English name: Laboratory for Applied Geology and Hydrogeology
Thesaurus terms (14) : Climate change; Coastal aquifer; Geochemistry; Geophysics; Geotechnics; Ground water; Groundwater; Groundwater pollution; Hydrodynamics; Hydrology; Pollutants; Saline intrusion; Salinisation; Sediment transport
Address:
Krijgslaan 281 (S8)
9000 Gent
Belgium
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Tel.: +32-(0)9-264 46 48
Fax: +32-(0)9-264 49 88
E-mail: 
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Type: Scientific
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| Abstract: |
The laboratory for Applied Geology and Hydrogeology was founded in 1970 and was formerly known as 'Leerstoel Toegepaste Geologie' (Chair Applied Geology). Between 1960 and 1989, the research group was responsible for the development of salinisation maps, charting the depth of the interface between fresh and salt groundwater in the Belgian coastal area and is still involved in this research (recent update of the salinisation map with airborne electromagnetic data), including foreign countries (e.g. Libya, Palestine, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Vietnam). The laboratory also extended is research to offshore exploration, with the investigation of submarine groundwater discharge along the Belgian shore, and to the estimation of turbidity using multibeam backscattered data.
Research at the laboratory is related to hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, and applied geophysics, with special emphasis on hydrogeophysics. For quantitative aspects, its research is concentrating on groundwater recharge, groundwater exploitation and sustainability, in relation to climate and specific groundwater utilisation practices, both in Flanders and in developing countries. The laboratory is also involved in research related to shallow geothermal energy. Quantitative assessment of hydrogeological resources is often done through groundwater models, with a particular emphasis on the role of geological heterogeneity and the development of new methodologies to quantify the uncertainty related to hydrogeological predictions. From the qualitative point of view, the natural baseline quality of aquifers is studied; against this natural background, pollution is investigated, specifically focusing on diffuse pollution (mostly by nitrates). The research unit has been involved in several European projects related to natural baseline chemistry of groundwater, which have supported the development of the EU Groundwater Directive. The group is active in the application and development of innovative geophysical imaging techniques with a special emphasis on the geophysical monitoring of natural processes and active experiments (e.g., heat tracing experiments). In recent years, an increasing focus has been towards Africa, where groundwater exploitation, pollution and the problem of sustainability of groundwater resources are even more directly crucial for life than in the industrialised world. |
| Publications (4) |
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( 2 peer reviewed ) split up filter
 Lebbe, L.; Van Meir, N.; Viaene, P. (2008). Potential implications of sea-level rise for Belgium. J. Coast. Res. 24(2): 358-366. dx.doi.org/10.2112/07A-0009.1, more- De Ruyck, A.M.C.; Ampe, C.; Langohr, R. (2001). Management of the Belgian coast: opinions and solutions. J. Coast. Conserv. 7(2): 129-144. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02742475, more
- Jonckheere, S. (2007). Stroming en verdeling van zoet en zout grondwater in het Vlaams Natuurreservaat 'De Zwinduinen en -polders': modellering van de historische evolutie. MSc Thesis. Universiteit Gent, Faculteit Wetenschappen, Vakgroep Geologie en Bodemkunde, Onderzoekseenheid Toegepaste Geologie en Hydrogeologie: Gent. 169 pp., more
- Martens, K.; Van Camp, M.; Walraevens, K. (2005). Electromagnetic induction method to characterize the reference situation of fresh-salt water distribution at the area of the Deurganck Dock, Antwerp, Belgium, in: Araguás, L. et al. (Ed.) Groundwater and saline intrusion: selected papers from the 18th Salt Water Intrusion Meeting: 18 SWIM, Cartagena (Spain), 31 May to 3 June 2004. Publicaciones del Instituto Geologico y Minero de España. Hidrogeologia y Aguas Subterraneas, 15: pp. 353-362, more
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| Project |
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- Euregio Scheldt estuary - project on the Euregion 'Kreken' area, more
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