Time Schedule:
J. Michael Brown
ESS 454
Seattle Campus
Covers the analysis of groundwater flow systems, geologic controls, and hydrologic properties; basics of chemistry and solute transport in groundwater; and the use of numerical models. Considers local examples and groundwater resource management. Prerequisite: ESS 311; recommended: ESS 310.
Class description
Hydrogeology encompases the relationship between geologic materials and the process of water movement within the Earth. Water within the matrix of rocks and soil has a volume some 70 times greater than all water in streams, rivers and lakes. This groundwater is an extraodinarily precious societal resource that is increasingly at risk as a result of exploitation and contamination.
ESS 454 (Hydrogeology) provides an introduction to the important principals and practices associated with an understanding of groundwater and its utilization. This is a three credit (three lectures a week) course. The content has significant quantitative and conceptual components that are best learned through weekly homework sets and weekly 15 minute quizes (which substitute for a midterm). Students will fully utilize fundamental supporting math and science (calculus, physics, chemistry) in meeting the learning goals of this course.
ESS 454 is recommended for students in the Environmental Option of the BS in Earth and Space Sciences.
Student learning goals
Analysis of groundwater flow systems
Characterization of hydrologic properties of geologic materials
Geologic controls on groundwater flow
Basics of groundwater chemistry and solute transport
Use of numerical models
Issues in groundwater resource management
General method of instruction
Three lectures a week
Recommended preparation
ESS students taking Hydrogeology should have completed ESS 311. Non-ESS majors should discuss their background with the instructor.
Class assignments and grading
Weekly homework sets
35% homework 35% quizes 30% final
