Hydrogeology and Environmental Geochemistry (2500218) – Course 2025/26 PDF
Syllabus
Learning Objectives
Groundwater, its origin, its movement on the ground, its physical-chemical interaction with soils and rocks as well as its social, economic and environmental value are studied. The flow of water in a porous medium, the mechanics of aquifers and the hydraulics of catchments are quantitatively studied. Piezometry, water balance and recharge. Chemical processes and reactions in soils and rocks. Interaction with surface waters (rivers, wetlands). Interaction with the sea and oceans. Interaction with the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Effects of natural or anthropic chemical processes on the environment. Relationship between groundwater and the environment. Sustainable management of aquifers, corrective measures and artificial recharge. 1. To know the physical and hydraulic properties of the porous medium and the theory of Flow in a porous medium, to study the mechanics of aquifers, the piezometric networks and water balance, recharge and flow in the unsaturated zone and the dynamics of coastal aquifers. 2. Know the foundations of hydrogeochemistry, biological processes and chemical reactions in the porous medium. Artificial recharge concepts and sustainability, effective tensions and subsidence. Hydrogeology and Environmental Geochemistry. The subsurface water cycle will be analyzed. From the physical and hydraulic properties of the porous medium, it will be possible raise the mechanics of aquifers and piezometric networks. Fundamentals of hydrogeochemistry, biological processes and chemical reactions in the porous medium.
Competencies
Especific
Recognize the biological bases and foundations of the plant and animal field in engineering: notions of genetics, biochemistry and metabolism, physiology, organisms and environment, population dynamics, flows of matter and energy and changes in ecosystems, biodiversity, principles of the kinetics of microbial growth and reactor theory.
Obtain basic knowledge about the use and programming of computers, operating systems, databases and basic numerical calculation and applied to engineering.
Apply the fundamental concepts of statistics and randomness of physical, social and economic phenomena, as well as uncertainty and decision-making techniques.
Enhance the capacity of spatial vision and identify the techniques of graphic representation, topography, photogrammetry, cartography, remote sensing and Geographic Information systems.
Describe and apply the techniques of analysis of physical, chemical and biological parameters; Integrate the experimental evidence found in field and / or laboratory data with the theoretical knowledge and interpret its results.
Formulate the principles of fluid mechanics and the fundamentals of continuous medium mechanics.
Identify the concepts and technical aspects linked to the conduit systems, both in pressure and in free sheet and apply them to the water supply transport networks; pumping systems; unit networks; separative networks; Avenues prevention systems in urban areas and analysis of tools for the recovery of altered river and coastal spaces.
Describe the processes linked to the water cycle: atmospheric circulation and rain formation; rain transformation into runoff; and apply them to surface and underground hydrology associated with avenues risk, surface water pollution, aquifer management and groundwater pollution.
Generic
Identify, formulate and solve problems related to environmental engineering.
Apply the functions of consulting, analysis, design, calculation, project, construction, maintenance, conservation and exploitation of any action in the territory in the field of environmental engineering.
To use in any action in the territory proven methods and accredited technologies, in order to achieve the greatest efficiency respect for the environment and the protection of the safety and health of workers and users.
Total hours of student work
| Hours | Percentage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supervised Learning | Large group | 42h | 70.00 % | |
| Medium group | 12h | 20.00 % | ||
| Laboratory classes | 6h | 10.00 % | ||
| Self Study | 90h | |||
Teaching Methodology
The course consists of 2 hours per week of classroom activity (large size group) and 2 hours weekly with half the students (medium size group). Support material in the form of a detailed teaching plan is provided using the virtual campus ATENEA: content, program of learning and assessment activities conducted and literature. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.
Grading Rules
The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.
The qualification of the subject will be made from two exams, partial (hydrogeology part) and final (geochemical part). The final mark will be obtained by the arithmetic mean of these two exams. The reevaluation will consist of a single exam. In case of passing it, a final grade of 5 will be given in the subject. In case of not passing, the final grade will be the highest between this reassessment exam and the midterm and final average.
Test Rules
All students who have taken partial and final exams will be allowed to attend the re-evaluation exam.
Bibliography
Basic
- Custodio, E.; Llamas, M.R. (eds.). Hidrología subterránea. 2a ed. corr. Barcelona: Omega, 2001. ISBN 8428204462.