Groundwater Field Station for Geoscience Students

Abstract

Many undergraduate geography courses lack field exercises. Applying scientific principles to field problems is paramount to understanding physical phenomena such as groundwater. However, undergraduate physical geography courses do not routinely use groundwater field stations. To facilitate field-based exercises, I implemented a low-cost well field for a hydrogeology course at the University of North Texas. Students use the station to collect and interpret data from wells. They study spatial hydraulic head measurements to comprehend groundwater flow, a physical process that operates near the Earth's surface. Hands-on activities help students understand how to construct and use wells. The field module is a valuable addition to the course and is an effective way to meld groundwater theory and practice.