Hydrologic frequency analysis (HFA) is the most fundamental work of all designs and engineering practices of water resources projects. Hydrologic processes are governed by physical laws while at the same time also exhibit natural variabilities both in space and in time. Statistics and stochastic models are widely used to characterize hydrologic variables and processes. Hydrologic frequency analysis is the study of hydrological extremes (for examples, droughts and floods). Although statistical theories form the basis of hydrologic frequency analysis, a good understanding of spatial and temporal variations of hydrologic processes is also essential. This course aims to conduct a comprehensive and thorough study of hydrologic frequency analysis with emphasis on balancing the statistical theories and hydrologic practices.

Hydrologic frequency analysis requires data analysis, computation, and simulation using computers. R is perhaps the most powerful computer language for statistical computing and graphics. R is not just a computer language, it is also a community of users of many different disciplines. Many R packages have been developed and can be used to aid in hydrologic frequency analysis. One of the goals of this course is to guide students to develop R codes that can be used in real-world practical applications of hydrologic frequency analysis.