Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
09:49
Visualizing Hyporheic Flow Through Bedforms Using Dye Experiments and Simulation
Published on: November 18, 2015
12.7K
Teaching Aquitard Concepts With Field-Based High-Resolution Head Profile Learning Activities.
Jessica R Meyer1, Stephanie Tassier-Surine2, Bradley Cramer1
1School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Ground Water
|December 15, 2025
Summary
This study introduces classroom and field activities to teach the importance of aquitards, which are crucial for hydrogeologic processes. High-resolution head profiles help students understand and delineate these low-permeability layers.
Area of Science:
- Hydrogeology
- Environmental Science
- Geoscience Education
Background:
- Aquitards are essential components of groundwater systems, influencing flow and contaminant transport.
- Introductory hydrogeology curricula often lack sufficient focus on aquitard characterization.
- Effective teaching of aquitard hydrogeology requires hands-on activities and detailed data analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide educators with practical classroom and field activities focused on aquitards.
- To enhance student understanding of aquitard function and delineation using high-resolution head profiles.
- To highlight the limitations of conventional well data for characterizing aquitards.
Main Methods:
- Classroom activity involving conceptual head profile sketching based on hydrogeologic scenarios.
- Field exercise using multilevel systems (CMT) to measure high-resolution head profiles.
- Comparison of high-resolution head profiles with data from conventional monitoring wells.
Main Results:
- Students can visualize the relationship between vertical gradients and hydraulic conductivity.
- High-resolution head profiles offer superior detail for aquitard delineation compared to conventional wells.
- Field exercises provide practical experience in interpreting hydrogeologic data and understanding measurement uncertainty.
Conclusions:
- Integrating aquitard-focused activities improves hydrogeology education.
- High-resolution head profiling is a valuable technique for characterizing aquitards.
- Enhanced understanding of aquitards is vital for addressing water resource and waste disposal challenges.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Methods of Obtaining Topography
260
Topography involves measuring and mapping land elevations, natural features, and artificial structures to create accurate representations of the terrain. Topographic surveying relies on traditional and modern methods, each with distinct advantages and limitations.Traditional Surveying Methods:Transit stadia surveys and plane table surveys were widely used traditional surveying methods. These techniques relied on instruments like theodolites and stadia rods for measuring distances and angles,...
260
01:26Profile Leveling and Cross Sections
1.5K
Profile leveling and cross-sections are surveying methods used to determine and document terrain elevations for infrastructure projects such as highways, railroads, canals, and pipelines. These methods provide data for earthwork planning and alignment of proposed routes. Profile leveling involves measuring elevations along a fixed line to create a vertical terrain profile. A surveyor sets up a leveling instrument at the benchmark (BM) and records a backsight (BS) to determine the...
1.5K
01:26Introduction and Methods of Leveling
431
Leveling is a surveying procedure used to determine elevation differences between distant points. Elevation refers to the vertical distance above or below a reference datum, typically mean sea level (MSL). In the United States, elevations are often referenced to the mean sea level station at Father Point Rimouski along the St. Lawrence Seaway. To make the datum accessible, permanent markers are established throughout the region. These markers, called benchmarks, have known elevations. If the...
431