The hydrological cycle is the most fundamental of all earth system cycles, linking together the solid earth, the oceans, and the atmosphere. The endless cycling of water through these earth system components yields interactions over the full spectrum of spatial-temporal scales. Only recently has the picture emerged that the two-way nature of these interactions has profound impacts on climate, weather, biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem dynamics. The view that hydrological processes simultaneously affect and are affected by physical, chemical, and biological processes, in all compartments of the earth system, provides the framework for a multi-disciplinary GRT program in hydrological sciences at UT Austin. With this educational and research theme, we hope to impart to our students the scientific underpinnings which are currently absent from traditional hydrology programs, while cultivating a pool of scientific talent to provide long-term leadership in the field of hydrology. Given the recent addition of new hydrology faculty in the Department of Geological Sciences, including state-of-the-art analytical and computer modeling facilities, combined with existing hydrological strength in the department-affiliated Bureau of Economic Geology, the Institute for Geophysics, and the Center for Space Research, as well as in the Department of Civil Engineering, a critical mass now exists so that truly unique, interdisciplinary research and education initiatives can be launched under the unifying theme of a GRT program in hydrology-earth system interactions. Our GRT program includes a number of structural innovations, including collaborative arrangements with federal research organizations, progressive new course offerings, teaching effectiveness seminars for fellows, teaching opportunities for fellows involving advanced technology applications in the classroom, and opportunities for fellows to mentor undergraduates in a local "partnership" institution. Recruitment pl ans include a consortial arrangement with the local partnership institution, a department-sponsored seminar forum and endowed lectureships, and an outreach program to regional Texas colleges with large Hispanic or African-American enrollments.
