BEE 4710 - Introduction to Groundwater

(crosslisted) EAS 4710
(CU-SBY)

Spring. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: hydrology, geology or fluid mechanics course. Co-meets with BEE 6710.

P. Fulton, T. Steenhuis.

Fresh water has become a limited resource in many parts of the world. In arid and semi-arid regions, groundwater levels are declining at unstainable levels. In several industrial areas, groundwater is contaminated and unsuitable as potable water. Sustainability and pollution of groundwater will be addressed in this course by first understanding the theory of saturated and unsaturated flow and contaminant transport under ideal conditions. Subsequently, we learn to simplify groundwater systems in complex subsurface environments to obtain practical solutions. At the end of the course, the learned material will be put in a broader context as they are affected by natural or human actions. Throughout the course, guest speakers will discuss topics of current interest related to water. This elective course is intended for seniors interested in subsurface water and solute transport applications to sustainable groundwater use and prevention of pollution. Well-prepared juniors are welcome too.