95934 - MODELING AND MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS

Learning outcomes

After passing the final exam, the student gains a deep understanding of the dynamics of water flow in natural hydraulic systems. Moreover, the student is able to manage data and apply risk assessment tools in order to predict the environmental status and the vulnerability of a water body to natural and anthropic pressures.

Course contents

Module 1 (Prof. Di Federico)

- Hydraulics recap

- Fundamentals of sediment transport and fluvial morphodynamics

- Dimensionless numbers and similarity laws of similarity for physical modeling in environmental hydraulics

- Elements of hydraulic measurements
- Special topic: gravity currents in the environment 

Module 2 (Prof. Ciriello)

- Groundwater resources and basics of flow and transport processes
- Modeling by means of software freeware
- Use of satellite data for the monitoring and management
- Basics of uncertainty quantification and geostatistics
- Surface water resources and basics of flow

Readings/Bibliography

Required reading

Class notes available at http://virtuale.unibo.it.

Suggested reading:

- de Graaf et al. 2019, Environmental flow limits to global groundwater pumping
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586 019 1594 4
- Jasechko et al. 2020, Groundwater level observations in 250,000 coastal US wells reveal scope of potential seawater intrusion https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467 020 17038 2
- Aeschbach Hertig and Gleeson 2012, Regional strategies for the accelerating global problem of groundwater depletion https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo1617
- Döll 2009, Vulnerability to the impact of climate change on renewable groundwater resources: a global scale assessment
https://doi.org/10.1088/1748 9326/4/3/035006

- Longo, S. 2021, Principles and Applications of Dimensional Analysis and Similarity, Springer series in Mathematical Engineering, available for download at https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-79217-6#bibliographic-information

 

Teaching methods

Class hours consist of regular lectures. Case studies are examined during the lectures and exercises are proposed to students. Laboratory hours, held in the classroom, aim at illustrating applications and case studies. 

Papers to review are also assigned to stimulate discussion on specific topics.

Upon considering the teaching methods adopted, all students enrolled to this class need to attend the Moduli 1 e 2 di formazione sulla sicurezza nei luoghi di studio, [https://elearning-sicurezza.unibo.it/] via e-learning.

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by means of:

- a final written test including 3 open questions to assess the knowledge of the topics covered during classes of Module 1 (Prof. Di Federico) 50%;
- an extended homework consisting of in class exercises and home assignments on topics covered during classes of Module 2 (Prof. Ciriello) 50%.

Exam sessions:
- 3 in January/February (winter session) + 3 in June/July/September (summer session).
Dates of the final written test of Module 1 will be published in advance in Almaesami.
Registration to the exam session in Almaesami is mandatory to attend the written text.
The extended homework of Module 2 has to be sent for the assessment at least one week before the date of the written test.

Teaching tools

Lectures, practical exercises with PC, and scientific papers on specific topics. Class material, including slides covering theory, exercises and their draft solution is available for registered students from the repository: https://virtuale.unibo.it/ .

Office hours

See the website of Vittorio Di Federico

See the website of Valentina Ciriello