The Master’s programme Earth Surface and Water involves the study of natural and human-induced physical and geochemical processes, patterns, and dynamics of the Earth’s continental and coastal systems. The main subject areas you will study during the two-year programme consist of the dynamics of coastal and river systems, (geo-)hydrological processes, groundwater remediation, land degradation in drylands and mountainous regions, natural hazards, and delta evolution on centennial and longer time scales.
Focus on societal problems
Modern society puts increasing pressure on the natural environment. The Earth Surface and Water programme therefore focusses on imminent societal problems, such as society’s increased vulnerability to climate and environmental changes and to natural hazards such as drought, flood, and mass movements. It also addresses the threats and opportunities resulting from human activity on our physical environment, including the hydrological cycle.
Core areas of research
In the Earth Surface and Water programme you will study the interactions between the natural and the socio-economic systems using quantitative and spatially explicit methods. It addresses the dynamic patterns and processes of the physical and chemical components on the Earth’s surface, shallow subsurface and the coastal areas. Understanding the historic and current processes will help to predict their responses to global change.
The programme contains field observations and laboratory experiments with the latest developments in remote sensing and computational methods.
Some examples of the programme's societal and scientific questions:
How do river floods affect delta systems and their inhabitants?
How can we use natural processes under climate change to maintain safe - yet attractive and dynamic - coastlines?
How to leverage remote sensing for detailed monitoring of natural processes and ecological variables?
Will we have enough water to sustain the world’s rapidly increasing population in 2050?
What is the most efficient way to clean an oil spill that enters the soil and groundwater?
