Hydrogeology corresponds to a branch of geology that deals with the movement and distribution of groundwater in rocks and soils on the earth’s surface.
Another suitable definition is that hydrogeology is the branch of geology that deals with groundwater and surface water, its movement, behavior and quality.
As water is the most important natural resource for humanity, it is very significant to know its distribution and movement in order to protect this resource.
Hydrogeologists use geologic maps, subsurface and subsurface water samples to get a complete picture of water flow beneath the Earth’s crust.
Therefore, the hydrogeology it is a nascent field for engineers who find this concept attractive enough to have important engineering applications.
Everything you need to know about hydrogeology
Importance of hydrogeology
Although many parts of the world have abundant sources of water and adequate rainfall, there are still places where the only source is groundwater.
In such places, hydrogeologists are required to trace appropriate reserves and assess the amount of water that can be withdrawn without causing any damage to groundwater aquifers or ecosystems.
By knowing the movement of groundwater, hydrogeologists can also predict the dangers of contamination and ways to protect these resources.
Without the knowledge of the hydrogeology, there is no way to predict the state of water sources.
Therefore, the hydrogeology It is a very important aspect in the protection of the most necessary natural resource.
Connection between hydrogeology and engineering
The first relationship of hydrogeology with other fields it is with the basic sciences such as physics, chemistry and mathematics.
Skills in these fields are mandatory to understand the hydrogeology.
Other necessary fields for a hydrogeologist are geology, meteorology and hydrology.
However, it is difficult for a scientist to master all these aspects, so engineers and scientists often collaborate together in all these fields.
Given that the hydrogeology plays an important role in the designs made by engineers, the hydrogeology and engineering fields are also related to each other.
A hydrogeologist provides details of the water resources available underground, tables for groundwater, and other things engineers need to know to design irrigation schemes, water supplies, flood protection work, etc.
Applications
the science of hydrogeology It is applicable in different fields of engineering, the most important being agricultural and civil engineering.
There is a wide range of contexts in which the hydrogeology is used, which includes groundwater resources and quality assessment, well design, construction and operation, contamination, contaminated soil, and groundwater remediation.
It is also used in environmental impact assessments associated with groundwater, oil and gas extraction, mining and quarrying, landfills, heating from underground sources, geothermal energy, and construction sites.
The hydrogeology useful for understanding and mitigating natural hazards (such as groundwater flooding).