ENVR 5323 Advanced Soil Physics and Hydrology
The Soil Physics & Hydrology course defines, measures, and predicts the physical properties and behavior of the soil, both in its natural state and under the influence of human activities. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physical principles and processes governing the behavior of soil and its vital role in both natural and managed ecosystems, which includes dynamic cycles of energy, water, solids, solutes, minerals, gases, and living organisms in the soil. This course introduces the application of physical principles to the characterization of soil properties and to understanding the variety of dynamic processes occurring in soils. Topics covered include but are not limited to the following: (i) the study of physical properties of soils and other porous media, including particle and pore size distributions, water retention and hydraulic conductivity, thermal capacity and conductivity, and soil strength; (ii) the measurement, prediction, and control of physical processes taking place in and through the soil, such as water infiltration and redistribution, solute and contaminant transport, and heat flow; and (iii) the study and control of physical conditions and processes affecting plant growth with respect to the zone comprising atmospheric influences (i.e., radiation, rainfall, evapotranspiration) at the top boundary, and the groundwater at the lower boundary.
Prerequisite
Graduate Standing.