1st Edition

Investigating Groundwater

By Ian Acworth Copyright 2019
    598 Pages
    by CRC Press

    598 Pages
    by CRC Press

    Investigating Groundwater provides an integrated approach to the challenges associated with locating groundwater. Uniquely, the book provides a review of the wide range of techniques that can be deployed to investigate this important resource. Many of the practical examples given are based upon Australian experience but the methods have worldwide applicability. The book is published in colour and includes many original diagrams and photographs. Particular effort has been made to provide consistent terminology and SI units are used throughout the text



    Investigating Groundwater starts with an introduction to the historical significance of groundwater and gives an account of climate change. A description of the occurrence of groundwater in different rock types is then provided. A detailed account of surface water techniques is then followed by an account of the interconnections between surface water and groundwater. Four chapters describing groundwater hydraulics are then followed by four chapters describing the latest geophysical techniques. Once the best location of a borehole is determined using these techniques; chapters then describe appropriate drilling methods to use; provide a wide ranging review of geophysical logging, hydrochemical and isotopic techniques, before concluding with a detailed description of groundwater flow to a well.



    Written for a worldwide audience of degree level geology/engineering practitioners, academics and students involved in groundwater resource investigation methods; Investigating Groundwater is essential reading for those involved in groundwater research.



    Key Features:







    • Presents the theoretical background and a detailed description of the techniques used in the investigation of groundwater.






    • Describes the general occurrence of groundwater in different rock types; surface water hydrology and interconnected surface and groundwater systems.






    • Provides detailed descriptions of geophysical techniques (seismic, electrical, gravity and heat) and an account of available geophysical logging methods.






    • Reviews hydrochemical and isotope methods, followed by an account of drilling techniques.






    • Gives a detailed account of radial flow to a well, including appropriate modelling and pump-testing techniques and a consideration of non-linear flow.






    • Of interest to anyone involved in the development of groundwater resources, either for domestic supply, for agriculture or for mining.


    1. Groundwater environment  2. Surface water and the atmosphere  3. Recharge, discharge and surface water groundwater connectivity  4. Physical properties of soil and the hydraulic head  5. Hydraulic conductivity and Darcy’s Law  6. Transport equations and steady-state flow  7. Aquifer storage and abstraction impacts  8. Geophysical investigation techniques: Seismic  9. Geophysical investigation techniques: Electrical  10. Geophysical investigation techniques: Gravity  11. Geophysical investigation techniques: Heat  12. Drilling and sampling techniques  13. Geophysical logging  14. Hydrochemistry and groundwater isotopes  15. Well hydraulics, radial flow modelling and single well tests.

    Biography

    Ian Acworth graduated with a degree in Earth Sciences from Leeds University in the UK and followed up with a Master’s in Hydrogeology and a PhD in Groundwater from Birmingham University. Ian has spent 45 years as a practicing hydrogeologist with 15 years as a consultant and the remainder at the University of New South Wales Australia, where he has taught and researched groundwater.
    Ian established the Connected Waters Initiative Research Centre at the University in 2006 and was a team leader in the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training. During his career he has maintained a major focus on the use of field techniques in the investigation of groundwater. He has held patents in the use of geophysical techniques applied to groundwater investigation and has published widely in the area with many well cited papers. Ian has been an active member of IAH and served on the IAH Council as a Vice President representing Australia and the Pacific for 8 years. He retired in 2015 but is still actively engaged in research at UNSW where is appointed as an Emeritus Professor. In 2015 he received the President’s award for contributions to Hydrogeology.