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Semester 2

Hydrogeology 2: Simulation of Groundwater Flow and Transport (EASC10126)

Subject

Earth Science

College

SCE

Credits

10

Normal Year Taken

4

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

This course concentrates on the modelling of groundwater flow in the saturated zone. The techniques of finite difference, finite element and finite volume analysis will be presented and practical exercises on contamination transport in a groundwater management situation given. Saline water ingression in a coastal aquifer will be modelled using OpenGeoSys (www.OpenGeoSys.org) a world leading research code for environmental simulations. At the end of the course the students should have experience in groundwater modelling and contaminant transport and be able to understand the workings and needs of any groundwater modelling package. It is advisable to have studied Hydrogeology 1. However it is possible to take the course without this background as long as you are prepared to put in extra effort.

Course Description

The course should enable students to:1. develop a hydrogeological conceptual model into a predictive model of groundwater, contaminant and heat flow and transport;2. understand the key principles behind most numerical models of flow and transport, applicable well beyond the field of hydrogeology;3. understand the concepts of the development of the partial differential balance equations describing groundwater flow, solute and heat transport;4. understand the key constraints required for solving the balance equations including different boundary conditions, initial conditions, source terms, time control, mesh generation;5. have a good understanding of the finite difference, finite element and finite volume methods of solving the balance equations;6. be trained in the use of a standard industry groundwater and solute transport model code and a research code including heat transport and coupled process modelling (Visual Modflow and OpenGeoSys);7. be able to apply the numerical models to groundwater resources management problems addressing real life issues;8. understand calibration, validation, sensitivity analysis and verification; and9. understand the limitations of the approaches and how to deal with uncertainty.Further Course Informationhttps://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC10126_SV1_SEM2 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/21-22/dpt/cxeasc10126.htm

Assessment Information

Written Exam 0%, Coursework 100%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Assessment Information

100% Course WorkThe first assignment involves the students collecting their own data, and developing a conceptual model of groundwater flow and mass transport based Braid Hills park, neighbouring the Kings Buildings Campus. The students are to construct a conceptual model to investigate a source, pathway receptor issue relating to landfill contamination into Braid burn, and a surface run off hazard. As part of this they develop 3D conceptual groundwater flow and mass transport models, parts of which are then used in a numerical modelling software pack to simulate the impact of a proposed well construction. The second assignment looks at groundwater resource competition in a coastal aquifer, particularly the issue of the amount of fresh water extraction which is sustainable, and potential saline water intrusion. The student should create a numerical model based on geological data to address the groundwater management issues. The results of the model are used to guide the formulation of an expert opinion on the suitability of the development of a new well field within an aquifer for water resource extraction and its potential impact on existing extraction rights. For students particularly interested in geothermal applications, it is possible to expand the scope of the coastal aquifer scenario to investigate advective heat transport. Each assignment is to be limited to 5 pages A4 with graphics. The numerical models are to be built using OpenGeoSys. (www.opengeosys.org)**Field Excursion for AY 2023: Tuesday 31st January 2023, 13:30-16:30**Assessment DeadlinesBraid Hills Groundwater Flow Model due by 12.00 on Monday, Flexible Learning Week, 20.2.2023. Electronic copy to be submitted via Turnitin.Generic Scenario: Coastal Water Management by 12.00 on Thursday, Week 10, 30.03.2023 . Electronic copy to be submitted via Turnitin.

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