WHAT HAPPENS TO THE WELL FIELD NEXT AFTER A DECADE OF USE?

A well field established at a local college campus is used on a regular basis as a field site for several geo-courses from introductory geology lab, wetland studies to advanced level hydrogeology courses. The well field, with more than ten wells, are used to demonstrate some surface water ground water interactions and have been used to show anthropogenic affect on groundwater quality. More than 500 students have been introduced to varied parts of geology through the well field.

Several field observations and measurements that range from depth to groundwater, groundwater flow direction to temperature and nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) are some of the measurements made by students in the various classes. Cumulative data from the various measurements show slight acidification of the groundwater in the area in addition to an increase in temperature over the decade that the well field has been operated. Examples of some students’ research works will be presented along with a reflection of what happen next at the well field.