Hydrogeology

Objective:

The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of groundwater and its interactions with the rest of the hydrological cycle, and with environmental and geological processes. In addition, student should be able use subsurface data and models to quantify groundwater flow.

Content:

The course first introduces the fundamentals of groundwater occurrence and flow in the subsurface, including the equations that govern groundwater flow. This part also covers the role of geology and rock properties. The second part of the course focuses on the driving forces of groundwater flow in the shallow and deep subsurface and the transport of solutes and heat. The last part covers examples of different groundwater systems in Norway and globally. The course includes exercises that combine the analysis of subsurface data and groundwater models to quantify groundwater processes.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, the student will:

Knowledge

• Understand the principles of groundwater flow in the subsurface, including the transport of heat and solutes.
• Comprehend the interactions between groundwater and the broader hydrological cycle, as well as its role in environmental and geological processes.

Skills

• Be able to perform calculations to quantify groundwater flow and transport processes
• Be able to develop and evaluate simple numerical groundwater flow models using Python and integrate subsurface data.
• Be able to critically assess scientific literature and model studies related to groundwater flow

General competence

• Have enhanced proficiency in constructing computer models of geoscientific processes
• Have enhanced skills in utilizing geoscientific data to test hypotheses and evaluate models