WASH Cluster - Groundwater Development and Drilling
EXERCISE 1: GEOLOGICAL MAP EXERCISE
Preamble: As we have discussed, the geology of an area influences the
location of aquifers and potential sources of groundwater supply, so it is
useful to understand a little about where different rock types occur in an area
and appreciate how geologist group rocks according to their properties
Set up: Participants break into groups to examine a geological map and
identify areas where aquifers may occur based on the rock types mapped.
HANDOUT 1:
A Geological Map – based on original 1:250,000 scale geological map of a
region in South east Australia. Assume for the exercise, the map is 40km
wide
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION (Handout with the map)
Groups to examine the geological map in Handout 1
 How are the rock types grouped?
 How many groups of rocks /soils are mapped in this area?
 What rock types are there in each group?
 Prepare a table to:
List the main geological categories in the map area (eg gneiss, schist;
sandstone, etc)
Describe distribution of the main rock types – eg extensive, continuous,
patchy etc
List the type of porosity likely to occur in the rocks (based on the descriptions
in the notes)
Rank the potential of each category mapped in the area for potential aquifers
of large volumes of water
What more information might you try to find out about the various groups of
rocks / soils as aquifers
Identify whether there are potential aquifers, where do these occur, where
would target for groundwater – what is the basis for this
Discuss findings of each group
GWD1