Tracer Tests and Hydraulic Methods

The quality of hydrogeological models relies on the quality of field data. Hydraulic tests, such as pumping tests, and tracing techniques are important method to obtain such data. Tracer tests deliver evidence on underground connections, transit times, flow velocities and contaminant transport processes. Pumping tests make it possible to obtain relevant hydraulic parameters for numerical models, such as transmissivity or storage coefficient, and they also deliver information on hydraulic boundary conditions, surface-groundwater interactions and sustainable yields.

We are continuously improving these methods and apply them to a variety of applied and fundamental research questions. Hydrogeological field methods and experimental techniques are also well represented in our lectures, field exercises, BSc and MSc theses.

The primary result of a tracer test is a breakthrough curve that makes it possible to determine relevant transport parameters, such as mean transit time, linear flow velocity, dispersion and recovery (Goldscheider et al. 2008).