EASC3782 Contaminant and Tracer Hydrology

2020

4.5

1 x 2-hour lecture weekly
3 x 3-hour computer labs per semester
1 x 1-hour on-line exercises fortnightly

EASC9782 has been successfully completed

This topic assumes first-year University Earth Sciences and the understanding of groundwater hydrology gained from EASC3741 Physical Hydrogeology.

This topic offers the advanced knowledge required to investigate the complex dynamics of groundwater flow and issues relating to groundwater contamination. The topic is delivered in three parts: Part 1 Groundwater Contamination - which covers the key groundwater contamination sources and types as well as laboratory techniques and the fundamentals of groundwater investigation; Part 2 Transport - which covers the processes involved in the transport and spreading of pollutant plumes; Part 3 Application of Advanced Methods in Groundwater - which focusses on the use of a variety of techniques to quantify groundwater flow and understand hydrologic systems.

The educational aim of this topic is to instil in students knowledge and an appreciation of the issues relating to groundwater contamination, and the quantification of groundwater flow utilising advanced techniques.

At the completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Describe and define processes involved in pollutant transport
2. Have an advanced understanding of current groundwater issues and the technologies employed to deal with them
3. Understand and apply theoretical groundwater concepts to problems involving the groundwater contamination problems at a high level
4. Demonstrate high level problem solving, critical thinking and reasoning abilities in relation to groundwater problems