Groundwater: Our Hidden Asset.

Recent developments in hydrogeology, built upon the legacy of Dick Downing

8 July 2015 – The Geological Society, Burlington House, London

Richard Allen (‘Dick’) Downing, who died in 2013, was a geological polymath who worked for most of career as a hydrogeologist, making contributions on almost every aspect of the science. In this meeting five eminent hydrogeologists will each describe the latest progress made on one major hydrogeological topic to which Dick had made significant contribution. Dick also compiled the popular book ‘Groundwater: Our Hidden Asset’ on behalf of the UK Groundwater Forum, who will be using this event to release an updated version which, like the original, draws on the expertise of leading contributors from all sections of the UK water industry.

10.00 Registration

10.30 Poster session

13.00 Welcome and introduction

13.15 Groundwater in the national water strategy – Ian Barker (Managing Director, Water Policy International Ltd)

13.50 Artificial recharge – Mike Jones (Thames Water Utilities)

14.25 Deep hydrogeochemistry – Adrian Bath (Intellisci)

15.00 Discussion followed by coffee

15.30 Isotopes in hydrogeology – George Darling (BGS)

16.05 Chalk hydrogeology – Adrian Butler (Imperial College London)

16.40 Launch of Groundwater: Our Hidden Asset – Rob Ward (The UK Groundwater Forum)

16.50 Discussion followed by wine reception

Call for posters – The meeting will begin with a morning poster session. The Hydrogeological Group of the Geological Society are seeking posters on the theme of recent progress in one of the five topics above. Please email your title and abstract (max 100 words) to paul.howlett@rhdhv.com by 12 June 2015. Please include the names and institutions of the contributing authors. The diversity of talks and opportunities for discussion mean this should be an inspiring meeting and a worthy tribute to Dick Downing.