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Groundwater II
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:55:13
Abstract
The course is based on the course 'Groundwater I' and is a prerequisite for a deeper understanding of groundwater flow and contaminant transport problems with a strong emphasis on numerical modeling.
Objective
The course should enable students to understand advanced concepts of groundwater flow and transport and to apply groundwater flow and transport modelling. the student should be able to a) formulate practical flow and contaminant transport problems. b) solve steady-state and transient flow and transport problems in 2 and 3 spatial dimensions using numerical codes based on the finite difference method and the finite element methods. c) solve simple inverse flow problems for parameter estimation given measurements. d) assess simple multiphase flow problems. e) assess spatial variability of parameters and use of stochastic techniques in this task. f) assess simple coupled reactive transport problems.
Content
Introduction and basic flow and contaminant transport equation. Numerical solution of the 3D flow equation using the finite difference method. Numerical solution to the flow equation using the finite element equation Numerical solution to the transport equation using the finite difference method. Alternative methods for transport modeling like method of characteristics and the random walk method. Two-phase flow and Unsaturated flow problems. Spatial variability of parameters and its geostatistical representation -geostatistics and stochastic modelling. Reactive transport modelling.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Handouts
Literature
- Anderson, M. and W. Woessner, Applied Groundwater Modeling, Elsevier Science & Technology Books, 448 p., 2002 - J. Bear and A. Cheng, Modeling Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport, Springer, 2010 - Appelo, C.A.J. and D. Postma, Geochemistry, Groundwater and Pollution, Second Edition, Taylor & Francis, 2005 - Rubin, Y., Applied Stochastic Hydrology, Oxford University Press, 2003 - Chiang und Kinzelbach, 3-D Groundwater Modeling with PMWIN. Springer, 2001.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Groundwater II
Vorlesung: Mi 14-16
Übungen: Mi 16-18
|
|
4 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich and the universities of Zürich and Bern.)
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Elective Modules (For all majors.)
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EM: Groundwater (Elective Module for Majors "Environmental Technologies", "River and Hydraulic Engineering" and "Urban Water Management".)
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MAS in Sustainable Water Resources (The Master of Advanced Studies in Sustainable Water Resources is a 12 month full time postgraduate diploma programme. The focus of the programme is on issues of sustainability and water resources in Latin America, with special attention given to the impacts of development and climate change on water resources. The programme combines multidisciplinary coursework with high level research. Sample research topics include: water quality, water quantity, water for agriculture, water for the environment, adaptation to climate change, and integrated water resource management. Language: English. Credit hours: 66 ECTS. For further information please visit: )