Summer 2016 - EASC 603 G100
Field Techniques in Hydrogeology (3)
Class Number: 4056
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Location: TBA
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Instructor:
Diana Allen
dallen@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
Undergraduate courses in physical and chemical hydrogeology (or equivalent) and consent of the department.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
This course is intended to complement the theoretical aspects of physical hydrogeology and aqueous geochemistry covered at an undergraduate (or early MSc) level by providing students with hands-on experience using hydrogeological equipment (data loggers, pumps, chemical sampling equipment), implementing sampling and testing protocols, and observing state-of-the-art monitoring and geophysical tools. The course entails preparatory research and data interpretation on the hydrogeology of the Fraser delta (including surficial geology, regional geochemistry and geophysical characteristics), a week at a hydrogeology field site on the Fraser River delta (early May), the extensive analysis and interpretation of data gathered during the field session complemented with regional data acquired during preliminary investigations, the development of a large-scale simulation model of the groundwater flow system at the site, and the completion of a comprehensive hydrogeological report. The course normally runs for about three weeks following spring session final examinations. Note: This course has limited enrollment.
COURSE DETAILS:
General:
Field Methods in Hydrogeology is intended to complement the theoretical aspects of hydrogeology (physical and chemical) by providing students with hands-on experience using hydrogeological equipment (data loggers, pumps, chemical sampling equipment), implementing sampling and testing protocols, and using state-of-the-art monitoring and geophysical tools.
The course entails 1) a pre-field session assignment involving background research and data interpretation on the hydrogeology of the Fraser Delta (including surficial geology, regional geochemistry and geophysical characteristics); 2) five days at various field sites in the Metro Vancouver area at which students collect hydrogeological and hydrochemical data, and 3) extensive analysis and interpretation of data gathered during the field session complemented with regional data acquired during preliminary investigations, and the completion of a detailed hydrogeological report. This inter-university field school is also attended by students from the University of British Columbia. The course normally runs for about three weeks following Spring Session Final Examinations.
Course Topics:
1. Regional Hydrogeology of the Fraser Delta
2. An Introduction to Field Techniques
3. Flow System Characterization
4. Water Quality Sampling
5. Hydraulic Response Tests
6. Infiltration Measurement Techniques
7. Geophysical Techniques
8. Sampling Procedures for Westbay Multiport System
Course Organization:
- 2 lectures/lab sessions (pre-field):
*April 15th (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm). An introduction to the course, distribution of the pre-field assignment.
*April 28th (day prior to field school) from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.
- A 5-day field session April 29th to May 3rd (Friday to Tuesday)
- A 4 week period following field school to analyze data and write the final report. Reports are to be handed in by noon on May 30th, 2016.
Grading
- 1. Field Report 80%%
- 2. Participation 20%%
NOTES:
Notes: The field sites are situated around the Metro Vancouver area. Students will have to make their own way to and from the field sites on a daily basis. All sites are accessible by public transportation or we will try to arrange car pooling.
Be aware that during the field trip there will be periods of hiking and heavy lifting of equipment. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn. Further details regarding safety will be discussed prior to the field trip.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Detailed course notes and readings will be provided prior to the field session. Students should bring a waterproof field notebook, a calculator, ruler and a USB key for data storage. Appropriate field clothing should be worn. We will be outside all day, rain or shine.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Applied Hydrogeology 4th Edition. Fetter, C.W. 2001. Prentice Hall 598pp.
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site contains information on what is meant by academic dishonesty and where you can find resources to help with your studies. There is also a section on tutoring.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS