Hydrology of Fractured Formations
Fractures and Flow

GEOL 818

This course reviews methods of characterizing fractured earth materials and understanding fluid flow that occurs through these materials. Topics include reviewing concepts from tectonics, structural geology, and fracture mechanics to better understand the geologic processes controlling to creation of fractures. We also look into classic fractured rock aquifers and evaluate the characteristics that make them distinctive. Field methods for evaluating fractured rock, and theoretical methods for analyzing flow and transport through fractured rock are also covered. I have research interests in this topic, and part of the course includes covering recent research findings.

This course includes important components related to communication and analyses. Students prepare a research paper and hand in the first draft about mid way through the course. The paper is reviewed and returned for revision and additional work. This allows the student to learn from feedback on their writing. The last part of the course includes a theoretical analysis of a problem related to flow and transport, or fracture mechanics. The results of this analysis are included in the final draft of the paper. Each student presents results of their investigation in a Powerpoint talk at the end of the class.  

We typically take a field trip to look at some aspect of fractures and flow. In 2002 we took a field trip to look at excavated hydraulic fractures. In 2003 we met Leonid Germanovich and his students from Georgia Tech at the granite quarries in Elberton, GA

Last Updated: January 23, 2007 -- Questions or comments, contact Larry Murdoch.
School of Environment, Department of Geological Sciences
340 Brackett Hall, Clemson, SC 29634  USA -- Telephone: (864) 656-3438, Fax: (864January 23, 2007 USA. All rights reserved.