Exercise 1

Although the terms ‘groundwater system’ and ‘aquifer’ or ‘aquifer system’ are not synonymous, you may perceive them to have significant overlap, in practice. What do they have in common, and what are the differences in your opinion? Can you give examples of cases where the term ‘groundwater system’ applies, but ‘aquifer’ or ‘aquifer system’ does not? Can you give examples of cases where the term ‘aquifer’ is appropriate, but the term ‘groundwater system’ is not appropriate?

Back to where the text links to Exercise 1

Click for solution to Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Look at the aquifer definitions in Table 1. Which one of these definitions is closest to your interpretation of the term, or to the interpretation that prevails in groundwater agencies in your country or area?

Back to where the text links to Exercise 2

Click for solution to Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Explain the relation between groundwater age and factors such as groundwater flow pattern, groundwater flow intensity and groundwater depth. Why are high groundwater ages more likely to occur in large aquifer systems than in smaller ones?

Back to where the text links to Exercise 3

Click for solution to Exercise 3

Exercise 4

Identify at least two aquifers in your country, preferably very different ones. Prepare a table summarizing information or lumped attributes, in terms of geology, lithology, hydraulic properties, hydraulic state (unconfined/semi-confined/confined), groundwater mineralization level (fresh/brackish/saline), rate of groundwater abstraction as well as the rate of recharge, discharge and change of the amount of water stored. Which differences between these aquifers do you consider most relevant to groundwater development and management?

Back to where the text links to Exercise 4

Click for solution to Exercise 4