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General Information

 

 

 

Short Courses

Choose among five courses to expand your knowledge of practical applications of karst science.  If you register by October 1, 2010, the cost of a four hour course is $200 (no lunch included) or $275.00 for a six to eight hours course (lunch included). To register in advance, visit the Registration Web page.  Space is limited and registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis.  Onsite registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis.   

Short Course 1: Introduction to the Conduit Flow Process for MODFLOW-2005

Instructors: Eve L. Kuniansky, P.E., Southeastern Region, GW Specialist

U.S. Geological Survey NORCROSS, GA

Course Length - 4 Hours


The conduit flow process for MODFLOW-2005 (CFP) has the ability to simulate turbulent or laminar groundwater flow conditions by: (1) coupling the traditional groundwater flow equation with formulations for a discrete network of cylindrical pipes (Mode 1, CFPM1), (2) inserting a high-conductivity flow layer that can switch between laminar and turbulent flow (Mode 2, CFPM2), or (3) simultaneously coupling a discrete pipe network while inserting a high-conductivity flow layer that can switch between laminar and turbulent flow (Mode 3, CFPM3). Conduit flow pipes (CFPM1) may represent dissolution or biological burrowing features in carbonate aquifers, voids in fractured rock, and/or lava tubes in basaltic aquifers and can be fully or partially saturated under laminar or turbulent flow conditions. Preferential flow layers (CFPM2) may represent: (1) a porous media where turbulent flow is suspected to occur under the observed hydraulic gradients; (2) a single secondary porosity subsurface feature, such as a well-defined laterally extensive underground cave; or (3) a horizontal preferential flow layer consisting of many interconnected voids. In this second case, the input data are effective parameters, such as a very high hydraulic conductivity, representing multiple features.          

The short course is intended for people experienced in simulation of groundwater flow with MODFLOW that are interested in using the Conduit Flow Process.
 

Short Course 2: Environmental Investigations and management of karst Terranes  

Instructors:  Geary M. Schindel, P.G., Chief Technical Officer, Edwards Aquifer Authority, San Antonio, Texas

E. Calvin Alexander, Jr., Ph.D., Professor of Geology, University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Course Length – 6 hours

Karst aquifers are self-organizing triple permeability systems that present difficult problems for resource management, environmental protection, and site investigation efforts.  This course will emphasize applied techniques for investigating environmental problems in karst and will include discussions on the design and implementation for source water protection programs, hazardous materials releases, and emergency response.  Also included will be discussions on spatial and temporal design and evaluation of groundwater monitoring systems including sentinel water quality parameters and monitoring equipment and techniques, the application of surface and borehole geophysics, tracer testing, private and public water supply well construction techniques, and best management practices for urbanization of karst terranes. Case histories will be used as teaching examples from karst aquifers across the United States.  This class will not cover discuss sinkhole remediation methods or detailed discussions on tracer testing techniques which will be covered in more detail in other conference workshops.  

Short Course 3:  Applied Karst Hydrogeology With Emphasis on Dye Tracing and Groundwater Monitoring

Instructors:  Ralph O. Ewers, Ph.D. P.G.

Emeritus Professor of Geology, Eastern Kentucky University

Senior Hydrogeologist, EwersWater Consultants Inc

Richmond, KY.

Peter J. Idstein, M.S. P.G.

Geology Laboratory Coordinator, University of Kentucky

Hydrogeologist, Ewers Water Consultants Inc.

Richmond, KY.

Course length - 8 hours

This short course will acquaint the participant with the most essential state of the art knowledge of the properties of these common aquifers and the special investigative techniques required to deal with their contaminant and remediation issues.  Within the framework of case studies the participant will learn how to apply the powerful tool of tracing with fluorescent dyes, and the essential characteristics of an appropriate work plan for a karst investigation.

Dr. Ewers and Mr. Idstein have been involved in hundreds of case studies in karst and the design and execution of over 1000 dye traces.  Their applied work has been performed throughout North America and the Caribbean.  They bring combined research experience that has extended over 80 years and across the US, Canada, and Europe.  Their publication lists have passed 100 titles relating to Karst Aquifers.      

Short Course 4:  The Application of Geophysics in Karst 

Instructors:  Lynn Yuhr, Technos, Inc.

Brent Waters, Golder Associates.

Course Length - 8 Hours

The single most critical factor we face in any site characterization work is accurately charactering the site’s geology and hydrogeology.  If we can achieve an accurate understanding of subsurface conditions, predicting the engineering performance of a site, characterizing contaminant migration and implementing a remediation will be reasonably straightforward.  Karst is one of the most difficult of hydrogeologic site characterization problems. The use of surface and borehole geophysics can greatly improve hydrogeologic characterization in karst settings. 

 

This practical course provides:

·       an overview of how geophysics fits into the site characterization process,

·       an introduction to the more common surface and borehole techniques, along with their advantages and disadvantages;

·       selected case histories which illustrate the integration of geophysics into the site characterization program.

The course lecture will be supplemented by extensive photos, sketches and diagrams from actual case histories in which the instructors have been involved.  Their extensive experience in the application of geophysics dates back to the 1970’s.  The course will illustrate a wide variety of sites impacted by karst conditions over a diverse geographic areas.

Short Course 5:  Grouting in Karst Terrane Karst 

Instructors:   Joseph A. Fischer, P.E., Geoscience Services, and

Michael J. Miluski, P.E., Compaction Grouting Services

Course Length - 4 Hours

The term karst terrane as used in the U.S.A., unfortunately, is an aggregate of a number of various materials with various mineral constituents and structural conditions.  This short course will discuss the character of these various subsurface conditions and their impact on remedial concepts and operations (but, primarily the grouting alternative).  A review of the available grouting techniques, equipment types and grout materials will be discussed.  The techniques discussed will include pressure grouting with a high mobility grout and compaction grouting with a low mobility grout.  Advantages and disadvantages of the grouting and drilling methods and the cost implications will be determined. The needs as well as the pros and cons of various grouting techniques will be presented from both the grouting contractor and the geotechnical engineer perspective. The short course will also discuss setting up grouting programs, preparing specifications, estimating the amount of drilling and grout needed (based on the specifications) and evaluating the results.