Groundwater Exploration and Management with Laboratory

The course provides theorical knowledge and practical skills in the field of hydrogeology. The course spans from the exploration and management of groundwater resources to their movement in the subsurface. During the course a variety of methods and techniques will be introduced regarding the quantitative assessment of groundwater resources, the hydrodynamic properties of aquifers, aquitards and aquicludes and the surface water - groundwater interaction. At the end of the course, the participant will learn how to link site-specific geological features to physical laws controlling groundwater flow. Advanced cutting-edge will be also presented, such as managed aquifer recharge (MAR), impact of climate change on groundwater or hydrogeological mathematical and artificial intelligence (AI) -based models.

During the course, problems are proposed and solved about the hydrogeological parameterization of the subsurface, the optimal and sustainable use of water resources. This will be assisted using computer software. In real-life applications, theoretical aspects must be readily linked to the multiple case studies, with varying complexity and data availability.

When solving problems, applications must be carried out at increasing speed and in cost-effective times. Initially, group work will foster skills development, such as communication skills, collaborative skills, critical thinking skills. Eventually, the participants will develop individual skills.

Practical problems, including project development, and discussion with the other participants and the instructor during the lessons enable developing oral and practical skills applied to groundwater resources.

At the end of the course, participants shall adopt a hydrogeological technical language and connect the different quantitative aspects covered in the course in relation to groundwater resources. The goal is to provide a correct interpretation of each individual and/or new hydrogeological topic and set the basis to become proficient independent hydrogeologists.