This course is of interest to students in science, environment, engineering, law and other disciplines because of the importance of groundwater as a resource and to our environment. The course will include the study of hydrologic balance, hydraulic properties of rocks and regolith, the theory and practice of groundwater flow in porous and fractured media, and the geochemistry of groundwater. Emphasis will be on the quantification of groundwater flow (distribution, velocity and flux of groundwater), its impact on surface water quality and the processes that affect groundwater geochemistry. There will be example applications for water resources, environmental impact, industrial/commercial development, mining and mineral exploration.

Laboratory: The practical component will include interpreting groundwater physical and chemical data, mapping groundwater flow, calculating the rates and volumes of groundwater flow, measurement and interpretation of groundwater geochemistry. One or more field trips to local sites in the ACT and NSW may be held. There will be an independent project requiring independent study, a short seminar presentation and a written report.

Honours Pathway Option

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. make qualitative and quantitative predictions of where, how fast and how much water will move in soils, sediments, regolith and rocks at or near the surface of the Earth
2. discuss some of the geochemical, physical and biological controls on how groundwater composition changes during various physical and geochemical processes such as evaporation, water-rock interaction and fluid mixing
3. discuss some of aspects of groundwater in different geological environments and the present day problems related to Australian water resources e.g., salinity, groundwater quality, groundwater-surface water interaction
4. critically evaluate technical reports and journal articles
5. synthesise key concepts in groundwater hydrology and/or hydrogeochemistry to understand water resources

Assessment will be based on:

• Seven practical assignments to develop qualitative and quantitative skills in groundwater hydrology and hydrogeochemistry (35%, LO 1-3)
• Independent project seminar and written report (~3000 words) to critically evaluate literature, demonstrate research skills and discuss groundwater flow and/or hydrogeochemistry (30%, LO 2-5)
• Final exam to test understanding of hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry concepts, both individual and combined (35%, LO 1-3)

A maximum of 26 hours of lectures, plus up to 30 hours as a combination of practical exercises and field trip, plus up to 65 hours of independent study

Fetter, C.W. (2001) Applied Hydrogeology, 4th edition. Prentice Hall.

Freeze, R.A. and Cherry, J.A. (1979) Groundwater. Prentice Hall.