EAE3022 · Hydrogeology

Overview

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.

Areas of study: Earth science Environmental science Geographical science

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

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.

Workload

Total 144 hours over 12 weeks, which includes: • One 2-hour workshop; • One 3-hour workshop per week and • One 1-hour lecture per week • One 1-day field trip on a weekend during the semester • Additional self-directed learning activities

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.