Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Groundwater Resources

• Importance of groundwater in water supply and livelihoods

• Groundwater occurrence in different geological settings

• The hydrological cycle and groundwater balance

• Groundwater challenges: depletion, contamination, over-abstraction

• Case study: Groundwater reliance in semi-arid regions

Module 2: Principles of Hydrogeology

• Aquifer types: confined, unconfined, perched, artesian

• Aquifer properties: porosity, permeability, transmissivity, storativity

• Darcy’s Law and groundwater flow principles

• Recharge, discharge, and groundwater-surface water interactions

• Exercise: Flow net drawing for aquifer analysis

Module 3: Groundwater Exploration Methods

• Geological mapping for groundwater prospecting

• Remote sensing and GIS for groundwater targeting

• Surface hydrogeological surveys

• Site selection for exploration drilling

• Practical: Mapping potential groundwater zones using GIS

Module 4: Geophysical Techniques in Groundwater Exploration

• Electrical resistivity methods (VES, profiling)

• Electromagnetic and seismic methods

• Borehole logging and interpretation

• Integration of geophysical and geological data

• Hands-on exercise: Interpreting resistivity curves for aquifer identification

Module 5: Groundwater Drilling and Well Construction

• Drilling methods: rotary, percussion, down-the-hole hammer

• Well design: casing, screens, gravel pack, sanitary seals

• Well development techniques

• Pumping tests for aquifer characterization

• Site exercise: Designing a well log and construction plan

Module 6: Aquifer Assessment and Pumping Test Analysis

• Constant rate and step-drawdown pumping tests

• Estimation of transmissivity and storativity

• Aquifer boundaries and radius of influence

• Data interpretation using Theis and Cooper-Jacob methods

• Practical: Analyzing pumping test data sets

Module 7: Groundwater Quality Assessment

• Physical, chemical, and biological parameters of groundwater

• Standards and guidelines (WHO, national)

• Contaminants: fluoride, arsenic, nitrates, salinity

• Sampling procedures and laboratory analysis

• Exercise: Interpreting water quality data for potability

Module 8: Groundwater Monitoring and Data Management

• Monitoring networks: design and implementation

• Measuring groundwater levels and flows

• Remote monitoring technologies (loggers, telemetry)

• Data storage, analysis, and visualization

• Practical: Developing a groundwater monitoring plan

Module 9: Groundwater Modeling and Sustainable Management

• Introduction to groundwater models (conceptual and numerical)

• Basics of MODFLOW for groundwater simulations

• Scenario analysis for abstraction, recharge, and climate change impacts

• Policy and institutional frameworks for groundwater governance

• Case study: Sustainable yield estimation in a stressed aquifer

Module 10: Field Applications, Case Studies, and Wrap-Up

• Field visit: Groundwater exploration/drilling site or pumping test demonstration

• Case studies of successful groundwater management projects

• Group work: Develop a groundwater management strategy for a sample catchment

• Presentation of project outputs and peer feedback

• Course review, evaluation, and certification