Hydrogeology

Timetable

Hydrogeology is all about understanding where our groundwater comes from, how it moves, and how we protect it - pretty important when so much of the world depends on it for drinking water. If you’re curious about real-world environmental problems but don’t want to drown in complicated theory, this course breaks things down in a clear, manageable way that makes the science click!

Location: Collegium Geographicum building (Krygowskiego 10 Street, i.e. the main building of the Faculty of Geography)
Prefered timetable: 4 hours of classes in a row or 2 hours 2x a week (may change at students' request) 

Please contact filip.wolny@amu.edu.pl if necessary.

Module aim (aims)

(1) familiarizing students with basic terms in hydrogeology

(2) introducing the physical processes governing groundwater flow

(3) explaining basic characteristics of aquifers and other water-bearing media

(4) developing basic mapping and modelling skills to track groundwater movement

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Basic knowledge of geography (the course is designed so that even students without a background in geology can easily understand and engage with the material)

Syllabus

Week 1:

Class 1 (2hrs): Introduction, properties of water bearing media, aquifers

Class 2 (2hrs): Designing and interpreting hydrogeologic cross-sections

Week 2

Class 3 (2hrs): Designing and interpreting maps of the water table

Class 4 (2hrs): Designing and interpreting maps of the water table - continuation

Week 3

Class 5 (2hrs): Sieve analysis- estimating the hydraulic conductivity of a porous material

Class 6 (2hrs): Permeameter- measuring the hydraulic conductivity in laboratory conditions

Week 4

Class 7 (2hrs): Principles of groundwater flow, hydraulic head, hydraulic head gradient

Class 8 (2hrs): Estimating water flow velocity and water flow rates within an aquifer

Week 5

Class 9 (2hrs): Groundwater chemistry

Class 10 (2hrs): Presentation of results of groundwater chemistry

Week 6

Class 11 (2hrs): Field methods used in hydrogeology

Class 12  (2hrs): Interpreting field piezometric tests (eg. slug tests)

Week 7

Class 13 (2hrs): Water supply, problems related to groundwater protection

Class 14 (2hrs): Assessment of groundwater resources

Week 8 Assessment

Reading list

Fetter C.W. (2001): Applied Hydrogeology. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.