Field Hydrogeology
A Guide for Site Investigations and Report Preparation
📘 About This Book
In recent years, the focus in groundwater studies has expanded to also include groundwater contamination and remediation studies as a part of resource evaluations. While there are other books on the subject, Field Hydrogeology-A Guide for Site Investigations and Report Preparation provides the first integrated presentation of the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards, US Geological Survey (USGS), and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) field techniques. It also includes access to a Web site that contains software for designing aquifer tests and aquifer-recharge experiments. Written by an author with more than 40 years of experience in hydrology and geology, this reference treats the subject from a field standpoint. Useful as a field guide and a textbook, it contains standard methods for planning and undertaking hydrogeologic investigations. It incorporates case studies, contains a glossary of field-hydrogeology technical terms, and provides a detailed list of ASTM standards and key hydrologic Web sites. The guide is based on ASTM standards, EPA, and US Department of Interior (DOI) field technical manuals. The text covers hydrogeologic fundamentals, conceptual models, planning an investigation, surface investigations, subsurface investigations, field inventory, stream flow measurements, water quality measurements, and report preparation. It includes more recent groundwater evaluation techniques such as tracing and isotope techniques. Field Hydrogeology will allow students and seasoned professionals to have a vast array of clearly written descriptive materials and an extensive source of references available at their fingertips. About the Author: John E. Moore, Ph.D., is a hydrogeologist at the USEPA Region 8 in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Moore is also an adjunct professor of hydrology at Metro State College in Denver and a consulting hydrologist. He has more than 40 years of experience in hydrogeology and geology as a researcher, teacher, and consultant. He is internationally recognized as an expert in these fields. Dr. Moore was deputy assistant chief hydrologist and field scientist with the USGS and served as a technical advisor to the USEPA and the U.S. House of Representatives. He is past president of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) and the American Institute of Hydrology (AIH) and is the chairman of the IAH Education Commission.
📖 Summary
Field Hydrogeology by John E. Moore, published in 2010, serves as an essential guide for site investigations and report preparation within the broader context of groundwater science. Spanning 210 pages, the book reflects the author's extensive career spanning more than 40 years in geology and hydrology. In recent years, the focus of groundwater studies has broadened significantly, moving beyond traditional resource evaluations to encompass crucial issues regarding groundwater contamination and remediation. To address this evolving landscape, Moore offers a comprehensive and integrated approach to field methodologies. What sets this volume apart from other literature on the subject is its unique integration of field techniques established by key regulatory and scientific bodies, specifically the American Society of Testing Materials, the United States Geological Survey, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. By bringing these disparate standards together into a single cohesive framework, the author provides a reliable roadmap for professionals and students navigating complex environmental assessments. The publication is thoughtfully designed to function effectively both as a practical field guide and as an instructional textbook. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on application, ensuring that readers understand not only the scientific principles behind hydrogeology but also the standardized procedures required to execute fieldwork accurately. Furthermore, the book enhances its practical value by providing access to a dedicated website containing specialized software. This digital resource empowers users to design aquifer tests and aquifer-recharge experiments with greater precision and efficiency. Throughout the text, the emphasis remains firmly rooted in a real-world, field-oriented perspective, making it an indispensable reference for anyone tasked with gathering subsurface data, evaluating water resources, or addressing environmental contamination. By combining regulatory standards, decades of professional wisdom, and modern computational tools, Moore delivers a well-rounded resource that addresses the contemporary demands of the hydrogeological profession.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Integrates standards from multiple major regulatory and scientific organizations
Written by an author with over four decades of industry experience
Includes digital software for designing aquifer tests and recharge experiments
Functions effectively as both a classroom textbook and an on-site field guide
⚠️ Cons
Shorter length at 210 pages may leave some advanced topics condensed
Focuses heavily on US-centric regulatory standards
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Field Hydrogeology? +
The book was written by John E. Moore, who has over 40 years of experience in hydrology and geology.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 2010.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The book contains 210 pages.
What special digital resources are included with the book? +
It includes access to a website containing software for designing aquifer tests and aquifer-recharge experiments.
What main standards are integrated within the text? +
It integrates field techniques from the American Society of Testing Materials, the US Geological Survey, and the US Environmental Protection Agency.





