Geology 229 - Hydrology and Hydrogeology: Hydrological Cycle, Surface, and Groundwater Movement

This course will introduce students to water science where we investigate the hydrological cycle, water distribution on the earth's surface and subsurface at the continental and catchments scale. We will study atmospheric processes such as precipitation, evapotranspiration, and surface runoff to understand how it affects the quantity and quality of potable water availability. Students will learn and practice introductory level groundwater calculations which are mathematical equations that describe the flow and storage of water. This introduction to hydrology and hydrogeology contains a laboratory component which will be conducted both indoors and outdoors during the semester. Laboratory experiments will reflect the topics and equations discussed during lecture periods. There will be at least one class local field trip to show students hydrologically significant locations in our area. Some labs will be held at MHC's Environmental Monitoring Program sampling sites on campus where students will learn to use instruments that are commonly used in this field of study.