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Semester 1

Hydrogeology 1: Applied Hydrogeology (EASC10082)

Subject

Earth Science

College

SCE

Credits

10

Normal Year Taken

4

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 fundamental areas, features, boundaries, terminology and conventions of applied hydrogeology. The principle theories and concepts behind the development of conceptual hydrogeological models will be addressed. A range of standard techniques for the investigation of hydrogeological parameters is covered. Students will be knowledgeable and skilled in the use of numerical data to solve issues in hydrogeology. They will be able to use both analytical and graphical techniques to predict the movement of groundwater and contaminant 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 limits are demonstrated. Completing these projects will require the students to appreciate the distribution of groundwater in different hydrogeological environments, requiring a synoptic understanding of hardrock and surface geology, facies interpretation and material characteristics. Reference is made to the parameter uncertainty and its impact in terms of risk.

Course Description

The course will consist of lectures, tutorials and a field excursionDuring lectures you will get exercises to complete which you can self asses. Tutorials will include help for the questions set. Students should use these tutorials to get ongoing self-managed feedback on your work and provide a forum to discuss any items which are not clear from the previous lectures.Attendance at lectures and a weekly tutorial is expected.Chapter 1 Introduction to Applied Geoscience FoundationsChapter 2 Soil description for Applied Geoscience PurposesChapter 3 Groundwater FlowChapter 4 Groundwater GeochemistryChapter 5 Groundwater EquationsChapter 6 Aquifer Investigation TechniquesChapter 7 Contaminant Transport

Assessment Information

Written Exam 80%, Coursework 20%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Assessment Information

Written Exam 80 %, Coursework 20 %, Practical Exam 0 %Exam comprises a number of compulsory questions.Assessment comprises1. Produce a report on your chosen research theme 20% of course assessment mark, HAND IN Semester 1, Week 6, 12:00, 12:00 GMT2. 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 Semester 1, Week 6, 12:00.3. Complete a theory exam December, 80% of course assessment.The 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:FrackingGeothermalCarbon Capture and Storage: CO2 Sequestration in saline aquifersGroundwater mining and subsidenceRegional Groundwater Management, (The Aral Sea, and other examples)Saline water ingression in coastal aquifersUrban groundwaterHeavy metals in GroundwaterGroundwater salinificationRadwaste storageWater and conflict& other topical themesAssessment deadlines:Report on Research Theme Semester 1, Week 6, 12:00Written Exam Semester 1, December Exam Diet

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