Water Resources Current Research
Research is one of the most important aspects of a graduate program. Current theoretical and applied research will serve as the basis for solving the problems faced by future generations. Practical engineering research is necessary to solve current environmental problems. Course work is selected that will enable the student to do research and thus make a significant contribution to the profession. The following are only some of the research topics that students have explored in the last few years:
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Use of satellite remote sensing in large scale hydrologic modeling: |
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- Evaluation of regional flood frequency estimation techniques:
- Example: Evaluation of Alternative Statistical Methods for Estimating Frequency of Peak Flows in Maryland
- The Origin of Flood Skew: Analyses showed the flood skew depended on the skew of rainfall and watershed storage. The flood skew at individual gages is greatly influenced by extreme events in the flood record. Data from the Eastern Shore of Maryland were used to verify the method.
- Detection of multivariate outliers in hydrologic data: Using computer simulation, a statistical test was developed to identify outliers in hydrologic data. The method was applied to actual hydrologic data and shown to perform better than the univariate method commonly used.
- Accuracy assessment of peak discharge models: The jackknifing method was applied to hydrologic data and shown to provide better indication of goodness of fit than the traditional split-sample testing.
- Evaluation of Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency index: The Nash-Sutcliffe index is widely used to measure goodness of fit in hydrologic studies. This study showed the effect of sample size, time-offset bias in hydrograph analyses, the time sampling interval and outliers on the index.
- Assessing the hydrologic performance of best management practices (BMPs): A procedure for validating the hydrologic performance of BMP models is presented. The effect of storm characteristics on BMP performance was studied. The procedure was applied to cisterns and bioretention pits.
- Spatial-Temporal adjustments of time of concentration: Indices to adjust computed times of concentration for storm size are provided. Guidelines provide the minimum sheet flow length to include in hydrologic design.
- Statistical guidelines for curve number generation: The accuracy of runoff curve number estimates was evaluated. Guidelines that should lead to revised CN model with improved accuracy was provided.
- Effects of concentration and gradation on sediment rate for Stokes law: Simulation of fluid masses with medium concentrations of sediment were conducted to develop adjustment factors for Stokes Law. The factors adjust Stokes Law fall velocities for variations in sediment concentration and gradation.
- Rational coefficients for steeply sloped watersheds: A model based on infiltration and surface runoff was used to develop coefficients for the Rational method that are applicable on steeply sloped watersheds.
- Effect of BMP location on flood runoff characteristics: A spatial hydrologic model that can be used for microwatershed analyses is used to show the effect of the location of BMPs on flood peaks, runoff volumes, and times of concentration.
- Other Topics:
- Characterization of urban runoff quality
- Effect of storm management basins on downstream erosion
- Calibration of a unit hydrograph model for Maryland
- Magnitude and frequency of debris flows
- Risk of bridge failure due to pier scour
- Topics in engineering history and professional ethics
- Evaluating the engineering efficiency of storm water detention basins
- Estimation of channel erosion
- Simulation of the hydrologic response of an urbanizing watershed
