701-1316-00L  Physical Transport Processes in the Natural Environment

SemesterAutumn Semester 2016
LecturersJ. W. Kirchner
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractFluid flows transport all manner of biologically important gases, nutrients, toxins, contaminants, spores and seeds, as well as a wide range of organisms themselves. This course explores the physics of fluids in the natural environment, with emphasis on the transport, dispersion, and mixing of solutes and entrained particles, and their implications for biological and biogeochemical processes.
ObjectiveStudents will learn key concepts of fluid mechanics and how to apply them to environmental problems. Weekly exercises based on real-world data will develop core skills in analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving.
Contentdimensional analysis, similarity, and scaling
solute transport in laminar and turbulent flows
transport and dispersion in porous media
transport of sediment (and adsorbed contaminants) by air and water
anomalous dispersion
Lecture notesThe course is under development. Lecture materials will be distributed as they become available.