Advanced knowledge of the Earth's hydrological cycle, and the role of water in the climate system and society. Basic elements of the course include mechanisms of the five water reservoirs in the climate system, linkages between water and heat energy flow in the hydrological cycle, time and place variation of natural hydrologic fluxes, the biosphere and water development for human use, integrated water resource management, and water reuse and recycling.

The course will include analysis of ongoing water development problems to identify common characteristics that will be applied to develop management strategies for sustainable water resources in a changing global climate.