Module 6: Groundwater Hydrology

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Module 6: Groundwater Hydrology

Overview

In this two-part module, we will focus on the occurrence and movement of groundwater. Key topics will include an overview of aquifer types and nomenclature, and the physical properties and processes that govern the storage, transport, rate of flow, and budgets of water in these systems. In addition, we will examine some examples of large-scale aquifer systems in the U.S., including those underlying the Valley & Ridge province and in the semi-arid American West. The module has two parts and is designed as a two-week course. The first section (Module 6.1) focuses on aquifers and their properties, with a series of case studies that outline the geometry and geology of highly-used regional aquifers. The second section (Module 6.2) focuses on the dynamics of aquifers, including the driving forces for water movement, flow rates, flow to pumping wells, and water budgets.