Universität Wien
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280028 VU Fundamentals of hydrogeology and environmental geochemistry (2025W)

8.00 ECTS (4.00 SWS), SPL 28 - Erdwissenschaften, Meteorologie-Geophysik und Astronomie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 45 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Hydrogeology section (Dr. Gerhard Schubert): October 1 to November 26, 2025
Environmental Geochemistry section (Dr. Ronny Boch): December 5, 2025 to January 30, 2026

  • Wednesday 01.10. 15:45 - 17:15 Hörsaal 1 2A120 1.OG UZA II Geo-Zentrum
  • Friday 03.10. 16:00 - 17:30 Eberhard Clar Saal Geologie 2B204 2.OG UZA II
  • Wednesday 08.10. 15:45 - 17:15 Hörsaal 1 2A120 1.OG UZA II Geo-Zentrum
  • Friday 10.10. 16:00 - 17:30 Eberhard Clar Saal Geologie 2B204 2.OG UZA II
  • Wednesday 15.10. 15:45 - 17:15 Hörsaal 1 2A120 1.OG UZA II Geo-Zentrum
  • Friday 17.10. 16:00 - 17:30 Eberhard Clar Saal Geologie 2B204 2.OG UZA II
  • Wednesday 22.10. 15:45 - 17:15 Hörsaal 1 2A120 1.OG UZA II Geo-Zentrum
  • Friday 24.10. 16:00 - 17:30 Eberhard Clar Saal Geologie 2B204 2.OG UZA II
  • Wednesday 29.10. 15:45 - 17:15 Hörsaal 1 2A120 1.OG UZA II Geo-Zentrum
  • Friday 31.10. 16:00 - 17:30 Eberhard Clar Saal Geologie 2B204 2.OG UZA II
  • Wednesday 05.11. 15:45 - 17:15 Hörsaal 1 2A120 1.OG UZA II Geo-Zentrum
  • Friday 07.11. 16:00 - 17:30 Eberhard Clar Saal Geologie 2B204 2.OG UZA II
  • Wednesday 12.11. 15:45 - 17:15 Hörsaal 1 2A120 1.OG UZA II Geo-Zentrum
  • Friday 14.11. 16:00 - 17:30 Eberhard Clar Saal Geologie 2B204 2.OG UZA II
  • Wednesday 19.11. 15:45 - 17:15 Hörsaal 1 2A120 1.OG UZA II Geo-Zentrum
  • Friday 21.11. 16:00 - 17:30 Eberhard Clar Saal Geologie 2B204 2.OG UZA II
  • Wednesday 26.11. 15:45 - 17:15 Hörsaal 1 2A120 1.OG UZA II Geo-Zentrum
  • Friday 28.11. 16:00 - 17:30 Eberhard Clar Saal Geologie 2B204 2.OG UZA II
  • Friday 05.12. 09:00 - 12:30 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Friday 12.12. 09:00 - 12:30 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Friday 19.12. 09:00 - 12:30 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Friday 09.01. 09:00 - 12:30 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Friday 16.01. 09:00 - 12:30 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Friday 16.01. 14:30 - 16:30 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Friday 23.01. 09:00 - 12:30 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II
  • Friday 30.01. 09:00 - 12:30 Friedrich Becke Seminarraum 2C315 3.OG UZA II

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The aim of the hydrogeological part of the course (October 1 to November 26) is to provide a broad introduction to the fundamentals of the interdisciplinary subject of hydrogeology. The course will not be limited to teaching theory, but will also allow students to try out what they have learned in a simple form. In particular, it should be noted that practical examples from regional studies, especially in Austria, will be provided, with reference also being made to regional geology.

The hydrogeological part will primarily address the following topics:
- What is hydrogeology?
- What is underground water/groundwater?
- Water cycle, water balance, groundwater recharge, groundwater discharge
- What is groundwater hydraulics?
- Groundwater residence time, hydroisotopes, tracers
- The influence of geology on the solute content of groundwater
- Field methods of hydrogeology
- The protection of groundwater and its development/use

The environmental geochemistry section (December 5, 2025 to January 30, 2026) covers the important fundamentals of essential physicochemical processes in the environment (e.g., material cycles, carbonate systems, water chemistry, problematic substances) and discusses them using practical examples (consulting, applied research). The lecture part is supplemented by specific exercises.

The following topics in environmental geochemistry are addressed (excerpt):
- Different spheres & cycles
- Atmosphere & element cycles
- Environmental parameters & environmental monitoring
- Carbonate-CO2 (im)balance
- Numerical modeling of aqueous solutions
- Sulfide oxidation, microbiology & organic matter
- Evaluation of internet sources & apps
- Subject-specific software
- Case studies from the fields of environmental compatibility, climate research, tunnel construction, landfills, geothermal energy, etc.

Assessment and permitted materials

Performance is assessed at the end of each course section (1. Hydrogeology, 2. Environmental Geochemistry) in the form of written tests comprising selected questions from the two sub-areas. Furthermore, the exercises (some during the course, some as homework) are part of the cumulative assessment.

Laptops and smartphones should be used as aids for the exercise part (e.g., use of subject-specific software and apps).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

In order to pass the course, the majority of the questions in the written test (score >50%) and the exercises must be answered correctly or adequately.

Examination topics

The essential content of the material presented will be examined with a focus on process understanding, subject-specific principles, and current issues (e.g., case studies from the teachers' experience and professional environment). The specialist literature listed below and communicated during the course should serve as additional sources (for reference and further study).

Reading list

- Appelo, C.A.J. & Postma, D.: Geochemistry, Groundwater and Pollution. A.A. Balkema Publishers, Amsterdam, 2. Auflage 2005, 634 S.
- Hites, R.A. & Raff, J.D.: Umweltchemie – Eine Einführung mit Aufgaben und Lösungen. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 1. Auflage 2017, 232 S.
- Hölting, B. & Coldewey, W.G.: Hydrogeologie. Einführung in die Allgemeine und Angewandte Hydrogeologie. Springer, 2013, 438 S.
- White, W.M.: Geochemistry. John Wiley & Sons, 2. Auflage 2020, 960 S.

Association in the course directory

BA-ERD-21

Last modified: Fr 09.01.2026 10:07