The hydrological cycle; groundwater hydrology. Hydrological properties of rocks and soils. Flow in porous media: Darcy’s law. The hydrogeological budget. Acquifers and springs. Groundwater exploitation: wells. Introduction to groundwater and wells hydraulics.
Pranzini G. – Le acque sotterranee. Elementi di idrogeologia e casi di studio, Pitagora.
Civita M. – Idrogeologia Applicata ed Ambientale, CEA
Hiscock K. – Hydrogeology. Principles and Practice, Blackwell
Learning Objectives
The course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge of hydrogeology, in its fundamental theoretical and practical aspects. In addition, through examples of studies and applications, aims to introduce young people into the profession, according to the competencies of Bachelor Degree.
At the end of the course, the students will achieve the following skills: 1) to describe the hydrological cycle and realize a hydrological balance; 2) to use correctly the laws concerning the water circulation in porous media; 3) to differentiate the aquifer types; 4) to describe the operational phases of the groundwater exploitation.
Prerequisites
Principles of geology, sedimentology and engineering geology. Basic knowledge of maths and physics.
Teaching Methods
Lectures
Type of Assessment
Oral test
Course program
The hydrological cycle. The hydrological balance of a basin. Porosity and permeability. Hydrogeologic characteristics of the rocks. The dynamics of groundwater. Permeability: values and methods of measurement. Representation of aquifers. Reconstruction and interpretation of the piezometric surface. Karst aquifers. Springs: classification and study. The pollution of groundwater. The intrusion of sea water. Aquifers in Tuscany. Principles of groundwater exploitation.