HWM-20806 Hydrogeology

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

AEW-21306 Soil and Water II; SEG-20306 Water Quantity and Quality

Continuation courses:

HWM-32806 Hydrological Processes in Catchments; SEG-21306 Subsurface Solute Transport; SEG-30306 Ecohydrology

Contents:

This course studies hydrogeological systems, which are three-dimensional distributions of aquifers, semi-permeable and impermeable layers consisting of unconsolidated and hard rocks bounded by natural hydrogeological boundaries. The systems have a characteristic groundwater flow (magnitude, direction and chemical composition). Hydrogeological systems are evaluated in the context of water resources assessment environmental protection, and land and water use planning.
The course covers subjects, such as, hydraulic properties of different flow media, types of saturated flow, hydrochemistry, isotope hydrology, hydrogeological systems in different environments with unconsolidated and hard rocks, groundwater occurrence in regions with extreme climates (permafrost and (semi-)arid regions). The student learns how to apply regional hydrogeological research.
Besides lectures (50%), the students have to compose a conceptual model of a hydrogeological system in the field (Ardennes, Belgium), and to construct groundwater models for hydrogeological sytems (computer practical).

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- interpret hydraulic properties of unconsolidated and hard rocks, types of saturated flow, hydrochemical conditions and stream-aquifer interaction;
- apply knowledge on hydraulic properties of different rocks, types of saturated flow, hydrochemical conditions and stream-aquifer interaction;
- evaluate hydrogeological systems in different environments, incl. regions with extreme climates (permafrost and (semi-)arid regions);
- compose a conceptual model of a hydrogeological system in the field;
- construct a simple groundwater flow model for a representative hydrogeological system;
- present models as small groups in a plenary setting both in the field and lecture room (modelling part).

Activities:

Attend classes, study lecture notes and exercises. Study of manuals (Ardennes and groundwater modelling practical), field survey and analysis of data, compilation of brief field report and oral presentation (Ardennes) on the conceptual model, construction of groundwater model and oral presentation. Virtual excursion to South Netherlands.

Examination:

Written exam on theory (lectures and modelling), incl. generic aspects of composing conceptual hydrogeological models based upon the field survey in the Belgian Ardennes.

Literature:

Lecture notes Hydrogeology, Hydrogeological Exercises, Manual Hydrogeological Field Survey (Ardennes), and manual Groundwater Modelling. Notes and manuals are available at the WUR-shop.