Introduction to Hydrogeology : Unesco-IHE Delft Lecture Note Series

doi:10.1201/9780367805845

Book

ABSTRACT

Providing an introduction to the crucially important topic of groundwater, this text covers all major fields of hydrogeology and includes outlines of the occurrence of groundwater in various rock types, the movement and storage of groundwater, the formulation of groundwater balances, the development of groundwater chemistry, as well as the practical application of hydrogeology for groundwater development. Following a unique systems approach to describe and connect its various elements, the text also explores a large selection of examples of groundwater cases from various parts of the world. In addition, theoretical sections and examples are illustrated with a number of drawings, photos and computer printouts. Suitable for education in hydrogeology at postgraduate and graduate level, the text is also a useful reference tool for professionals and decision-makers involved in water or water-related activities. In the revised paperback edition of Introduction to Hydrogeology (February 2006), suggestions of reviewers, students and collaegues have been taken into account. This means that more attention is paid to the processes in the unsaturated zone, especially those relating to groundwater recharge. Also, in the revised edition, the investigation methods are highlighted in the sections where the related theory is dealt with, and they are not presented in the last chapter on groundwater management. Chapter titles are re-named and some definitions are adjusted. The References and Bibliography section is also extended, some figures are improved, and the unevitable ‘typing errors’ are corrected as well.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD VII

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 General background 1

1.1.1 The scope of the science 1

1.1.2 The application of hydrogeology 2

1.1.3 Historical background of the science 5

1.1.4 History of groundwater use 8

1.2 Hydrological systems 10

1.2.1 Earth and water 10

1.2.2 Water at land surface 15

1.2.3 Surface water systems 21

1.2.4 The unsaturated zone 24

1.2.5 Groundwater systems 29

2 ROCKS AND GROUNDWATER 39

2.1 Basic concepts 39

2.1.1 Physical properties of water and rock 39

2.1.2 Groundwater system terminology 46

2.2 Formation of groundwater systems 52

2.2.1 Groundwater systems in metamorphic and intrusive rock 52

2.2.2 Development of aquifers in volcanic rock 56

2.2.3 Aquifer formation in consolidated sediments 59

2.2.4 Unconsolidated sediments and groundwater systems 66

2.3 Groundwater exploration methods 70

2.3.1 Methods at land surface 70

2.3.2 Subsurface investigation methods 76

3 GROUNDWATER MOVEMENT 79

3.1 Principles of groundwater flow 79

3.1.1 Groundwater flow in unconsolidated rock 79

3.1.2 Groundwater flow in consolidated rock 93

3.2 Flow in groundwater systems 97

3.2.1 Basic concepts 97

3.2.2 Regional groundwater flow 101

3.2.3 Local groundwater flow 122

3.2.4 Pumping test methodology 127

3.3 The flow systems concept 129

3.3.1 Formation of flow systems 129

3.3.2 Flow computations 132

4 WATER BALANCES 135

4.1 Groundwater balance concepts 135

4.1.1 The general idea 135

4.1.2 Practical application of groundwater balances 140

4.2 Groundwater balance estimation methods 142

4.2.1 Basic conc