Groundwater Geology


This will be offered Fall 2013 on T (7 and 8th period) and Th (7th period). 

This class is recommended for those who want a quantitative approach to groundwater geology.  This background is valuable if you are considering a career in water resource work or plan to conduct research in geologic processes that are impacted by fluid flow. The basic principles of fluid flow are also very helpful in oil and gas careers.

Undergraduate students: If you prefer a more conceptual/less quantitative approach, I highly recommend you consider GLY 3882 Hydrogeology and Human Affairs, which is offered in spring semesters.

Graduate students: If you have previously taken a course that covered groundwater and you would like to get more in-depth understanding of groundwater and hands-on experience with groundwater numerical modeling, please consider GLY 6826, Hydrogeologic Modeling which is offered Fall 2013 (and generally every 2 years).
Questions?

Course Objectives
•    Provide an overview of the basic concepts of groundwater flow and its relationship to the hydrologic cycle
•    Emphasize the interrelationship of geology and groundwater flow, with case studies.
•    Introduce Florida hydrogeology basics and current groundwater issues
•    Develop problem solving ability and apply concepts through in-class and homework exercises.

Class Format: Prior to each class, you will complete a background reading from the text and work through some short answer questions and calculations. The objectives of the background reading and problems are so that the class period can focus on the more difficult concepts and on applications during in-class assignments. Three in-class exams will test your knowledge of the material and ability to apply the concepts.

Textbook: Fundamentals of Groundwater  (Schwartz and Zhang). Reading from the text prior to class is required. You should plan to have the text by 9/3 (it may be helpful before that date, but not vital). To my knowledge there is only one edition of the text and no CDs for the class, so used versions are OK.

Topics Covered:
    Groundwater and the Hydrologic Cycle
    Groundwater Flow: Darcy's Law
    Groundwater Flow Equations
    Potentiometric Surface Maps
    Flow to Wells
    Florida Hydrogeology
    Geology and Groundwater
    Field Methods in Hydrogeology
    Regional Groundwater Flow
    Groundwater Recharge and Discharge
    Solute transport and contamination

Background:
•    You’ll need a basic understanding of introductory geology (e.g., types of rocks, geologic processes).
•    The class will be quantitative. Being comfortable with partial differential equations will help your understanding of class material; however, most assignments require more basic math skills (e.g., re-arranging and solving algebraic equations).


Grading (1000 total points):
•    3 exams: 400 pts (Exam 1 and 2 @ 140 pts and Exam 3 @ 120 pts). The three exams are based on material presented in the readings, classes, and assignements.  Exams will be part calculations and part short essay.
•    Pre-class quizzes: 20 @ 10 pts each. Quizzes will be online prior to each class and will be based on the reading as well as review of the previous class. Most questions will be short essay or calculations. At least 22 quizzes will be given and the best 20 will count toward your grade.
•    Assignments:  20@20 points each.  There will be daily assignments that we will generally either start or finish during class time. Assignments may include calculations, experiments, short essays, presentations, or reports. At least 22 assignments will be given, and the best 20 will count toward your grade.

A: 900 points and above, A- 867 to 899 pts, B+: 834 to 866 points, B: 800 to 833 points, B- 767 to 799 points; C+: 734 to 766 points,  C: 700 to 733 points, C-: 667 to 699 points, D+: 634 to 666 points. D 600 to 633 points; D- 567 to 599 points E 566 and below Grade criteria are firm.