Modelling of hydrological processes - MZ330P35
Title: Modelling of hydrological processes
Czech title: Modelování hydrologických procesů
Guaranteed by: Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology (31-330)
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Actual: from 2023
Semester: winter
E-Credits: 4
Examination process: winter s.:
Hours per week, examination: winter s.:1/2, C+Ex [HT]
Capacity: 20
Min. number of students: unlimited
4EU+: no
Virtual mobility / capacity: no
State of the course: taught
Language: English
Note: enabled for web enrollment
Guarantor: doc. RNDr. Michal Jeníček, Ph.D.
Teacher(s): doc. RNDr. Michal Jeníček, Ph.D.
RNDr. Václav Šípek, Ph.D.
Opinion survey results   Examination dates   WS schedule   
Annotation -
Last update: doc. RNDr. Michal Jeníček, Ph.D. (26.02.2024)
The main aim of this hands-on course is to introduce students to the principles and methods of hydrological modelling. Methods used for calculating components of the rainfall-runoff process will be explained and students will have the opportunity to construct simple models of the components of the water cycle (using R language and MS Excel). Models will be calibrated based on experimental data. We will also use existing models often applied in hydrological research.
This lecture is determined primarily for master students. Students should have a hydrology background (basics) and be familiar with MS Excel and ArcGIS.
Literature -
Last update: doc. RNDr. Michal Jeníček, Ph.D. (15.12.2019)
  • Becker, A., Serban P. (1990): Hydrological models for water - resources system design and operation. Operational Hydrology Report No. 34, WMO, Geneva.
  • Beven K. J. (2001): Rainfall-Runoff modelling, The Primer. John Wiley & Sons Chichester.
  • Beven K.J. (2009): Environmental Modelling: An Uncertain Future? Taylor & Francis.
  • Bízek, V., Foltýn, I., Helová, S., Jeníček, M., Koblížková, E., Kodešová, R., Mertl, J., Nesměrák, I., Nondek, L., Ratinger, T. (2011): Aplikace modelů v oblasti životního prostředí. CENIA, Praha.
  • Maidment, D. R. (1993): Handbook of Hydrology. McGraw-Hill, New York
  • Tarboton, D.G. (2003): Rainfall-Runoff Processes. Utah State University. (http://hydrology.usu.edu/RRP/)
Requirements to the exam -
Last update: doc. RNDr. Michal Jeníček, Ph.D. (19.09.2023)
  • Course credit: attendance on practical parts of the lecture, elaboration of the computer-based project on a given topic

  • Exam: oral examination (discussion on elaborated computer-based projects). The course credit (accepted homework projects) are required before the examination.
Syllabus -
Last update: doc. RNDr. Michal Jeníček, Ph.D. (19.09.2023)

All information (data, presentation, announcements, chat) will run in Google Classroom (contact Michal Jenicek for invitation)

Notice: The lecture starts on Wednesday, 11th Oct 2023

  1. 4.10.2023: Canceled
  2. 11.10.2023: Introduction
    Hydrological model and its structure, model classification, model calibration and validation. (M. Jeníček)
  3. 18.10.2023: HBV-light I
    Modelling the impact of climate changes on catchment runoff. Data preparation, and model setup. (M. Jeníček)
  4. 25.10.2023: HBV-light II
    Modelling the impact of climate changes on catchment runoff. Model calibration using genetic algorithm procedure, model validation (M. Jeníček)
  5. 1.11.2023: HBV-light III
    Modelling the impact of climate changes on catchment runoff. Climate change scenarios, impact simulation, results analysis (M. Jeníček)
  6. 8.11.2023: Modelling snow accumulation and snowmelt I
    Energy-based models and degree-day models of snow; theoretical introduction. Creating 1) Excel-based and 2) R-based models of snow accumulation and snowmelt based on a degree-day approach. Models calibration and validation using measured data. (M. Jeníček)
  7. 15.11.2023: Modelling snow accumulation and snowmelt II
    Energy-based models and degree-day models of snow; theoretical introduction. Creating 1) Excel-based and 2) R-based models of snow accumulation and snowmelt based on a degree-day approach. Models calibration and validation using measured data. (M. Jeníček)
  8. 22.11.2023: Evapotranspiration modelling – Potential evapotranspiration
    Radiation balance, Evaporation measurements, Derivation of fundamental equations, Development of air temperature, radiation budget and combined approach models in Excel environment. Models calibration and validation using measured data. (V. Šípek)
  9. 29.11.2023: Evapotranspiration modelling – Actual evapotranspiration
    Photosynthesis, Transpiration measurements, Interception, Description of possible approaches of AET modelling. Creating evapotranspiration models based on the soil wetness and empirical coefficients. (V. Šípek)
  10. 6.12.2023: Modelling of the soil moisture content – conceptual models
    Soil moisture data collection and related runoff generation processes. Use of three conceptual models to simulate subsurface flow and soil moisture budget. (V. Šípek)
  11. 13.12.2023: Modelling of the soil moisture content – conceptual models
    Soil moisture data collection and related runoff generation processes. Use of three conceptual models to simulate subsurface flow and soil moisture budget. (V. Šípek)
  12. 20.12.2023: Modelling of the soil moisture content – physically based models
    Soil matric potential, Retention curve. Setting up a physically based model (HYDRUS-1D) for a flow movement in a porous media. Model calibration and validation using measured data. (V. Šípek)
  13. 3.1.2023: Students’ work presentations, discussion