Groundwater researchers from WRL participated in the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) 38th Congress, held in Krakow, Poland, from 12-17th September 2010. The WRL researchers are part of the Connected Waters Initiative (CWI) team working on programs of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT).

The UNSW team was among over 300 hydrologists and hydrogeologists from around the world who heard how groundwater science is helping to preserve aquifer water quality.

The congress program included sessions on groundwater quality sustainability, groundwater and dependent ecosystems, surface-water groundwater interactions, mineral and thermal waters.

During the week long congress, Dr Martin Andersen presented a paper that investigates recharge pathways and recharge rates using environmental isotopes (2H, 18O, 14C and 3H) in the Maules Creek Catchment, Australia. Andrew McCallum was amongst the speakers provoking much discussion. His presentation focused on surface-water groundwater interactions and presented field evidence of temporal change in the Namoi riverbed hydraulic conductivity linked to flood events. Research pointing out the advantages of using natural heat as a tracer to quantify streambed vertical water flow, as well as possible artefacts due to realistic field conditions was presented by Gabriel Rau.

The WRL team much enjoyed the effusive Polish hospitality during the well organised event in beautiful Krakow. On the agenda was a visit in the world’s famous Wieliczka Salt Mine, a Gala Dinner as well as two big concerts that were especially organised for the congress participants.

Abstracts and papers will be available soon.

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