GV2WESNU: Water in the Earth System

Module code: GV2WESNU

Module provider: Geography and Environmental Science; School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Professor Andrew Wade , email: a.j.wade@reading.ac.uk

NUIST module lead: Buda Su, email: subd@nuist.edu.cn

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module aim is to provide subject-specific knowledge on the topic of water in the Earth System. The purpose is to provide an introductory and exemplar systemic understanding of the connections, through water, between the abiotic and biotic components of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, pedosphere and biosphere. Where relevant these relationships will be considered within the Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, Response (DPSIR) Framework to support the systems thinking approach to complex, interacting systems, and finding solutions to the issues faced.Ìý

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate, through analysis, a systemic understanding of fundamental concepts and processes operating in the Earth System centred on water and its relationship to life, namely the interactions within and between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere and biosphere.Ìý
2. Evaluate the importance of temporal and spatial scales for comprehending natural and anthropogenic impacts on the water environment, and related interaction and feedback within ecosystems and the wider environment.Ìý
3. Apply the academic literature to support critical discussions of pertinent environmental and sustainable development issues focused around water and its role in ecosystems.Ìý

Module content

Principles and processesÌý

1. ÌýDrivers and pressures related to water in Earth System (the why question), DPSIR FrameworkÌý
2. Water, carbon and energyÌý
3. Water, biogeochemistry and ecologyÌý
4. Water in the unsaturated zoneÌý
5. Plant-water uptake, transpiration and weather extremesÌý
6. Groundwater-surface water interactionsÌý

Ecosystem change and management (including further depth on key processes). Exact content will vary from year to year but is likely to include case studies for some of the following:Ìý

7. Arid/semi-arid ecosystemsÌý
8. Global peatland ecosystemsÌý
9. Wetland ecosystemsÌý
10. High-mountain ecosystemsÌý
11. Agricultural ecosystemsÌý

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

One 2-hour mini-lectures/interactive session per week, followed by a 2-hour practical classes/seminar/ group presentation with discussion – dependent on the case study.Ìý

Principles and processes: Lectures describe the interactions and key processes. Practical work (i.e., complete answers to a workbook and attend a seminar to discuss) consolidates knowledge. Engage with in-class mini-practicals and quizzes and formative assessment to help consolidate knowledgeÌý

Ecosystem change and management (including key processes): Lecture to introduce each ecosystem setting, the key drivers, pressures, system (process), impact and response. Follow-up practical session seminar to deepen process and case study knowledge.Ìý

Study hours

At least 48 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how th