Watershed ecology and biogeochemistry
‘Watershed Ecology and Biogeochemistry’ will address the foundational concepts and modern challenges within the broad field of watershed science. We will take an integrative approach that focuses on the hydrological connections among upland, riparian, and aquatic components of forest landscapes. Specific topics will include: 1) an overview of catchment hydrology and water balance, 2) elemental transport and processing along hillslopes and riparian zones, 3) controls over material exchange at the land-water interface, 4) biogeochemical cycling in streams and rivers, 5) the biogeochemical significance of wetlands and lakes within catchments, and 6) the interface between forest management and watershed science in boreal lands. General themes in watershed science will be explored through discussions of literature that will be coordinated with short lectures. More specific questions and methodological approaches will be introduced using a series of excursions and activities within Krycklan Catchment. Finally, the relationships between forest management and watershed biogeochemistry in boreal lands will be addressed using nearby experimental catchments as case studies.
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
PFS0100 Watershed ecology and biogeochemistry, 7.5 Credits
Subjects
Forest ManagementEducation cycle
Postgraduate levelGrading scale
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
Accepted as a PhD student in biogeochemistry, ecology, hydrology, or related subjectObjectives
The overall objective of this course is to provide broad yet mechanistic understanding of watershed science using the Krycklan Catchment Study at the Svartberget field station in Vindeln (Sweden) as a teaching laboratory. The course will include a combination of short lectures, field excursions and exercises, discussion of literature, and student-led presentations – all designed to foster close interaction among students and instructors.
Content
‘Watershed Ecology and Biogeochemistry’ will address the foundational concepts and modern challenges within the broad field of watershed science. We will take an integrative approach that focuses on the hydrological connections among upland, riparian, and aquatic components of forest landscapes. Specific topics will include: 1) an overview of catchment hydrology and water balance, 2) elemental transport and processing along hillslopes and riparian zones, 3) controls over material exchange at the land-water interface, 4) biogeochemical cycling in streams and rivers, 5) the biogeochemical significance of wetlands and lakes within catchments, and 6) the interface between forest management and watershed science in boreal lands. General themes in watershed science will be explored through discussions of literature that will be coordinated with short lectures. More specific questions and methodological approaches will be introduced using a series of excursions and activities within Krycklan Catchment. Finally, the relationships between forest management and watershed biogeochemistry in boreal lands will be addressed using nearby experimental catchments as case studies.
Formats and requirements for examination
Students will be examined individually based on participation in all activities, discussions, and assignments.
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Additional information
This year we will have to take out a small course fee (7000 kr or approximately 700 Euros) to cover the cost of food and lodging. The fee will be payed directly to the hotel during the course.Click here or use this link to sign up for this course and for more information about the course. https://www.slu.se/en/departments/field-based-forest-research/experimental-forests/vindeln-experimental-forests/krycklan/phd-course/
Responsible department
Department of Forest ecology and Management