EAE3022 - Hydrogeology - 2018

Groundwater is a critical resource and an essential component of the natural environment. This unit addresses groundwater flow and the hydrological cycle, groundwater chemistry and the origins of solutes in water, use of isotopic tracers to understand hydrological processes, the interaction between groundwater and surface water, groundwater as a resource, and contamination of groundwater. These topics are essential for understanding and managing groundwater and surface water resources and for environmental management.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Describe the physical movement of water within the hydrological cycle;
2. Determine the origins of solutes in water and how solute chemistry informs our understanding of hydrological processes;
3. Discuss concepts of groundwater residence times and how these impact on the sustainable management of water resources;
4. Explain the role of groundwater in maintaining river flows and sustaining ecosystems;
5. Indicate the main threats to groundwater, including pollution, pumping, and climate or land use change and also be able to identify management and mitigation strategies.
6. Interpret and integrate hydrological data.

Examination (2 hours): 40%

Assessed practical work: 35%

Individual or group presentations/group work: 15%

Field trip assessment: 10%

• Two hours of lectures and one 3-hour practical per week
• One 1-day fieldtrip on a weekend during semester

See also Unit timetable information

Earth science

Environmental science

Geographical science