Course Objectives

The course will provide experience in visual representations of the Norwegian geological landscape, including rock formations and sediments. The students will become familiar with 3-dimensional modelling of sediments, and will be trained in reconstructing how the sediments are created. Subsequently, they will gain insight into the characteristics of ground water in rock formations and sediments and how geo-resources may be used for groundwater studies and the purification of runoff. They will learn to calculate runoff rates and will be introduced to mathematical modelling of groundwater. An understanding of groundwater temperatures will be used to explain how temperature differences can be exploited through the use of heat pumps. The students will be familiarised with the geological causes for earth and rockslides. They will be introduced to groundwater pollution and how it may be treated. Through practice, field and laboratory exercises, the students will gain experience in handling groundwater and geo-resources.

Course Description

These topics will be addressed:

Visual characteristics of the Norwegian geological landscape

3-dimensional modelling of sediments

Reconstruction of geological events

Groundwater reserves in rocks and sediments

Groundwater flow

Introduction to mathematical modelling of groundwater

Groundwater temperatures and heat pumps

The geological causes of earth and rockslides

Introduction to groundwater pollution

The treatment of groundwater pollution

Learning Methods

46 hours of instruction with alternating lectures, exercises and group work. 10-day field course.

Assessment Methods

The final grade will be based on two examinations: a semester project which counts for 30%, and a 4-hour, individual, written final examination which counts for 70% of the final grade. The semester project is a group activity. Each group of will consist of around 4 students. Both examinations must receive passing marks.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean