Hydrogeology

Theory of groundwater occurrence and flow in rocks and soils, types of aquifers, theory of pumping tests and calculation of hydraulic parameters, water chemistry and quality criteria, relation between geology and water chemistry, groundwater contamination (inorganic and organic), spreading mechanisms and countermeasures, surveillance methods including sampling procedures, design of wells and protection zones, production wells alternatives, microbiological contamination, subsidence problems, groundwater for heating and cooling, management and regulations.

Ingress: The course will give the student applied knowledge about methods for groundwater investigations in soils and bedrock, as well as chemical evolvement and characterization.

Competence: After completing the course, the student should

• be able to contribute to solving engineering problems,
• be able to deepen knowledge and skills acquired in the study and use them in a practical context
• reflect on how professional competence can be applied in collaboration with colleagues

Knowledge and skills: After completing the course, the student should have knowledge of::

• Groundwater in rock and soils.
• Characteristic hydrogeological parameters and methods for determination of these.
• The main principles for groundwater flow.
• Chemical evolvement (alteration) and characterization.
• Dimensioning of groundwater wells and zones of protection.
• Alternative methods for extraction.
• Simple principles for water treatment.
• Risk of settlement due to groundwater lowering
• Knowledge of Norwegian management and legislation of groundwater.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• Evaluate the underground's potential for extraction of groundwater.
• Calculate necessary hydrological parameters for extraction of groundwater by use of test methods in the field.
• Sampling and characterization of groundwater chemical composition.
• Evaluate the danger for contamination.
• Simple dimensioning of water works (extraction wells) based on desired water supply.
• Evaluate and suggest methods for protection.

Lectures, obligatory exercises and obligatory excursion (1 day). Field work may be scheduled for a weekend. The course is evaluated by a reference group.