GEOGRAPHY OF RIVERS
GEOGRAPHY 362
FALL 2005
Instructor:
Dr. Roth
Office and office hours:
133 Cook Hall
2:00-3:00 M W; 11:00-1:00 Th; or by appointment
Telephone: 831-5443/5558
E-mail: rroth@radford.edu
Description:
An overview of the physical, social, and regulatory aspects of river systems. This is an issues-oriented course but with a foundation of basic understanding of rivers as physical and ecological systems.
Goals of the course:
Having successfully completed this course, students will be able to:
Describe the physical forces and principles involved in the work of water in stream systems.
Perform calculations of streamflow and pollutant concentration, and analyze discharge data.
Describe the effects of altered flows, channelization, and land use changes on stream ecosystems and human uses of streams.
Describe the sources and effects of the major categories of water pollution, and methods of reducing their impacts.
Describe the major features of the U.S. policy, legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for stream use, allocation, and protection.
Write a research paper.
Texts:
We will be using the text, Disconnected Rivers (Wohl, Ellen, 2004, Yale University Press). Additional required readings will be assigned.
Course content:
Introduction. The river as a physical system. Rivers and watersheds; hydrology; stream channels; erosion, transport, and deposition. Reading: Wohl chapters 1 and 2.
River statistics. Floods and droughts, rating curves.
Stream chemistry, pollution sources and impacts. Wohl chapter 4.
Stream ecosystems. The river continuum concept and more. Roth reading on biological integrity.
Land use and rivers. Wohl chapter 3.
Legal and regulatory framework. Role of NGOs.
River development: dams, flood control, water supply, navigation, recreation. Wohl chapter 5.
Effects of channel and flow modifications on aquatic life.
River restoration. Wohl chapter 6.
Assignments and grading:
There will be an inclass midterm and an inclass final exam. Occasional homework exercises will be assigned. Students working individually or in groups will prepare content modules for a website on the New River as a term project (the word, "term" indicates that this is a project that will be worked on throughout the entire term).
Final grades will be determined as follows:
Term Project 30%
Midterm 20%
Homework 15%
Final 20%
Participation 15%
Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This class will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code. Refer to your Student Handbook for details.