Hydrogeology (CSM3152)

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Module status - Active
Module description status - Inactive
Credits - 15
College code - EMP
Academic year - 2011/2

Module lecturers / conveners

David Watkins

Module aims

A comprehensive introduction to hydrogeology introducing basic concepts and principles, derivation and application of mathematical models and applications of hydrogeological investigations, interpretation, assessment and problem solving.

Syllabus plan

Weeks 1-2: Understanding basic principles. The hydrological cycle and its interactions. Types of aquifers. Basic definitions. Porosity and permeability. Darcy's Law. Regional flow systems. Analysis of steady flow in aquifers. Unsteady flow. Groundwater storage. Weeks 3-4: Laboratory and field methods. Construction of boreholes, piezometers and wells. Permeability testing. Laboratory and piezometer tests. Radial flow. Steady-state well hydraulics. Unsteady well hydraulics. Pumping tests. Advanced pumping test analyses. Weeks 5-6: Quality and protection of groundwater. The natural geochemical composition of groundwater. Graphical representations of groundwater hydrochemistry and ionic balance calculations. Water quality parameters. Threats to groundwater quality. Groundwater protection and Environment Agency policy. Delineation of source protection zones. Saline intrusion in coastal and island aquifers. Contaminant transport in porous media. The advection-dispersion equation. Weeks 7-8: Introduction to numerical modelling. Numerical methods. Finite Difference and Finite Element methods. Building a groundwater model. Flow modelling - MODFLOW. Particle tracking and pathline modelling - MODPATH. Contaminant transport modelling - MST3D. Week 9: Groundwater control. Dewatering of mines and excavations.

Learning and teaching methods

Scheduled Learning & Teaching ActivitiesGuided Independent StudyPlacement / Study Abroad

Indicative basic reading list

    Module ECTS

    7.5

    Last revision date

    15/12/2011

    Module level

    Level 4

    Duration of module (weeks)

    Duration: Term 1 Term 2: Term 3:

    Assessment

    Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams