Hydrogeology, also called geohydrology, is the science that studies groundwater: its occurrence, flow, quality and interaction with the subsurface. The subsurface here consists of soil layers and rock.
What it studies
Hydrogeology investigates, among other things:
- Water-bearing layers (aquifers)
- Confining or poorly permeable layers
- The hydraulic head
- The permeability of the ground
Application
In construction, hydrogeology is important for:
- Designing the dewatering of excavation pits
- The choice of foundation
- The watertightness of basements
- The groundwater level and water nuisance
Related terms
- Groundwater level
- Aquifer
- Dewatering
- Geotechnics
- Soil investigation
- Phreatic surface
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