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Course Description

Prereq: Geol 211, Math 125

The main objective of the course is to develop an understanding of the basics of fluid properties, fluid mechanics and fluid flow in saturated and unsaturated porous media. We will focus on groundwater flow in aquifers on local and regional scales, learn about well hydraulics, and field characterization techniques. However, once you are confident in your understanding of the essence of fluid flow in geologic materials you will be able to appreciate the importance of groundwater in other geologic situations such as in landslides, glaciology, basin scale sedimentary deposits, accretionary prisms, geothermal processes, earthquakes, and ore deposits among others. Moreover, the mathematical and physical foundations of fluid flow that I discuss in this course will aid in your understanding of heat flow and petroleum migration.

Topics:

• Properties of Aquifers
• Principles of Groundwater Flow
• Soil Moisture and Groundwater Recharge
• Groundwater Flow to Wells
• Regional Groundwater Flow
• Geology of Groundwater Occurrence
• Field Methods
• Groundwater Models