Hydrogeology is a branch of geology that focuses on studying the distribution, movement and quality of groundwater, and how it interacts with rocks and soil. This specialty is concerned with understanding the hydrological processes that affect groundwater resources, and developing strategies to manage these resources sustainably. This major combines knowledge in the fields of geology, hydrology, and environmental chemistry.

Fields of study in hydrogeology:
Physical Hydrogeology:

• Water Cycle: The study of the movement of water in nature through the atmosphere, surface, and subsurface.
• Groundwater flow: Understanding how groundwater moves through soil and rock.

Chemical hydrogeology:

• Groundwater quality: analysis of the chemical composition of groundwater and evaluation of its quality.
• Water pollution: studying the sources and types of pollution and their impact on the quality of groundwater.

Groundwater systems:

• Groundwater reservoirs: Study of different types of groundwater reservoirs, such as water basins and water-bearing aquifers.
• Water resources assessment: Estimating the quantities of water available in underground aquifers.

Geophysical techniques in hydrogeology:

• Remote Sensing: Using remote sensing techniques to monitor and analyze groundwater resources.
• Geophysical methods: The application of geophysical techniques to explore and evaluate groundwater resources.

Water resources management:

• Sustainable groundwater management: Developing strategies to manage groundwater use sustainably.
• Groundwater protection: Develop and implement procedures to protect groundwater sources from pollution and depletion.

Required skills:

• Extensive scientific knowledge: in the fields of geology, chemistry, and hydrology.
• Analytical and research skills: the ability to collect and analyze data related to groundwater.
• Technical capabilities: to use modern tools and technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
• Communication skills: to transfer scientific knowledge and interact with stakeholders and decision makers.

Work fields:

• Government Bodies: Work with water resources and environmental management agencies to develop policies and manage water resources.
• Private companies: Providing consultations in the field of groundwater management to companies operating in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and real estate development.
• Scientific research: Working in universities and research centers to study water resources and develop new technologies for their management.
• Non-governmental organizations: Participation in environmental protection and sustainable development programs.
• Education: Teaching hydrogeology and related subjects in schools and universities.

Importance of hydrogeology:

• Water Resources Management: It contributes to improving the management and sustainable use of groundwater resources.
• Environmental protection: It helps in assessing and treating water pollution and protecting groundwater sources.
• Supporting sustainable development: Contributes to developing strategies for using groundwater in agriculture, industry, and urban development.
• Risk Assessment: It helps in evaluating risks associated with groundwater such as landslides and pollution.

Hydrogeology Applications:

• Evaluating groundwater sources: identifying and evaluating groundwater sources and estimating the quantities of available water.
• Water Quality Monitoring: Monitor and analyze groundwater quality and develop strategies to improve it.
• Urban Planning: Integrating hydrogeological data into planning cities and large projects to ensure the sustainability of water resources.
• Protecting water resources: developing programs and procedures to protect groundwater from pollution and depletion.

The specialty of Hydrogeology is one of the vital fields that contribute to understanding and managing groundwater resources, which contributes to achieving sustainable development, protecting the environment, and ensuring the provision of water for future generations.