CE 361 Water Resources Engineering

An introduction to water resources engineering through the use of case studies that demonstrate the relevance of the learned material in an operational setting. Topics include water sources and losses, evaporation and infiltration effects on streamflow, hydrographs, flood frequency, reservoir uses in flood protection and water conservation.

CE 561 Fundamentals of Surface Hydrology

Theory, observations and modeling of the physical processes in the land-phase of the hydrologic cycle. Processes considered include atmospheric radiation, surface energy balance, precipitation, infiltration, runoff generation, streamflow, evapotranspiration, rainfall interception, snow melt and shallow subsurface flow. Watershed hydrologic modeling is illustrated through case studies. The course includes a term paper in which a short research study will be performed by individual or groups of students.

CE 597A Modeling Complex Hydrological and Environmental Systems

Do you use mathematical models to analyze hydrologic or environmental systems or to predict their response? What are the most critical components of your model? How uncertain are your predictions? How do you judge the quality of your model representing real world behavior? How do you estimate your parameters? How do you extract maximum information from data during calibration? ...

This class provides an introduction to the analysis and modeling of natural systems using systems approaches. We will start with basics of model classification, linear and non-linear systems, followed by investigating the main components of a modeling procedure including parameter estimation, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, single and multi-objective optimization/evaluation, and data assimilation.

Example term project papers are,

Sederovich, D.M. 2006. Extending a metric developed in meteorology to hydrology. Term Project Paper. [PDF]

Goodwin, K. 2006. Comparison and semi-automatic calibration of two rainfall-runoff models used in NWS river forecasting operations. Term Project Paper. [PDF]

Yadav, M. and Bhatt, G. 2006. Impact of dynamic response characteristics on uncertain streamflow prediction. Term Project Paper. [PDF]

Term projects from this class have already resulted in peer-reviewed journal publications, e.g.

Demaria, E., Nijssen, B. and Wagener, T. 2007. Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis of land surface parameters using the variable infiltration capacity model. Journal of Geophysical Research – Atmospheres, 112, D11113, doi:10.1029/2006JD007534. [PDF]

Wagener, T. and Kollat, J. 2007. Visual and numerical evaluation of hydrologic and environmental models using the Monte Carlo Analysis Toolbox (MCAT). Environmental Modeling and Software 22, 1021-1033. [PDF]

CE 597D Water Resources Engineering Seminar

A combination of outside and in-house speakers who represent a variety of research topics in the field of water resources engineering in 45 minutes talks. A great opportunity to learn about the current hot topics in this field of research.

Independent Study

I enjoy working with individual students (both undergrad. and grad.) on independent study assignments relating to the modeling of hydrologic systems, mathematical modeling in general and water resource management. Students who are interested in such a study should contact me to discuss topics of interest and mutual expectations.