Energy Lab – Applied Hydrology (Option 2): infiltration, runoff and erosion

Lab Objectives

• Study the interaction between rainfall and soil o Analyse water infiltration in different soil types. o Assess the ability of soils to resist erosion during intense rainfall events. o Understand the influence of vegetation cover and slope on soil loss.
• Observe fundamental hydrological phenomena o Simulate controlled rainfall in the lab to study surface runoff. o Detect evapotranspiration, drainage and water balance phenomena under different crop conditions. o Determine the relationship between rainfall intensity, soil absorption capacity and erosion risk.
• Develop experimental and analytical skills o Use lysimeters and rainfall simulators to collect quantitative and qualitative data. o Interpret changes in weight and volume related to the soil water balance. o Compare the data collected with theoretical infiltration and erosion models.

Educational Aims

• Consolidate theoretical knowledge of hydrology and environmental science through practical experiments.
• Teach scientific observation and the use of teaching instruments for studying the water cycle and soil erosion.
• Develop technical and laboratory skills in simulating rainfall events and monitoring hydrological processes.
• Promote critical reasoning and the experimental method, from test design to data collection and interpretation.
• Link teaching to real applications such as land management, the prevention of hydrogeological instability and the design of drainage and irrigation systems.

Conclusion

By the end of the lab activities, students will have: 1. Understood the dynamics of infiltration, runoff and erosion according to soil type and vegetation. 2. Acquired practical skills in using rainfall simulators and lysimeters to analyse the water balance. 3. Developed an experimental and analytical approach to studying hydrological and environmental phenomena. 4. Developed an applied perspective useful for sustainable land management, erosion prevention and the design of agricultural and hydrological systems. This lab provides a bridge between theory and application, allowing students to observe natural phenomena directly at a controlled scale and to develop concrete scientific skills. This solution includes technology systems that help foster inclusion and equal opportunities through the use of innovative teaching methods. Designed to promote active and collaborative learning.