CEG8511 : Groundwater Assessment
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Dr Brian Thomas
- Lecturer: Professor Neil Gray
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
The aim of the module is to:-
Introduce principles of groundwater systems analysis.
Provide a robust, practical introduction to techniques used to assess the quantity of groundwater resources.
Introduce methods of presenting and interpreting natural groundwater quality data in the context of ground water resource assessment.
The Groundwater Assessment module provides students 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 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.
Outline Of Syllabus
Introduction to groundwater systems and groundwater resource evaluation
Hydrostratigraphy
Hydrogeological mapping
Aquifer boundaries and groundwater-surface water interactions
Stream depletion
Desk studies and preliminary reconnaissance
Introduction to drilling and determination of aquifer properties by test-pumping
Groundwater recharge assessment
Natural inorganic hydrogeochemistry, presentation and interpretation of data
Groundwater sampling & monitoring strategies
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Coursework preperation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 6:00 | 6:00 | Computer practical (PiP)and/or OS)) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lecture videos and slides for independent learning |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 3:00 | 12:00 | Structured online tutorial workshops. (PiP and/or OS)) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Introduction to module (PiP) |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
In order to provide the correct blend of theoretical background and hands-on experience as envisaged in the learning outcomes, the module is designed to be run as an intensive one-week block course made up of lectures and practicals. The substantial private study element will be necessary to complete the more demanding practical exercises and to consolidate all aspects of learning.
Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances. Student's should consult with their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 100 | Report on case study (8 Pages max) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
This module covers practical application of specific techniques, and the development of ability to bring these together into integrated assessments of groundwater resource potential. A formal exam will ensure that a range of basic knowledge and skills can be tested. The coursework assessment is designed to bring different components together and to develop and test the students' ability to assess a broad range of information.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG8511's Timetable