Geology 409 / 509: Aquifer Parameters

Pumping Tests
We perform pumping tests in the confined and unconfined portions of the Ames Aquifer on 2 separate days. Students analyze the tests using multiple observation wells, estimate values of T, S, and K using Theis, Cooper-Jacob and Neuman solutions, and produce cross sections of the aquifer using original well logs and GPS locations. They produce a comprehensive report to the City of Ames about the future of the water supply. The city has used the data from the reports to model the effects of future well expansion.

Recording data at City Well No. 14a (Pumping Test 1)

GPS location for City Well No. 15 (Pumping Test 1)

Intense measurement of early-time data (Pumping Test 1)

Cookout at the Ames Southwest Well Field (Pumping Test 2)

Measuring water levels in the pumping well (Pumping Test 2)

Measuring water levels is fun!

Soccer game between water-level measurements.

Slug Tests
We perform slug tests in a variety of well casing diameters and in a variety of geological media using traditional hand timing and a transducer/data-logger system. Students analyze test data using both Hvorslev and Bouwer-Rice methods.

Team of students performs a slug test.