MV0211, Environmental Physics, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Soil Science, Environmental Science

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The overall objective is to let the student acquire basic knowledge of physical, biological and chemical processes within the soil-plant-atmosphere system as well as their significance for the exchange of energy and water. After completion of the course the student should be able to:

• understand and apply theories on the interactions of physical and biological mechanisms that determine the energy and water balance of the soil-plant-atmosphere system, in for instance forest and agricultural systems
• explain the role of the vegetation in regulating the transport of water and energy between soil and atmosphere, and the processes regulating the exchange of water vapour, heat, and momentum of plant communities
• explain how meteorological factors, management, and the properties of site and vegetation regulate the temporal dynamics of the energy and water balances in a vegetation stand.

Content

Physical and biological processes, which regulate transport and states within the soil-plant-atmosphere system are described and analyzed in lectures and compulsory exercises; emphasis is put on flow and storage of water and energy. The contents of the course are:

• Climate at global, regional and local scale
• Mechanisms regulating the exchange of water, heat and momentum between soil, vegetation and atmosphere
• The role of vegetation in regulating water and energy transport
• Evaporation from different kinds of vegetation cover
• Water balance under different conditions of climate, water availability and land use
• Flows of water and heat within the soil-plant-atmosphere system (local scale)
• Radiation balance of the Earth
• Radiation balance of vegetation
• Temperature and heat flows in soil (including frost)
• Relations between carbon and nitrogen dynamics, and water and heat dynamics
• Perspective of the relationship between local-scale processes and global environmental phenomena, e.g., climate change.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written exam and approved participation in compulsory parts of the course.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Soil and Environment

Cooperating departments

Department of Ecology Department of Crop Production Ecology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Biology and Environmental Science - Bachelor's Programme
• Crop Production (BSc)

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0201

The Course Replaces

Biogeofysikdelen av MV0184

Other Information

Previous knowledge equivalent to 5 ECTS in Plant Anatomy or Plant Physiology is recommended.