CEG8511 : Ground Water Assessment
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Brian Thomas
- Lecturer: Professor Neil Gray, Prof. Rick Brassington
- 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:-
* Explain the principles of ground water systems analysis.
* Provide a robust, practical introduction to the main analysis techniques used to assess the quantity of ground water 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.
An introduction to thermogeology (ground source heat and deep geothermal energy) provides a grounding in theory and some practical applications of this rapidly developing subject area.
Outline Of Syllabus
- 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 & monitoring strategies
- Key principles of groundsource heat and geothermal energy.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Report on case study (coursework) |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | Computer practical (PiP) |
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 | 1 | 2:30 | 2:30 | Group tutorial workshops. Online Synchronous. |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | Structured online tutorial workshops. Online Synchronous. |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 24:30 | 24:30 | Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material. |
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
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
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