Course Overview
This course provides an introduction to the field of hydrology along with fundamental watershed concepts. Rainfall runoff models cover the rational formula, SCS method, frequency analysis of extreme flows, regional analysis, low-flow analysis, and measurement of snow melt. The hydrometric section includes procedures used to construct hydrographs and hydrometers, methods to determine stage flow and various measures of streamflow. Assignments and labs involve using maps to characterize hydrology, hydrograph analysis, and land use effects on hydrology. The course emphasizes techniques used in the measurement of hydrologic data, including hydrometric station instrumentation. A field trip may be included depending upon the weather.
Prerequisite(s)
- Diploma or Degree in Engineering or Science.
Credits
2.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the components that comprise the hydrologic system and the related processes.
- Explain the concepts of basin flow, runoff, and flooding.
- Discuss the mechanisms of precipitation, snow melt, duration, and frequency relationships.
- Explain the process of infiltration.
- Analyze hydrographs with respect to base, low and peak flows.
- Describe and use the methodology for rainfall runoff correlations with respect to small, intennediate and large basin flow analysis.
- Apply the rational method, the SCS method, and probability frequency-based plots of peak and low flow analysis to predict floods and droughts.
- lllustrate how the snow pack influences basin runoff.
- Describe the factors that affect snow pack.
- Solve basic problems to show the effect of snow melt on runoff.
- Identify the types of equipment used to collect field data for basin flow and precipitation.
- List and explain the various types of gauging equipment.
- Classify types of streams according to the spatial patterns and flow regimes.
- Delineate a watershed and determine watershed characteristics such as drainage density, pattern, stream order, and stream magnitude.
- Understand how watershed characteristics influence the stonn hydrograph.
- Describe dominant hydrologic processes and flow regimes in British Columbia.
- Understand flow relations in a channel.
- Estimate flow using Manning's Equation.
- Calculate discharge through a culvert and/or weir using reference flow equations.
- Describe the stage-discharge relationship and how it is used.
- Understand the application of a current meter.
- Explain the difficulties involved in accurately metering stream discharge and identify potential sources of error.
- Calculate discharge using the mid-section method.
- Describe the function and operation of a hydrometric station and relate the function of all of its components.
- Describe alternate discharge measurement techniques such as dilution gauging.
Effective as of Fall 2008
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.