This year’s annual hydrogeology field exercise was held between 23-24 April in the surrounding of Apaj-Szúnyogpuszta with the participation of eight students. The purpose of this training is to prepare students to solve complex hydrogeological problems and to acquire the necessary practical skills in addition to their theoretical knowledge. During the project in the Kiskunság National Park, they could master their skills in hydrogeological mapping, drilling and geophysical measurements. The instructors were Dr Szilvia Szkolnikovics-Simon and Soma Oláh from Department of Physical and Applied Geology as well as Dr Márk Szijártó from Department of Geophysics and Space Sciences.
On the first day, students participated in a field survey led by Dr Szilvia Szkolnikovics-Simon to learn about the hydrogeological background and the unique saline habitats of the area. First day was dedicated to learn about radiomagnetotelluric (RMT) geophysical instruments used to detect shallow siliciclastic environments.
On the second day, the field exercise continued with installation of shallow drillings. Unfortunately, students were able to drill only one well due to unfavorable weather conditions. Water level in the borehole was measured and the main physical and chemical parameters of groundwater were determined. The sediment samples taken during the drilling will be analysed in the laboratory of the Department after the field work.
The research in this area, involving an MSc student, will continue in the framework of the Multidisciplinary National Laboratory for Climate Change project RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00014.