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Semester 1

Applied Hydrogeology and Near Surface Geophysics (EASC10101)

Subject

Earth Science

College

SCE

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

3

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

Hydrogeology, groundwater, is fascinating. Being able to understand where it comes from, how much there is, how the rocks and minerals influence its quality, how it flows through the ground is a skill set which is vital both from an environmental management perspective and for the maintenance and provision of a key resource to growing society today. From a ground engineering aspect, understanding groundwater flow and fluid pressure is essential.Students will gain a knowledge that covers and integrates most of the principal areas, features, boundaries, terminology and conventions of applied hydrogeology and the application of near surface geophysical techniques for the characterisation of the subsurface. They will gain an understanding of the principal theories, concepts and principles behind the development of conceptual hydrogeological models. They will cover a range of standard techniques for the investigation of hydrogeological parameters. They will be knowledgeable and skilled in the use of numerical data to solve issues in hydrogeology and near-surface geophysics. In addition they will be able to use both analytical and graphical techniques to predict the movement of groundwater and containment transport, as well as be able to produce water balances for catchment areas. Through group-based case studies on real life problems, which the students will present the applicability of the subject area, its use and its limit are demonstrated. Completing these projects will require the students to appreciate the distribution of groundwater in different hydrogeological environments, requiring a synoptic understanding of hard rock and surface geology, facies interpretation and material characteristics. Finally accompanying the lecture series, reference is made to the uncertainty particularly of conceptual models and their applicability. As well as understanding the importance of different near surface deposits, and the controls on fluid flow movement it is important to be able to know which techniques can be applied from the surface to investigate both the structure and makeup of the subsurface and also identify remotely the location of contaminants. You will be given an overview of near surface geophysical techniques for aquifer characterisation and site investigation surveys. This will include the application of electromagnetic methods, including EM34, VLF, resistivity, self-potential and induced polarisation/complex resistivity methods, magnetic and gravity techniques, ground probing radar and near surface seismic refraction technics, and the utility of airborne techniques. The design of geophysical surveys for subsurface investigation will be covered (e.g. profile spacing, sampling rate along profile, depth of investigation of different techniques). Part of the assessment of this part of the course includes a practical component requiring data acquisition, modelling and interpretation. Prior to this, there is a formative assessment exercise based on a pre-existing dataset for one of the techniques used in the field.Attendance at lectures, the fieldwork data acquisition afternoon and practical classes is expected and a register will be maintained.Teaching will proceed via lectures, tutorials, and group work. Through group-based studies on real-world problems, students will gain experience in the applicability of the subject area, and the limitations of techniques.

Course Description

The following topics will be covered: Introduction to Applied Geoscience Foundations. Soil description for Applied Geoscience Purposes. Aquifer Investigation Techniques. Physical property contrasts. Electromagnetic methods, including EM34, VLF. Resistivity, self-potential and induced polarisation/complex resistivity methods. Magnetics. Gravity. Ground probing radar. Seismic refraction. Field data acquisition, processing and interpretation. Groundwater Flow. Groundwater Geochemistry. Case studies for Groundwater Issues. Modelling Groundwater Flow. Contaminant Transport.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 60%, Coursework 40%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Assessment Information

Written Exam: 60%, Course Work: 40 %Assessment comprises1. Produce a report on your chosen research theme 10% of course assessment mark, Turnitin HAND IN DATE Thursday week 6, 12:00 GMTThe report on your chosen research theme should be ~1000-word essay on a topical hydrogeology related research theme. Research themes are suggested in class, and include a choice of the following:Fracking, Geothermal, Carbon Capture and Storage: CO2 Sequestration in saline aquifers, Groundwater mining and subsidence, Regional Groundwater Management, (The Aral Sea, and other examples), Saline water ingression in coastal aquifers, Urban groundwater, Heavy metals in Groundwater, Groundwater salinification, Radwaste storage, Water and conflict, & other topical themes2. Participate in a group presentation on your research theme (pre-requisite for satisfactory completion of the course. Group presentations lasting 10 minutes or less to be recorded as a video presentation//powerpoint slide show (Slide show -» Record) Hand in with research theme, HAND IN DATE Thurs week 6.3. Report on geophysical field work (30%) Learn HAND IN DATE Thurs week 11 12:00 GMT4. Complete a theory exam December, 60% of course assessment.Assessment Deadlines Resistivity Practical - Tues Week 5 12:00Report on Hydrogeology Research Theme Semester 1, Thurs Week 6 12:00Geophysics Field Report Semester 1, Thurs week 11, 12:00 GMTWritten Exam Semester 1, December Exam Diet

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