Applied Geology to protection and sustainable development of territory

The assessment of groundwater pumping is based on the preliminary determination of conceptual model of the aquifer, calculated from the hydrogeological survey of the field, supplemented by appropriate analysis of pumping test. Formulation and development of the conceptual model. Construction of water wells. Elements of technical drilling in the different rock types. elements needed for the water well plan. Depth and diameter of the wells. Assistance to drilling and hydrogeological documentation. Size filters. Development of the well. Pump types and their characteristics. Pump selection in relation to the well and aquifer characteristics. Planning of the well field. Preparing hydrogeological report to plan wells, execution of subsequent pumping tests and operation of wells. Effectiveness and efficiency of a well field. Concept of minimum vital flow. Intercepting of springs water: from the analysis of the depletion curve to the intake works. Planning and construction of piezometers: their use, monitoring networks, instruments for continuous monitoring and/or remote. Predict and control systems. Techniques for measuring the hydrodynamic parameters in the hole: slug-tests and similar tests. Parameterization and regionalization of hydrogeological variables: methods for data interpolation. Data representativeness according to the scale and multiscale approach. Groundwater monitoring techniques: planning and construction of piezometers, monitoring piezometers networks, multilevel piezometers. Use of tracers: natural and artificial tracers, isotope tracers. Outlines on the use of environmental isotopes to assess the underground hydrodynamics. Aquifer pollution vulnerability. Vulnerability assessment methods such as DRASTIC and SINTACS. Legislation for the protection of the water resources and drinking purposes: zone of absolute protection and respect. Concept of dynamic security and limited effectiveness. Causes and types of pollution. Spread of pollution. Type and mode of transport of pollutants in not saturated media and aquifer. Self-purification of the aquifer. The role of hydrogeological studies for the remediation of the polluted sites: legislation, field activities, data representation and interaction with other professionals.

Basic concept on quantitative hydrogeology, Darcy Law, aquifer classification, Regional hydrogeology background, pumping tests, Theis theory, fluid dynamics of dissolved and NAPL compounds

R. Sethi, A. Di Molfetta (2019), Groundwater Engineering, Springer

Attendance to lectures and field trip is recommended but not mandatory

Exam requires a written report related to a groundwater well project (or different withdrawal works). During the oral talk, contents of the report will be discussed, coupled with questions on theoretical and practical issues described during the lectures.

Lectures offer detailed information on drilling project aimed at withdrawal of groundwater. Groundwater monitoring techniques and strategies are explained, with main tools for optimization and protection of groundwater resources. Technical field trips (2) are aimed at visiting sites for withdrawal and use of groundwater.