Field methods in hydrogeology

Every two years, the Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences holds its "Field Methods in Hydrogeology" course in mid-May.

And it seems like every two years, the students and instructor Bill Simpkins, associate professor of geological and atmospheric sciences, fight the weather.

And this year was no different as the weather during the course (held May 10-21) alternated between rain, chilly and warm.

"I check the weather on the Internet late at night," Simpkins said. "Rain is a big problem."

That's because a vast majority of the class time for "Field Methods in Hydrogeology" is spent outside. The geology course serves as an introduction to field methods commonly used in hydrogeologic investigations. Emphasis is placed on in-field, hands-on instruction using state of the art equipment and techniques that are transferable to future employment in a variety of fields.

This year's course has taken the students to a variety of locations throughout Central Iowa that are not accessible during the regular school year.

Students have learned about field geophysics at River Valley Park, conducted pumping tests on two different days at two City of Ames well fields, attended a Department of Natural Resources geoprobe demonstration in West Des Moines, conducted stream gaging at Risdal, Went to Clear Lake for a wetland restoration exercise and collected data at Peterson Pits.

Simpkins says that hands-on field experience is essential for the students.

"All the instruction in pretty much in the field," he said. "They learn by doing, instead of listening to me talk to them.

"The hands-on experiences they get in the field are the main reason for the course. They need to know how to do these things when they start looking for employment."

While Simpkins is the primary instructor of the course, other faculty members and graduate students in the Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences teach portions of the course.

To view a larger photo click on the thumbnail.

First row - Pumping tests at two City of ames well fields

Second row - Field geophysics a River Valley Park

Third and fourth rows - Data collection at Peterson Pits