its availability and its unique physical properties, is a partner
with solar radiation among the primary agents that drive weather and climate. The
cycling of water through the Earth's environment is the yin and yang of water − a
benefactor sustaining humankind's food supplies, facilitating transportation and
producing power, while conversely an adversary responsible for droughts, floods,
wildfires and landslides. If the climate is changing, then, without doubt, water,
being the most abundant greenhouse gas − far more so than the nearest candidate,
CO2 − will be a principal player in the atmosphere, land processes, in the oceans
and rivers, and in the soil. But, how this role will be played out remains elusive to
science. We first need to understand the "normal" behavior of water-related
processes (rainfall "events", how they affect streamflow, etc.) − even as we need to
understand extreme events. Which of these should be treated as outlying members
of the statistical norm? . . . and which are truly singular and unpredictable? This
course is a qualitative/semi-quantitative introduction to the underlying causes of
floods, droughts, wildfires, and hurricanes in the context of environmental
processes globally driven by the unique character of water, and by its regional
abundance or scarcity. We explore the foundations for understanding the physical
mechanisms by which water is transported throughout a hydrologic system,
emphasizing the fundamental inter-coupling of atmospheric, surface, soil and
ground water. While providing background for future studies, the course is
primarily designed to enable informed citizens to thoughtfully critique and
comment on fundamental issues of water-related public policy. A pre-college math
and physics background is expected.
Jack Hermance
e-mail: John_Hermance@Brown.Edu
Posts
