HYDRAULIC RISK MITIGATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Module HYDRAULIC CONSERVATION OF THE TERRITORY

Knowledge and understanding

The student will acquire knowledge of the main topics related to hydraulic protection of the territory and the prevention of erosion phenomena. In particular, the student will acquire knowledge of hydrological studies, surface water erosion processes, sediment production and transport, river morphology and geomorphology, as well as natural water retention measures, green infrastructure, and the main intervention techniques for slope protection. The student will also acquire knowledge of the relevant legislation concerning territorial protection and management.

Applying knowledge and understanding

The student will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to the preparation of hydrological studies aimed at the hydraulic management and protection of the territory and to the assessment of erosion and sediment production processes. The student will also be able to apply models and methodologies for estimating erosion and sediment production and to identify appropriate intervention techniques for slope protection and natural water retention measures, including green infrastructure.

Making judgements

The student will be able to critically interpret water erosion, sediment transport and morphological changes in river systems, assessing their implications for the protection and management of the territory. The student will also be able to compare different strategies and intervention techniques for risk prevention and territorial conservation, assessing their effectiveness and applicability according to the characteristics of the territorial and environmental context, also in light of the relevant legislation.

Communication skills

The student will be able to describe and discuss the main hydrological, erosional and geomorphological processes affecting the territory, using appropriate technical terminology. The student will also be able to present and illustrate the results of studies and assessments carried out, as well as justify choices concerning intervention techniques, natural water retention measures and green infrastructure, including through practical activities and group work.

Learning skills

The student will be able to independently deepen their knowledge of hydraulic protection of the territory, water erosion, sediment transport, river morphology and territorial conservation strategies. The student will also be able to independently consult and use scientific, technical and regulatory sources to update their knowledge and address issues related to erosion prevention, water management and territorial protection.

During the course both lectures and active learning techniques will be used to transfer the contents. In particular, students will be involved in the explanation of main teaching topics by asking questions, giving them practical problems to solve…. In addition, students will be involved in solving practical tests, single or in groups, to verify the learning of concepts also during the course.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Hydrological study for the hydraulic management of the territory

Conducting a hydrological study aimed at the hydraulic protection and management of the territory.

Erosion and sediment transport

Fundamentals of sediment transport in free-surface flows. Phenomena of surface water erosion. Erosion estimation models. Estimation of sediment production. Erosion monitoring.

Territorial conservation and slope protection

Conservation of agricultural and forested areas. Intervention techniques for slope protection.

River system

Riverbed morphology and geomorphology. Characteristics and dynamics of the river system.

Natural water retention measures and green infrastructure

Natural water retention measures. Green infrastructure for sustainable water management and territorial protection.

Relevant legislation

Main legislative and regulatory references concerning hydraulic protection, water management and territorial conservation.

1. Chow, V., Maidment, D. and Mays, L. Applied Hydrology. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York ,1988

2. Soil erosion / edited by M. J. Kirkby and R. P. C. Morgan. Kirkby, M. J.; Morgan, Royston Philip Charles.; British Geomorphological Research Group. Chichester Eng. ; New York : Wiley; c1980

3. Handsout distibuted during the course

A written mid-term test and a final oral examination are scheduled.

The written test has a duration of 2 hours and is valid for one academic year.

During both the written and oral examinations, students may be asked to solve exercises related to the practical activities carried out during the course.

The main evaluation criteria for the oral examination are: the relevance of the answers to the questions asked, the quality of the content, the ability to make connections with other topics covered in the program, the ability to provide examples, the use of appropriate technical language, and the student’s overall expressive ability.

The assessment of learning may also be carried out online, should circumstances require it.

Working students are subject to the same examination procedure as attending students. Attendance at the in-class practical exercises is therefore strongly recommended, as the written examination will focus on topics and exercises addressed during these sessions.

Grading Criteria

The assessment follows the following scheme:

Fail

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Major deficiencies. Significant inaccuracies.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize.

Use of references: Completely inappropriate.

18–20

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Threshold-level knowledge. Evident imperfections.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Barely sufficient.

Use of references: Barely appropriate.

21–23

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Routine knowledge.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Able to perform correct analysis and synthesis. Arguments are presented logically and coherently.

Use of references: Uses standard references.

24–26

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Good knowledge.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Good analytical and synthesis skills. Arguments are presented coherently.

Use of references: Uses standard references.

27–29

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: More than good knowledge.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Demonstrates considerable analytical and synthesis skills.

Use of references: Has explored the topics in depth.

30–30L

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Excellent knowledge.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Demonstrates considerable analytical and synthesis skills.

Use of references: Significant in-depth study.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti)