Groundwater from karst aquifers is among the most important resources for humanity, supplying about one quarter of all drinking water to the global population. In Switzerland, many cities and regions, particularly in the Jura Mountains and Alps, depend on this resource. However, karst aquifers are particularly vulnerable to contamination. Contaminants can easily enter the subsurface and may be rapidly transported over large distances. Consequently, karst groundwater has special protection needs. The precondition for sustainable management of any karst groundwater resource is a sound understanding of the structure and function of the hydrogeological system. This requires the combined application of adequate investigation methods and techniques. Given these requirements, the Hydrogeology Centre of the University of Neuchâtel (CHYN), together with the Continuing Education Department and the Swiss Federal Office for Water and Geology (FOWG), has organised a course with the following three goals: - Provision of a fundamental understanding of karst hydrogeology systems, their unique nature, importance and vulnerability to contamination while clarifying why karst aquifers require special investigation methods. - Presentation of the most important methods for finding groundwater in karst system and characterising its movement and quality, including methods from geology, hydrology, hydrochemistry and microbiology, as well as the use of tracers, geophysics and modelling. - Discussion of innovative approaches to karst groundwater protection and management in Switzerland, as well as in a European and global perspective. The course is organised with the sponsorship of the Karst Commission of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH). Apart from the CHYN staff, invited speakers from other institutions are involved to permit all aspects of this topic to be adequately represented. Course activities consist of presentation of theoretical aspects of karst hydrogeology, exercises, discussion, and a field trip. Objectives The purposes of this course are : - to make the participants aware of the importance and vulnerability of karst groundwater; - to provide a fundamental understanding of karst hydrogeological systems; - to impart the theoretical basis and combined application of relevant investigation methods; - to discuss new concepts of karst groundwater management and protection. Target Audience The course is designed for geologists, hydrogeologists, engineers and land use planners interested in, or dealing with, karst groundwater, as well as for university students preparing their master, diploma or PhD degree in the field of karst hydrogeology. We hope to welcome participants from the fields of research, commercial practice and administration in order to stimulate discussions and an exchange of ideas. Although there is some emphasis on karst groundwater protection in Switzerland, participants from all countries are welcome and the topic will be discussed from a global perspective. Organisation The course is organised by the Centre of Hydrogeology (CHYN) and the Continuing Education Department of the University of Neuchâtel. Direction Prof. Dr. François Zwahlen (director of the CHYN) Dr. Nico Goldscheider (lecturer at the CHYN) Speakers Internal Speakers (CHYN) Prof. Dr. François Zwahlen; Dr. Nico Goldscheider; Dr. Daniel Hunkeler; Prof. Dr. Laszlo Kiraly. Several other staff members will also make practical contribution to the course. External Speakers Dr. Ronald Kozel (FOWG); Dr. Pierre-Yves Jeannin (Swiss Institute for Speleology and Karst Research); Dr. Frank Bosch (University of Munster, Germany). Programme The course consists of the following five units : - Introduction to karst hydrogeology: Distribution, importance and vulnerability of karst groundwater; general hydrogeology of karst systems - Theoretical aspects and exercises. - Investigation methods I: Geological, speleological, hydrological and hydraulic methods, tracing techniques, geophysical prospecting methods - Theoretical aspects and exercises. - Investigation methods II: Hydrochemistry, microbiology and contaminant hydrogeology, modelling in karst systems - Theoretical aspects and exercises. - A one-day field trip to a karst test site near Neuchâtel: Hydrogeology, contamination problems, investigation techniques, remediation and management strategies. - Exploitation, protection and management of karst aquifers: Construction of wells and captured springs in karst; legal aspects of karst groundwater protection in Switzerland and Europe; vulnerability, hazard and risk mapping - Theoretical aspects and exercises. (Modifications still possible) Certification Participants who have completed all course requirements including a short written exam will receive a Certificate of Participation issued by the Continuing Education Department and the CHYN. It is possible to obtain ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer System) by completing a post-course assignment. Language The course will be presented in English. However, all speakers are also fluent in German and/or French; discussions and questions in those languages will thus be possible. Dates and Duration The course will take place from the 24th to 28th of May 2004 inclusive. Place The course will be presented at the Hydrogeology Centre at the University of Neuchâtel. Please see the CHYN web page for details concerning the institute's location and relevant transport details. Registration Fees The course will cost CHF 1,250 (Euro ~800) and includes a welcome-aperitif, lunch and dinner during the field trip. Accommodation costs are not included. The registration fees are due upon receipt of confirmation. Upon request, the CHYN can assist participants in finding appropriate accommodation. Insurance Participants are not covered by any health insurance. Application and Administrative Information The number of participants is limited in order to facilitate interaction between lecturers and participants. If the number of participants is insufficient, the course may be cancelled or postponed. Interested applicants should complete the attached form and return it to the following adress by April 2nd, 2004: Formation continue, Université de Neuchâtel Avenue du 1er-Mars 26; CH - 2000 Neuchâtel Phone ++41 (0)32 718 11 20 Fax ++41 (0)32 718 11 21 Email : service.formcont@unine.ch Website : http://www.unine.ch/foco/ Acceptance will be based on the applicants?profiles and on the order of incoming applications. Applicants will be informed by end April 2004, or earlier, whether or not they have been accepted. Non-selected candidates will be placed on a waiting list and their application given priority should a subsequent course be presented. The detailed programme of course topics and activities will be sent to successful applicants. Scientific Information Dr. Nico Goldscheider, Centre of Hydrogeology, University of Neuchâtel (CHYN), Rue Emile-Argand 11, CH-2007 Neuchâtel Phone ++41 (0) 32 718 2645 Fax ++41 (0) 32 718 2603 Email: nico.goldscheider@unine.ch Website: http://capella.unine.ch/chyn/index.html