water resources preservation and management - les dossiers d'agropolis international

8/2/2019 Water Resources Preservation and Management - Les dossiers d'Agropolis International

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WaterresourcesPreservation and management

WaterresourcesPreservation and management


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Waterresources:preservationandmanagement

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Agropolis is an international campus devoted to agricultural and

environmental sciences. There is significant potential for scientific

and technological expertise: more than 2 200 scientists in over

80 research units in Montpellier and Languedoc-Roussillon,

including 300 scientists conducting research in 60 countries.

Agropolis International is structured according to a broad range of

research themes corresponding to the overall scientific, technological

and economic issues of development:

Agronomy, cultivated plants and cropping systems

Animal production and health

Biodiversity and Aquatic ecosystems Biodiversity and Land ecosystems

Economics, societies and sustainable development

Environmental technologies

Food: nutritional and health concerns

Genetic resources and integrative plant biology

Grapevine and Wine, regional specific supply chain

Host-vector-parasite interactions and infectious diseases

Modelling, spatial information, biostatistics

Water: resources and management

Agropolis International promotes the capitalisation and enhancement

of knowledge, personnel training and technology transfer. It is a hub

for visitors and international exchanges, while promoting initiatives

based on multilateral and collective expertise and contributing to

the scientific and technological knowledge needed for preparing

development policies.

Agropolis Internationalbrings together institutions of

research and higher educationin Montpellier and Languedoc-Roussillon in partnership withlocal communities, companies

and regional enterprises andin close cooperation with

international institutions.This scientific community

has one main objectivethe economic and social

development of Mediterraneanand tropical regions.

Agropolis Internationalis an international space opento all interested socioeconomic

development stakeholdersin fields associated with

agriculture, food production,biodiversity, environment and

rural societies.

AGROPOLISINTERNATIONALagriculture food biodiversity environment


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Water researchexpertise in Montpellier and

Languedoc-Roussillon

Seven years after the first

Dossier dAgropolis Internationalon the theme

ofWater: resources and management, it was

time for giving an update in order to provide

the large number of website visitors (about120,000 downloads of the Dossier, French

and English versions combined) with up-to-

date information and developing visibility

with evidence of the progress made by the

Languedoc-Roussillon regions scientific water

community. Readers will also find an updated

directory of research, technology transfer and

higher education structures.

This Dossierthus presents 18 research units

from Languedoc-Roussillon and Avignon,

gathering more than 800 scientists, working

fully or partially on hydrosystems, waterquality and/or water resource management.

Research units focused on lagoons and coastal

zones are not presented here but in another

Agropolis Dossierabout Aquatic Ecosystems

published in 2007. The Dossieralso presents

10 international cooperation or valorisation

structures or programmes, in which the

regional water scientific community is highly

involved. Finally, it also gives a list of 43 higher

education diplomas, from 2 to 8 years post-

graduate, proposed in the region and more or

less tightly l inked to the theme of water.

The re-edition of this Dossierin early 2012 is

an opportunity to demonstrate the dynamism

of the regional water scientific community on

the occasion of the 6th World Water Forum

held in Marseille , France (12-17 March 2012)

and of the international water exhibition

Hydrogaia in Montpellier (6-8 March 2012).

This is also the firstAgropolis Dossierto be

available in Spanish, in addition to the usual

French and English versions.

Water resources:preservation and management

Page 4Introduction

Page 65Agropolis International training

and education in the field of Water

Page 6Water resources: identification,

functioning, mobilisation

Page 24Water quality preservation

and restoration

Page 38Management of resources and uses:

institutions, territories and societies

On the cover

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in the Brazilian CerradoV. Simonneaux IRD

The information presented in thisDossier was valid on 01/01/2012.

Page 54International Cooperation

and Partnerships

Page 64Topics covered

by the research teams

Page 70Liste of acronyms

and abbreviations

Disponibleenfranaiswww.agropolis.fr/publications

DisponibleenEspaol

www.agropolis.or

g/es/publicaciones


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n recent years, theMontpellier scientificcommunity has continued its

consolidation through a numberof research projects (funded bythe French National ResearchAgency, European Union 6th and7th Framework Programmes,

French Investissements davenirprogrammes, etc.) and educationalprojects (Water Masters degree,Masters courses, etc.) it hasco-ordinated and successfullyaccomplished. A selection ofthose projects is presented in thisdocument.

Among these projects, the mostemblematic success has no doubtbeen the involvement of businessesthrough the creation of a "Water"competitiveness cluster with aninternational scope. Its mission is tocoordinate the actions the Frenchwater clusters from the threeregions of Languedoc-Roussillon,Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur andMidi-Pyrnes. Its leadership is

in Montpellier in September 2008,which then favoured the settlementin 2010 of the executive board ofthe International Water ResearchAssociation(IWRA) on the Agropoliscampus. The first stake of thisDossieris to give internationalvisibility to the regional water

scientific community on theoccasion of the 6th World WaterForum, held in Marseilles, France,in March 2012.

