ESC3191

Hydrogeology and Environmental Geoscience ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Ian Cartwright

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: Introduction to groundwater flow in porous media. Sustainable use of groundwater resources. Chemistry of groundwater and water-rock interaction. Groundwater-surface water interactions. Stable isotopes as tracers of groundwater evolution. Dating groundwater. Changing the hydrological balance (contaminant transport, acid mine drainage, salinity, acid sulfate soils). Contaminants in ground water.

Objectives: On completion of this unit a student will understand: the hydrologic cycle, in particular groundwater; the physical controls on groundwater flow and the impacts that pumping, artificial recharge, and landuse changes have on natural flow systems; the origins of solutes in groundwater and water-rock interaction; the use of stable and radiogenic isotopes in understanding processes in hydrogeological systems; groundwater-surface water interaction; origins, transport, and fate of contaminants such as organic compounds and metals; and groundwater in salinity.

Assessment: Examination (3 hours): 60% + Laboratory work/ assignments/ field excursions: 40%

Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week, and one 1 or 2-day field excursion