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Groundwater Modelling

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
56
Overall hours
SSD
GEO/05
Language
English
Learning objectives
The course provides an overview on the principles of groundwater modeling using numerical tools. The overall goal of the course is to reach a sufficient degree of knowledge to be able to (1) translate a real-life hydrogeological problem into a conceptual model first and (2) to know how to solve it numerically. At the end of the course, the student will be able to perform independently simple groundwater simulations and to understand how to recognize a well-built model from an incorrect one. The course involves the installation of the software Processing Modflow and MODELMUSE, freely downloadable from Internet, which can be installed on individual laptops or workstations and usable even after the end of the course.
Expected learning outcomes
The participant will learn (1) why models are needed in groundwater management, (2) what a numerical model is and what a software contains behind the graphical user interface, (3) how a real-life hydrogeological problem can be conceptualized and approximated by a numerical model, and (4) how to solve for the problem using standard numerical codes (MODFLOW, MODPATH, MT3D). The practices provide examples from applications from Italian and international case studies, with real-life (i.e. not idealized) datasets. The participants will be ready to apply these concepts in practical applications beyond the academia. Typical problems associated with the usually-difficult step "from theory to practice" are analyzed and discussed.

Lesson period: Second semester

Lessons timetable

Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi

Exams calendar

Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Take a single course
Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Pedretti Daniele
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Theoretical lessons:
· Basic concepts of hydrogeology
· Use of numerical models
· Types of modeling approaches
· Fundamental concepts for flow simulations
· Fundamental concepts for solute transport simulations
· How to add geochemical reactions in groundwater models
· How to deal with uncertainty
· Applications

Tutorials:
· Explore the interface of the reference code and build the first numerical model and analysis of input and output files
· Evaluation of model parameterization and boundary conditions
· Comparison between numerically simulated results and analytical solutions
· Add wells and springs
· Simulations of solute transport
· Geochemical reactions
· Analysis of case studies from real sites
Prerequisites for admission
Having actively followed a course in general hydrogeology, such as "Exploration and Management of Water Resources and Laboratory" (F97), is a requirement. Other recommended courses are Applied Geology (F65), Technical Geology (F97), Quality of Water Resources and Reclamation (F97) .
Teaching methods
The course involves theoretical lessons and practice. In the latter, the concepts learned are applied through the simulation of real and synthetic hydrogeological setups. Open-source software is used and the participant independently solves the assigned problem.
Teaching Resources
Handouts provided by the instructors. Suggested readings: Anderson and Woesner (1992) or the more recent Anderson et al (2015).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Verification of learning involves the delivery of the exercise book and a written exam.
GEO/05 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor: Pedretti Daniele
Professor(s)