Groundwater Hydrology: The Fundamentals

Course Description

Welcome to "Groundwater Hydrology: The Fundamentals," an advanced-level engineering course offered by PurdueX. This comprehensive course delves into the fascinating world of groundwater, a crucial yet often overlooked freshwater resource that lies beneath our feet. As we face increasing global water challenges, understanding groundwater dynamics becomes more important than ever.

In this course, you'll embark on a journey through the underground water cycle, exploring the vast reservoirs that sustain life on Earth. You'll gain insights into the properties and classification of aquifers, master the principles of Darcy's law, and learn to apply groundwater flow equations to real-world scenarios. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to analyze, model, and manage groundwater resources effectively.

What Students Will Learn

• Comprehensive understanding of the global and local water balance
• Ability to quantify groundwater recharge using hydrograph analysis
• Identification and classification of underground waters and aquifer types
• Application of Darcy's law to groundwater flow problems
• Derivation and application of groundwater flow equations
• Modeling techniques for groundwater systems using finite difference methods
• Practical problem-solving skills for real-world groundwater challenges

Prerequisites

While there are no specific prerequisites listed for this course, students should have:

• A strong foundation in mathematics, particularly calculus and differential equations
• Basic knowledge of physics, especially fluid mechanics
• Familiarity with Excel or similar spreadsheet software for data analysis and modeling
• An understanding of basic geological concepts
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Course Coverage

• The global water cycle and groundwater's role in it
• Aquifer types, properties, and classification
• Porosity, storativity, and other key hydrological concepts
• Darcy's law: empirical and theoretical foundations
• Groundwater flow equations for confined and unconfined aquifers
• Recharge and discharge processes in aquifers
• Modeling techniques using finite difference methods
• Practical applications in groundwater management and engineering

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Environmental engineers and hydrologists seeking to specialize in groundwater
• Geologists and earth scientists interested in water resources
• Civil engineers working on water supply and management projects
• Environmental consultants dealing with groundwater contamination issues
• Water resource managers and policymakers
• Graduate students in related fields looking to enhance their knowledge
• Professionals in the agricultural sector dealing with irrigation and water management

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course have numerous practical applications:

• Designing sustainable groundwater extraction systems
• Assessing and managing aquifer recharge
• Developing water resource management plans for cities and regions
• Mitigating groundwater contamination and planning remediation efforts
• Optimizing irrigation systems for agriculture
• Conducting environmental impact assessments for construction projects
• Advising on policy decisions related to water resource allocation
• Modeling the effects of climate change on groundwater resources

This course offers a solid foundation in groundwater hydrology, preparing you for advanced studies and real-world challenges in water resource management. Join us to unlock the secrets of Earth's hidden water and contribute to sustainable water solutions for the future!