6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
Advanced concepts of groundwater flow. Sustainable use of groundwater and mineral resources. Chemistry of groundwater and water rock interaction. Groundwater-surface water interactions. Weathering processes in relation to nutrient and contaminant cycling. CO2 sequestration. Mine site processes.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Understand the hydrologic cycle, in particular groundwater;
- Understand the physical controls on groundwater flow and the impacts that pumping, artificial recharge and land use changes have on natural flow systems;
- Understand the origins of solutes in groundwater and water-rock interaction, groundwater-surface water interaction, processes of weathering of natural and anthropogenically impacted sites;
- Understand how weathering processes affect natural and anthropogenic element cycles. Applications include CO2 sequestration, monitoring air pollution and mineral-microbe interactions;
- Understand the environmental impacts of mineral wastes and learn strategies for managing and remediating contamination.
Assessment
Examination (3 hours): 60% (Hurdle)
Laboratory work/assignments/field excursions: 40%
Students must pass the theory examination to achieve an overall pass grade. Students who do not pass the theory examination will receive a mark of 45%, unless their aggregate mark is lower in which case that mark will be recorded.
Workload requirements
- Two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week
- One 1 or 2-day field excursion
See also Unit timetable information
Chief examiner(s)
This unit applies to the following area(s) of study
Geosciences
Prerequisites
ESC2111 and ESC2122