Mapping real world hydrogeology is not about mathematically infinite isotropic homogeneous layers, and making complicated numerical calculations while sitting behind your computer. In this course, you will learn how to map recharge and discharge areas, how to combine flow field, hydrochemical data, and isotopic data into one comprehensive hydrological systems analysis, and how to use various pieces of software, developed to assist you in your analysis. Challenging, and cutting edge, delivered to you via a series of lectures, workshops, and excursions.

Learning objectives

The content of this short course consists of two parts: 'Flow Systems Analysis' and 'Tracer Hydrology'.
Upon completion of this module, the participant has:
• background and application knowledge of the concepts of tracer hydrology, with emphasis on environmental isotopes;
• background and application knowledge of the concept of hydrochemical facies analysis;
• gained practical experience in independently using these methodologies to quantitatively assess properties of and processes and their interactions in hydrological flow systems;
• the ability to carry out comprehensive hydrological flow systems analyses in surface water and groundwater systems in different hydro-climatic regions and geological conditions.

Target group

This course is meant for hydrolo(geo)logists with a proper understanding of environmental chemical processes, geology and groundwater flow phenomena.

Additional information

The content of this short course consists of two parts: 'Flow Systems Analysis' and 'Tracer Hydrology'.

Flow Systems Analysis (Foppen)
Introduction: definitions, use of Systems Analysis in practice, examples;
Characteristics of the natural flow field: Toth’s description of Groundwater Flow Systems,
Hydrochemical Facies Analysis: Defining the facies and classification of water types, indexes and temperature, identification of groundwater origin, mapping and interpretation;
Spreadsheet exercises and introduction to HYCA software.
Tracer Hydrology (Uhlenbrook)
This course treats different methods to analyse and assess hydrological flow systems. Special attention will be given to hydro-chemical and tracer hydrological approaches to delineate flow systems and understanding flow patterns in the environment. The use of tracer techniques will illustrate the determination of flow pathways, residence times of the water, the hydraulic properties of flow systems and the mixing of different water compartments. The learning objectives will be achieved through class lectures explaining background and methodologies, practical application exercises, which are to be worked out as assignments, and group exercises.

Course materials

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Isotope Hydrology, CD-Rom, 2005
Foppen, J-W., Regional Hydrological Systems Analysis, Lecture notes, 2008.
Uhlenbrook, S., Tracer Hydrology, UNESCO-IHE, Lecture notes, 2006.

Additional reading

Kendall, C., McDonnell J.J., Isotopes in catchment hydrology, Elsevier, 1998.
Kaess, W., Tracing techniques in geohydrology, Balkema, 2001.
Hornberger, G.M., Raffensperger, J.P., Wiberg, P.L. and Eshleman, K.N., Elements of physical hydrology, Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1998.
Dingman, S.L., Physical hydrology, 2nd ed., Prentice-Hall, 2002.
Engelen, G.B. and F.H. Kloosterman, 1996. Hydrological systems analysis, methods and applications. Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1996.