Groundwater Dynamics in Karst Hydrosystem Unsaturated Zone; Evidences from a 2-years SNMR Monitoring

Abstract

Summary The unsaturated zone (UZ) of karst aquifers plays an important role in groundwater recharge processes. Comprehensive knowledge of UZ structure and hydrodynamic functioning is a key to better assess and manage groundwater resources in karst. In this extended abstract we present the results from a 2-year long Surface Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SNMR) monitoring implemented in the Low-Noise Underground Laboratory (LSBB) site located within the Fontaine de Vaucluse karst hydrosystem in south-France. This exceptional 2-years SNMR monitoring demonstrated the efficiency of SNMR firstly to assess and validate the permanent presence of groundwater within karst hydrosystem UZ and secondly to monitor his temporal variations. Compared to boreholes, SNMR provides an integrated but accurate estimation of groundwater dynamics without disturbing the media.