Vers une meilleure intégration des hétérogénéités géologiques dans les modèles d’écoulements des hydrosystèmes karstiques : l’exemple de Fontaine de Vaucluse

The impact of climate change and human activities on the water resource evolution is today a major concern for our societies. Managing karst aquifers requires an in-depth understanding of hydrodynamic flows, considering the heterogeneity of the geological reservoir.
Karst aquifers are characterized by a complex spatial organization, induced by the formation of carbonate deposits, diagenesis, and fracturing. These are the main controlling factors of geological heterogeneity, which influences hydrodynamic flows. The proposed PhD aims to characterize the heterogeneity of a carbonate reservoir at various spatial scales and analyze its impact on flows and reserve quantification. This project will focus on the hydrosystem of Fontaine de Vaucluse spring. Despite several hydrogeological studies, the integration of a detailed geological perspective is lacking. The lateral heterogeneity of facies, the role of stratigraphic interfaces, and structural heterogeneities on flows at different scales need better understanding to assess their impact on flows.
Our scientific strategy is structured in three phases:
-    Characterization/Conceptualization: Conducting field studies on stratigraphic and tectonic interfaces.
-    Numerical Modeling: Establishing a numerical geological model of the dual medium reservoir (matrix and fractures).
-    Critical Model Validation: Evaluating the models in relation to the general organization of flows.
We are seeking a geology student (master’s level) or an engineer from a leading school with strong skills in geology and hydrogeology. Experience in modeling would be a plus. The candidate should be autonomous, motivated, curious, and have an interest in mixed subjects (characterization and modeling).