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Tracer Hydrology and Flow Systems Analysis

In this course, participants will learn how to map recharge and discharge areas, how to combine flow field, hydrochemical data, and isotopic data into one comprehensive hydrological systems analysis.

Apply now for

2017

For whom?

This course is meant for hydrolo(geo)logists with a proper understanding of environmental chemical processes, geology and groundwater flow phenomena.

Dates, Fee, ECTS

Start: 06 March 2017
End: 24 March 2017
Deadline IHE application: 06 February 2017 - 23.59 (CET)
Course fee: € 2850

Learning objectives

Upon completion, the participant should be able to:

  1. apply knowledge of the concepts of tracer hydrology, with emphasis on environmental isotopes.
  2. apply knowledge of the concept of hydrochemical facies analysis.
  3. independently use these methodologies to quantitatively assess characteristics of hydrological flow systems.
  4. carry out comprehensive hydrological flow systems analyses in surface water and groundwater systems in different hydro-climatic regions and geological conditions.

Course content

The content of this short course consists of two parts: 'Flow Systems Analysis' and 'Tracer Hydrology'.

Flow Systems Analysis (Foppen)

  • Introduction: definitions, use of Systems Analysis in practice, examples;
  • Characteristics of the natural flow field: Toth’s description of Groundwater Flow Systems;
  • Hydrochemical Facies Analysis: Defining the facies and classification of water types, indexes and temperature, identification of groundwater origin, mapping and interpretation;
  • Spreadsheet exercises and introduction to HYCA software.


Tracer Hydrology (Uhlenbrook)

This course treats different methods to analyse and assess hydrological flow systems. Special attention will be given to hydro-chemical and tracer hydrological approaches to delineate flow systems and understanding flow patterns in the environment. The use of tracer techniques will illustrate the determination of flow pathways, residence times of the water, the hydraulic properties of flow systems and the mixing of different water compartments. The learning objectives will be achieved through class lectures explaining background and methodologies, practical application exercises, which are to be worked out as assignments, and group exercises.

Course materials

  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Isotope Hydrology, CD-Rom, 2005
  • Foppen, J-W., Regional Hydrological Systems Analysis, Lecture notes, 2008
  • Uhlenbrook, S., Tracer Hydrology, UNESCO-IHE, Lecture notes, 2006

Additional reading

  • Kendall, C., McDonnell J.J., Isotopes in catchment hydrology, Elsevier, 1998
  • Kaess, W., Tracing techniques in geohydrology, Balkema, 2001
  • Hornberger, G.M., Raffensperger, J.P., Wiberg, P.L. and Eshleman, K.N., Elements of physical hydrology, Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1998
  • Dingman, S.L., Physical hydrology, 2nd ed., Prentice-Hall, 2002
  • Engelen, G.B. and F.H. Kloosterman, 1996. Hydrological systems analysis, methods and applications. Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1996