Interactive educational applications for hydrogeology and groundwater management

Groundwater, which constitutes a significant share of the globally available freshwater, is a resource that receives little public attention because of its hidden nature. In university education, hydrogeology or groundwater hydrology is typically included in geology, environmental, or engineering courses, but often receives little emphasis. The study of hydrogeology and groundwater management is challenging because to fully understand the topic, a large variety of competencies are required, ranging from applied field and laboratory methods to quantitative analysis that involves advanced mathematical, physical, and chemical concepts. These challenges call for educational approaches that make the complex and abstract subsurface processes more accessible and transparent. This article provides an overview of recent advances in interactive educational applications based primarily on the Python programming language embedded in HTML/CSS or JavaScript. It introduces existing frameworks for developing and utilizing these applications, offering educators and students tools to enhance learning experiences in hydrogeology and groundwater management. The paper explores uses for interactive applications, including classroom settings, self-directed learning, and continuing education. Practical examples of these educational tools are presented alongside detailed instructions for their implementation, enabling educators to integrate these open-source resources into their teaching practice effectively as well as to advance the tools.