Teaching Aquitard Concepts With Field-Based High-Resolution Head Profile Learning Activities

Jessica R Meyer; Stephanie Tassier-Surine; Bradley Cramer

doi:10.1111/gwat.70042

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Teaching Aquitard Concepts With Field-Based High-Resolution Head Profile Learning Activities

Jessica R Meyer, Stephanie Tassier-Surine and Bradley Cramer

Ground water, Vol.64(1), pp.21-29

01/2026

DOI: 10.1111/gwat.70042

PMCID: PMC12857529

PMID: 41396994

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Abstract

Aquitards play critical roles in a variety of hydrogeologic processes. Despite their importance, coverage of aquitards in introductory hydrogeology textbooks is generally limited. This paper provides examples of classroom and field activities designed with an aquitard focus for instructors wishing to supplement textbook content. These activities emphasize high-resolution head profiles. Examining head profiles prompts students to think about how aquitards influence head with depth and conversely how these plots can be used to delineate and characterize aquitards. During a classroom activity, students explore the connection between changes in vertical gradient and changes in hydraulic conductivity by sketching conceptual head profiles based on given boundary conditions and several aquifer/aquitard scenarios. In a companion field exercise, students measure high-resolution head profiles using CMT multilevel systems at an outdoor learning laboratory. Students compare the high-resolution head profiles to lower resolution profiles they obtain from clusters of conventional wells. The field exercise provides students with a tactile experience that can help build intuition for vertical head changes, practice interpreting aquitards from head profiles, and an example of how lower resolution head profiles may create uncertainty in aquitard delineation and vertical gradient estimates. A paleosol at the site forms a prominent aquitard providing a unique basis for discussions about the geology of aquitards and characteristics influencing aquitard integrity. Regardless of the approach used, incorporating more aquitard content into hydrogeology courses at all levels will be beneficial for future hydrogeologists tackling a range of issues from sustainable water supplies to waste disposal.

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Details

Title: Subtitle: Teaching Aquitard Concepts With Field-Based High-Resolution Head Profile Learning Activities
Creators: Jessica R Meyer - University of Iowa
Stephanie Tassier-Surine - Iowa Geological Survey
Bradley Cramer - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Ground water, Vol.64(1), pp.21-29
DOI: 10.1111/gwat.70042
PMID: 41396994
PMCID: PMC12857529
NLM abbreviation: Ground Water
ISSN: 1745-6584
eISSN: 1745-6584
Publisher: Wiley
Grant note: 2119888 / National Science Foundation University of Iowa
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 12/15/2025
Date published: 01/2026
Academic Unit: International Programs; Iowa Geological Survey; IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering; School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability
Record Identifier: 9985091807102771

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