Syllabus (GEOLOGY)

Course Type: MAJ-5

Semester: 4

Course Code: BGELMAJ05T

Course Title: Hydrogeology

(L-P-Tu): 5-0-1

Credit: 6

Practical/Theory: Theory

Course Objective: The main objectivity of the course module is to have an accrued knowledge regarding exploration of ground water as a resource.

Learning Outcome: Students will learn about different types of aquifers, how ground water exploration happens and geological aspects of groundwater.

Theory:

Unit I: Introduction and basic concepts

1. Scope of hydrogeology and its societal relevance. Global and Indian distribution of water resource.

2. Hydrologic cycle: Precipitation, evapo-transpiration, run-off, infiltration and groundwater flow. Basic concept of hydrographs Origin of groundwater, Vertical distribution of subsurface water, Genetic classification of groundwater.

3. Classification of rocks with respect to water bearing characteristics, geomorphic and geologic controls of groundwater, Types of aquifer– unconfined, confined and semi confined. Water table and piezometric surface.

4. Rock properties affecting groundwater: Porosity, void ratio, specific retention and Storage coefficient - specific yield, specific storage and storativity, Anisotropy and heterogeneity of aquifers

Unit II: Groundwater flow

1. Darcy's law and its validity; Reynold’s Number. Groundwater velocity.

2. Intrinsic permeability and hydraulic conductivity, Transmissivity, Measurement of hydraulic conductivity in laboratory – Constant Head Permeameter and Falling (Variable) Head Permeameter. Water Table and Piezometric surface contour maps and Groundwater flow direction, Laminar and turbulent groundwater flow, Ghyben-Herzberg Principle and sea water intrusion in coastal aquifers.

Unit III: Groundwater chemistry

1. Physical, chemical and bacteriological properties of water and water quality

2. Elementary concept on groundwater pollution: Arsenic and Fluoride

Unit IV: Groundwater management

1. Surface and subsurface water interaction. Recharge and discharge areas. Groundwater level fluctuations. Effects of Climate Change on groundwater.

2. Basic concepts of water balance studies.

Reading References:

• Todd, D. K. 2006. Groundwater hydrology, 2nd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, N.Y.

• Davis, S. N. and De Weist, R.J.M. 1966. Hydrogeology, John Wiley & Sons Inc., N.Y.

• Karanth K.R., 1987, Groundwater: Assessment, Development and management, Tata McGraw- Hill Pub. Co. Ltd.

• Raghunath H, M. 2007, Groundwater, 3rd Ed. New Age International Publishers, New Delhi