Hydrogeology or Hydrogeology is an area of geology that deals with the study of groundwater and itsrelationships with geological environments. It is a subdiscipline of geology which incorporates knowledge of geophysics, hydrology, geochemistry, and other sciences in order to understand and utilize natural groundwater resources. Hydrogeology is a highly interdisciplinary field which seeks to combine the knowledge of the various physical and chemical processes that control the movement of groundwater in the environment.
Hydrogeologists investigate the location and abundance of the groundwater resources and their potential for future development. The study of groundwater, its distribution, and movement, have important implications for society, from water supply and waste disposal to environment management and protection. The increasing importance of groundwater management, combined with greater public awareness, has necessitated that the hydrogeological environment be understood in a more detailed and scientific manner so that it can be evaluated and managed in a responsible manner.
Hydrogeological studies involve the analysis of often complex geologic materials including rocks and soils, with an emphasis on surface water suchas rivers and reservoirs, and underground water sources such as aquifers. Hydrogeological studies may also include the measurement of groundwater pressures, and the determination of natural flow systems, recharge and discharge paths, the properties of underground formations, surface geophysical investigations of geological strata, and the use of statistics and computer modeling techniques to simulate aquifer flow systems and their environmental consequences.
Another focus of hydrogeology is exploring mineral and energy resources and their respective impacts on the environment. The applicationof various hydrogeological techniques is used to assess the potential of extracting oil, gas and minerals from subsurface strata, whileprotecting the environment from contamination. Hydrogeologists also study the impact of humans on the groundwater resources, assessment of vulnerability to contamination and pollution, and the implementation of remedial measures.
Hydrogeology is a very important branch of applied geoscience which is used for engineering design, public policy and natural resource management. The work of hydrogeologists is used for assessing the availability, quality and quantity of water resources, for evaluating water supply potentials and for determining the necessary measures to protect groundwater from accidental or deliberate contamination. Hydrogeology is used to develop regulations and standards for groundwater development and management, to assess the potential for subsidence, to define the impacts of flooding events, and to protect and restore disturbed habitats. Because of its strong mix of science and engineering, hydrogeology has an important role in understanding environmental systems and the impact of Human activities on the environment.
