Hydrogeology and Groundwater Assessment
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
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.
Expected learning outcomes
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.
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.
Lesson period: First semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
During the course, fundamentals of hydrogeology will be taught, including:
· Hydrogeological exploration and characterization of the subsurface. Concepts of aquifers, aquitards and aquicludes.
· Dynamics and mechanics of groundwater flow in porous and fractured media.
· Hydrogeological parameters of the subsurface. Estimation of hydraulic conductivity and other parameters. Scale dependency and mapping methods (e.g. geostatistics)
· Hydrogeological boundary conditions, surface water - groundwater interaction, aquifer recharge and soil infiltration.
· Piezometric mapping and flow nets.
· Design, development and construction of water wells, including methods for pumping test interpretation (Theis, Hantush, Neuman)
Depending on the course development, complementary topics will be addressed, including
· Unsaturated (vadose) zone hydrology. Distribution of water in unsaturated media. Matrix potential of soil. Relationship between water content, matrix potential and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Capillary-driven and preferential flows. Tensiometers, infiltrometers and other measuring methods.
· Groundwater flow in fractured rocks. Hydraulic parameters, including fracture aperture and density. Law of flow, conceptual models and upscaling methods (e.g., equivalent porous media, dual continuum, discrete fracture network).
· Karst and flow in karstified aquifers.
· Environmental tracers and use of isotopes for groundwater applications.
· Springs. Classification, methods for hydrograph analysis, dynamic storage, engineering methods for spring water collection.
· Other topics (es. regulation, geothermal heat pumps, subsidence, pit dewatering).
To support the quantitative interpretation of the processes and mechanisms of flow dynamics in the subsurface, simple mathematical models (e.g. MODFLOW) will be used, exclusively based on open-source software.
· Hydrogeological exploration and characterization of the subsurface. Concepts of aquifers, aquitards and aquicludes.
· Dynamics and mechanics of groundwater flow in porous and fractured media.
· Hydrogeological parameters of the subsurface. Estimation of hydraulic conductivity and other parameters. Scale dependency and mapping methods (e.g. geostatistics)
· Hydrogeological boundary conditions, surface water - groundwater interaction, aquifer recharge and soil infiltration.
· Piezometric mapping and flow nets.
· Design, development and construction of water wells, including methods for pumping test interpretation (Theis, Hantush, Neuman)
Depending on the course development, complementary topics will be addressed, including
· Unsaturated (vadose) zone hydrology. Distribution of water in unsaturated media. Matrix potential of soil. Relationship between water content, matrix potential and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Capillary-driven and preferential flows. Tensiometers, infiltrometers and other measuring methods.
· Groundwater flow in fractured rocks. Hydraulic parameters, including fracture aperture and density. Law of flow, conceptual models and upscaling methods (e.g., equivalent porous media, dual continuum, discrete fracture network).
· Karst and flow in karstified aquifers.
· Environmental tracers and use of isotopes for groundwater applications.
· Springs. Classification, methods for hydrograph analysis, dynamic storage, engineering methods for spring water collection.
· Other topics (es. regulation, geothermal heat pumps, subsidence, pit dewatering).
To support the quantitative interpretation of the processes and mechanisms of flow dynamics in the subsurface, simple mathematical models (e.g. MODFLOW) will be used, exclusively based on open-source software.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic concepts of hydrogeology, as covered in bachelor courses, are recommended but not mandatory for taking the course.
Teaching methods
Regular written and computer-based exercises will reinforce the theoretical concepts covered in the course.
Teaching Resources
Handouts provided by the instructor. Other material, including books, websites or links to video tutorials will be mentioned during the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final evaluation consists of a written test to assess the knowledge acquired during the course. Students must also submit a practice booklet, following the instructions provided during the course.
GEO/05 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Pedretti Daniele
Professor(s)