Newcastle University

Groundwater Assessment

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This course provides participants with the background, understanding, and techniques to assess groundwater resources using a wide variety of information. Basic principles start from the point of geological mapping, which is re-interpreted using hydrostratigraphic classification to help to define hydrogeological units. Approaches used to develop these into evaluations of groundwater resource potential include field and desk reconnaissance, and analysis of surface geophysics. Understanding of recharge rates is developed through application of various methods, and methods of determining physical aquifer properties using borehole information are introduced. A brief introduction to methods of presenting natural groundwater chemistry provides the basis for its use within an integrated approach to resource evaluation.

The course:

• explains the principles of ground water systems analysis;
• provides a robust, practical introduction to the main analysis techniques used to assess the quantity of ground water resources;
• introduces methods of presenting and interpreting natural groundwater quality data in the context of ground water resource assessment.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, delegates will have an:

• understanding of recharge and discharge from groundwater systems, including interactions with surface water;
• understanding of the basis for methods of reconnaissance;
• awareness of key aspects of groundwater drilling and borehole assessment;
• understanding of key principles governing natural groundwater chemistry.

They will be able to:

• re-interpret geological information including surface geophysics, and interpret hydrogeological maps;
• use different methods to estimate groundwater recharge;
• interpret data on groundwater chemistry in the context of resource evaluation;
• analyse data from a range of sources and interpret it systematically;
• use scientific principles in the development of engineering and environmental solutions to practical problems in the water environment and water infrastructure operation;
• use practical methods based on scientific evidence in the solution of problems;
• combine these skills for groundwater resource assessment.

Course Outline

• Introduction to groundwater systems and groundwater resource evaluation
• Hydrostratigraphy
• Hydrogeological mapping
• Aquifer boundaries and groundwater-surface water interactions
• Desk studies and preliminary reconnaissance
• Surface geophysics
• Introduction to drilling and determination of aquifer properties by test-pumping
• Groundwater recharge assessment
• Natural inorganic hydrogeochemistry, presentation and interpretation of data
• Groundwater sampling and monitoring strategies
• Key principles of groundsource heat and geothermal energy

Presenters

School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

• Dr Geoff Parkin (Course Leader)
• Prof David Manning

Industry Professionals

• Prof Rick Brassington
  • Consultant Hydrogeologist
• Dr Sean Burke

Academic Professionals

• Prof Paul Younger
  • Rankine Chair of Engineering, Professor of Energy Engineering
  • University of Glasgow
    School of Engineering

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