The Thiem team - Adolf and Gunther Thiem, two forefathers of hydrogeology

Adolf and Gunther Thiem, father and son, left behind a methodological legacy that many current hydrogeologists are probably unaware of. It goes far beyond the Dupuit- Thiem analytical model for pump test analysis, which is connected to their name. Methods, which we use on a day-to-day basis today, such as isopotential maps, tracer tests, and vertical wells, were amongst the many contributions which the Thiems either developed or improved. Remarkably, this was not done in a university context but rather as a by-product of their practical work of designing and building water supply schemes in countries all over Europe. Some of these waterworks are still active. Both Thiems were also great science communicators. Their contributions were read and applied in many countries, especially in the USA, through a personal connection between Gunther Thiem and Oscar Edward Meinzer, the leading United States Geological Survey (USGS) hydrogeologist of the time.

Automated summary

Adolf and Gunther Thiem, father and son hydrogeologists, made significant contributions to the field, beyond the analytical models they are commonly associated with. Their practical work in designing water supply systems led to the development and improvement of methods still used today, while their scientific communication skills spread their knowledge internationally.