Brian Smerdon
Pronouns: he/him
Contact
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science - Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- bdsmerdo@ualberta.ca
Overview
Area of Study / Keywords
geoscience hydrogeology groundwater hydrology
About
I enjoy helping others discover and share the story of groundwater: Earth's most abundant yet 'hidden' source of freshwater. I have over 25 years of experience in hydrogeology, including roles in academia, government, and industry.
Research
I'm interested in conceptualizing and quantifying groundwater circulation – the magnitude and duration of flow from recharge to discharge. My research combines field and modelling methods to assess the exchange between groundwater and surface water, characterize subsurface hydraulic properties, and describe flow systems across a range of scales.
Courses
EAS 323 - Introduction to Hydrogeology
The hydrologic cycle, water budgets and basic hydrologic processes; physical properties of porous media and groundwater flow principles; steady-state groundwater flow; transient groundwater flow, well hydraulics and groundwater resource evaluation; regional groundwater flow; and, basic hydrochemistry and transport processes. Prerequisites: One of EAS 100, 101, 102, 201 or 210 and MATH 113 or 114, PHYS 124 or 144, and one of PHYS 126, 130, or 146. SCI 100 may be used in lieu of EAS 100, MATH 114, PHYS 144 and 146. Not available to students with credit in EAS 223. [Faculty of Science]
EAS 425 - Contaminant Hydrogeology
An introduction to the principles of groundwater chemistry, the chemical evolution of natural groundwater flow systems, sources of contamination, and mass transport processes. Hydrogeologic aspects of waste disposal and groundwater remediation. Prerequisite: EAS 323. [Faculty of Science]
EAS 583 - Advanced Contaminant Hydrogeology
An introduction to principles of groundwater chemistry, the chemical evolution of natural groundwater flow systems, sources of contamination, and mass transport processes. Hydrogeologic aspects of waste disposal and groundwater remediation. Research project. Classes concurrent with EAS 425. Not available to students with credit in EAS 425. [Faculty of Science]