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Learn the Basics of Groundwater - Level 1
Highest Rated
Rating: 4.9 out of 5(62 ratings)
716 students
Last updated 1/2025
English

What you'll learn

  • Understand the Basics of Groundwater
  • Describe the Hydrologic Cycle
  • Identify Components of Drainage Basins
  • Analyze Regional Groundwater Balance
  • Explore Groundwater Geology
  • Differentiate Types of Aquifers
  • Classify Aquifer Systems
  • Explain Porosity in Groundwater
  • Evaluate Hydraulic Properties of Earth Materials
  • Understand Hydraulic Head and Storage Coefficient
  • Learn about hydraulic head, groundwater storage, and aquifer-specific storage capacities.
  • Apply Darcy’s Law and Hydraulic Conductivity Concepts
  • Analyze groundwater flow rates, transmissivity
  • Hydraulic Conductivity in Anisotropy and Heterogeneity
  • Examine the Unsaturated Zone – Define the unsaturated zone, infiltration, recharge,
  • Analyze the Saturated Zone
  • Learn the Fundamentals of Groundwater Modeling

Course content

5 sections13 lectures1h 29m total length
  • Introduction to Groundwater6:03

    1. Definition of Groundwater

    Why is groundwater so important?

    Groundwater and the World’s Available Fresh Water

    2. Groundwater and the Hydrologic Cycle

    • Atmosphere

    • Ocean

    • Land

    • Groundwater

    • Rivers and Lakes

    • Cryosphere (Ice)

  • Quiz: Introduction to Groundwater
  • Drainage basins2:50
    • Drainage Basins definition

    • Diagram of a drainage basin system:

    • Inputs

      1.Precipitation

    • Outputs

      1.Evaporation

      2.Transpiration

      3.Evapotranspiration

      4.River discharge

    • Water Storage

  • Quiz: Drainage Basins
  • Regional Groundwater Balance11:11
    • Definition of Regional Groundwater Balance

    • General GW Balance Equation

    • Definition of Groundwater Balance Terms

      1. Over Land Flow

      2. Inter Flow

      3. Base Flow

      4. Groundwater Inflow & Out flow

      5. Leakage

      6. Natural Replenishment (Precipitation)

      7. Return flow 8. Artificial Recharge

      9. In flow from streams & Lakes

      10.Spring Discharge:

      11. Perched spring

      12. Evapotranspiration:

      13. Pumpage and drainage

  • Quiz: Regional Groundwater Balance

Requirements

  • Basic Knowledge Requirements: Fundamentals of Earth Science
  • Introductory Hydrology
  • Basic Mathematics & Physics – Understanding of algebra, unit conversions, and basic physics principles related to fluid movement.

Description

Groundwater is one of the most valuable natural resources, providing fresh water for drinking, agriculture, and industry. This course, Learn the Basics of Groundwater - Level 1, introduces you to the fundamentals of groundwater hydrology, aquifers, and water movement through subsurface environments. Whether you are a student, researcher, or environmental professional, this course will provide a strong foundation in understanding how groundwater functions within the hydrologic cycle.

You will start by exploring the definition of groundwater, its role in the Earth's hydrologic cycle, and its relationship with surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. We will also discuss drainage basins, water storage, and the factors influencing groundwater recharge and discharge.

Next, we will cover aquifer types, including confined, unconfined, and perched aquifers, along with their significance in water storage and movement. You will also learn about porosity, permeability, and hydraulic conductivity, which are crucial in determining how water flows through different geological formations.

Additionally, the course introduces basic groundwater modeling techniques such as MODFLOW, helping you understand how groundwater systems are analyzed and managed. By the end of this course, you will gain valuable knowledge to apply in environmental sciences, hydrogeology, and water resource management.

No prior experience is needed—just a curiosity about groundwater and its essential role in our world!

Who this course is for:

  • University students studying geology, environmental science, hydrology, or civil engineering.
  • Professionals working in water resources, environmental consulting, or hydrology.
  • Anyone interested in understanding groundwater systems and their applications.