Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydrology

The Environmental Fluid Mechanics & Hydrology Program focuses on the movement of surface and groundwater and, jointly with Environmental Engineering and Science, atmospheric-related topics.

Environmental fluid mechanics courses address fluid and sediment transport and mixing processes; turbulence and its modeling; the fluid mechanics of stratified flows; natural flows in coastal waters, estuaries, lakes and open channels; and atmospheric flows and experimental methods. Hydrology courses consider stochastic methods in both surface and subsurface hydrology, watershed hydrology and modeling, and flow and transport in porous media. Planning courses highlight issues related to sustainable water resources development in the U.S. and in developing countries.

Degree programs can be developed by combining environmental fluid mechanics and hydrology classes with courses from programs and departments that complement and supplement the Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydrology Program offerings. Some examples include Environmental Engineering and Science, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Earth Sciences, Computer Science, Petroleum Engineering, Biological Sciences and Statistics.

The EFMH Program has opportunities for students interested in pursuing PhD-level research concerned with environmental policy design and implementation with respect to water, air and land.