When we talk about hydrogeology We are referring to the science that studies the origin and formation of groundwater, its reservoir forms, diffusion, regime, different movements, and water reserves, among other things. This scientific discipline is also known as groundwater hydrology. It is one of the most complex branches within geology.
In this article, we'll discuss everything that hydrogeology entails, its areas of focus, and its importance.
What is hydrogeology
It is a science that is focused on seeing the origin and formation of different groundwater. Groundwater They are a source of drinking water that can supply the demand of agriculture, industry, livestock and human consumptionThis science seeks to identify the reservoir forms necessary for groundwater accumulations in an adequate volume. It also studies the diffusion of this water's movement, its reserves, and its interaction with the rocks and soil where it is found.
One of the most important areas of hydrogeology analysis is the study of the physical and chemical properties of water. This is how the conditions for its use, regulation and evacuation are determined. Determining whether groundwater can serve as a supply is quite complex. Therefore, hydrogeology is a rather complex branch of science.
Little history of hydrogeology
The evolution of societies and the development of technology has led to an increase in the use of groundwater. This is because they are volumes of water that need the ability to observe interpretation in order to find water that is useful. The need to have easily accessible water caused humans to develop technology to capture water from springs and develop different methods of construction of wells and galleries to extract water.
From there, is when in 1836 modern hydrogeology is established as a scienceThere is no such thing as a university degree for hydrogeology. However, many university programs offer in-depth study of hydrogeology as a specialization. These programs include geological sciences, mining engineering, forestry engineering, and environmental sciences. There are also many other professionals who, based on their work experience, can self-identify as hydrogeologists. This is because many of the degrees study some of the scientific aspects that make up the entire field of hydrogeology.
Hydrogeology specialists
On the one hand, we have biologists who are primarily involved in the study of soil and microbial contamination. Another type of professional is the pharmacist. These specialists are primarily responsible for water analysis and the various methodologies used to determine water quality. On the other hand, physicists are responsible for the application of geophysics will make hydrogeology.
In this way, a hydrogeologist can handle diverse knowledge of structural geology, the stratigraphy, photogeology, geological cartography, etc. It is also important that they can know and develop some aspects that directly affect the quality of groundwater, such as climatology, hydrography, analytical chemistry, advanced mathematics, and hydraulics.
The hydrogeologist must be familiar with all the important aspects of geology and be able to defend himself well against the different drilling and construction methods, as well as economics and legislation. In addition, knowledge of the isostasy and subsidence are relevant in this field.
The knowledge of the specific hydrogeologist about the lithological medium is something fundamental to take into account. For example, hydrogeology in rocks that are unconsolidated, karstified, or fractured can be studied with various specific methodologies and with other tools that have been developed uniquely for each of them.
However, it is important to have your own title as an expert in hydrogeology to optimize the quality of the work.
What work does a hydrogeologist do
To know what work a hydrogeologist does, you have to know what the word heterogeneity is. It is a multidisciplinary specialization that tries to diagnose the different properties that water can have and the interaction with the environment where it is found. The main people who are dedicated to being hydrogeologists usually have Personal qualities developed and are related to caring for the environment.
The main career niche for hydrogeologists is in public administration and private companies. Those who are usually placed in public administration or in autonomous organizations such as the IGME can do so at the state or regional level. Those who are placed in private companies are part of the staff of large consulting or consulting firms. They can also work for consultants as a freelance professional. All this depends on the need for more local reporting and studies.
It should be noted that hydrogeologists are essential for studying the potential impacts on groundwater caused by human activity. Therefore, they must have a more conservative approach and analytical skills to understand the various impacts on the environment. This means they must be able to evaluate both point and diffuse contaminants that can be directly or indirectly affecting the aquifer in question, whether controlled or uncontrolled.
Impacts to water
On the other hand, it must also consider the impact that various human activities such as civil works, mining, fracking, among others, can have on groundwater. Due to all this mentioned, the work of a hydrogeologist involves carrying out hydrogeological studies that are oriented to establish whether or not there is any type of effect on the groundwater of an aquifer and find a way to correct or mitigate its effects.
All these jobs are generally requested by the administration and by clients who are companies and individuals who need them to start or continue their activity. The preparation of these hydrogeological reports has information on the discharges from various facilities such as livestock, industries of all kinds, treatment plants, landfills, etc.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what hydrogeology is and what is the role of the hydrogeologist.
Currently the university career where more hydrogeology is taught is GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
I wish there were more hydrogeologists and fewer petroleum geologists. I do not want to say that the latter are less important, but the study and care of groundwater during the last decades is going to be of great importance for the development of societies.