Abstract
Understanding karst unsaturated zone (UZ) recharge dynamics is crucial for achieving sustainable management of karst hydrosystems. In this paper, we provide the first report of the application of surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) monitoring of a karst UZ during a typical Mediterranean rain event. This 79 days’ SNMR monitoring is a part of a more than 2 years of SNMR monitoring at the Low Noise Underground Laboratory (LSBB) experimental site located within the Fontaine de Vaucluse karst hydrosystem (southeastern France). We present eight SNMR soundings conducted before and after the rain event that accumulated 168 mm in 5 days. The obtained results demonstrate the applicability and the efficiency of SNMR for investigating infiltration dynamics in karst UZs at the time scale of a few days. We present the SNMR amplitudes that highlight strong signal variations related to water dynamics in the karst UZ. Infiltrated water cause increased SNMR signal during 5 days after the rain event. A significant draining process of the medium starts 15 days after the main event. Finally, after 42 days, the SNMR signal returns close to the initial state.
Highlights
Karstified carbonate formations play a major role in water resources management as they contain25% of the world’s water resources [1]
Eight surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) soundings were conducted over 79 days with a variable time step
We considered SNMR soundings to be of good quality when signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) ≥ 2
Summary
Karstified carbonate formations play a major role in water resources management as they contain. 25% of the world’s water resources [1] Understanding their structure and hydrodynamics is essential for achieving sustainable exploitation of karst hydrosystems. Direct observations of flow processes in the UZ is limited to research sites where physical access to the UZ is granted through artificial or natural cavities. It is a part of the Low Background Noise Underground Research (LSBB) of Rustrel, which is a ground- and underground-based facility for interdisciplinary research, Laboratory (LSBB) of Rustrel, which is a ground- and underground-based facility for development, and innovation. UMS3538 of the interdisciplinary research,Since development, and LSBB innovation. The LSBB has de beenService, a Unité Mixte de Service, UMS3538 the FrenchResearch.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call