This event has huge ambitionssince its objectives are not only totake stock of the latest world-widedevelopments in water managementand shared recommendations forachieving sustainable development,but also to provide solutions tomany issues remaining unresolvedand new challenges likely to arise.

The regional scientific community,engaged in the event, provides itscontribution.

Thierry Rieu (AgroParisTech,Centre de Montpellier)

recognised to offer cooperationand development prospects to allwater sector stakeholders. Anotherimportant success is the creation ofthree research and teaching Chairs:(i) the UNESCO-labelled ChairMembrane sciences applied to theenvironment, on water treatment

by membrane processes, (ii) theWater for All Chair in partnershipwith the Suez-Environnementcompany, offering capacity buildingprogrammes for utility managersin the developing and emergingcountries and (iii) the Chair Risksanalyses of emerging contaminantsin aquatic environments inpartnership with the Veoliacompany, focused on organiccontaminants in water.

The aim of the Dossiers dAgropolis

Internationalis also to supportthe projects led by the Languedoc-Roussillon regions scientificcommunity. For the previous Dossier,the challenge was the organisationof the XIIIth World Water Congress

Introduction

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P. Wagnon IRD The Sabai glacier and the Sabai Tsho lake in Nepal.5


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Spring of Anjar, Bekaa, Lebanon. M. Souli


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he latest UNESCO world report on waterresources was already characterised bya rather alarming tone. For instance, it

stipulated that "despite the vital dimension of water, thisdomain is plagued by a chronic lack of political attention,poor governance and insufficient investment", and that"action is urgently required to prevent a global crisis".

Yet, it is estimated today that global annual withdrawalsamount to 3,800 billion m3, representing only 25%of useable resources. But such a relative abundancedoes not reflect the huge disparities in the geographicdistribution of this vital resource. Indeed, some regions

are already facing hydric stress (less than 500 m

3

/year/inhabitant), while others are hit by disasters caused bychronic overabundant rainfalls. Such inequalities raise allkinds of difficulties and challenges.

Given the global population growth, water demandincreases by 64 billion m3 each year. Water needs arebecoming increasingly high in relation to strategicdecisions and associated commitments being taken inareas such as agriculture, economic development andenergy production.

The disturbances induced by climate change also have animpact on the hydrological cycle. Indeed, in many regions

of the world, the Intergovernmental Panel on ClimateChange (IPCC) forecasts all point towards longerdroughts and/or more frequent floods. Such disturbancefurther aggravates the degradation of ecosystems,already facing growing anthropogenic pressures.

From the health point of view, 80% of the diseasesaffecting developing countries are water-related. This isdue to insufficient access to drinking water and lack ofsanitation infrastructures, owing to both poor fundingand poor political and strategic decisions.

This alarming water situation is further compoundedby the general publics growing environmental concerns

and international and global thinking about water issues.Blue Gold is slowly emerging as one of the mostcritical stakes of the 21st century, with the growinglooming threat of water wars.

Within such a context, it is more than ever importantto control as completely as possible the resource, inorder to feed the reflexion on how to better manageand govern water. It is therefore necessary to beable to locate, identify, evaluate and mobilise waterresources. These are major stakes. They call for theanalysis, understanding and modelling of all water cycleprocesses, be they natural or man-made.

The regional scientific community has the skillsrequired to play a leading international role and toprovide answers to some of the societys concerns.For this purpose, it has developed proven observationcapabilities on which research is being based:the Universe Sciences Observatory OREME, theEnvironmental Research Observatories OMERE, AMMA-CATCH, OHMCV and H+, the KARST Observationsystem, etc. Recently, the regional scientific communityhas received significant equipment subsidies fromthe French Ministry of Research, thus reinforcing itsposition as a leader in the field of spatial information forenvironmental purposes.

The expertise of regional teams in the field ofunderground water has long received the highestacclaim, especially in the key area of karsts. This researchfield is particularly strategic for the Mediterraneancoastal regions as these contain almost 60% of thewater resources exploited.

The regional research community has become areference for its research on surface water. Although thefundamental issue of the transformation of rain waterinto running water and hence into a resource availablein different forms (infiltration, runoff, storage) is acore concern for hydrologists, numerous other issues

are also addressed by the community. One such issue isthe use of water in agriculture, deemed to be essential,especially within the Mediterranean context. The issueof floods, mainly considered from the viewpoint ofextreme events (destructive floods and rainfalls), isanother key topic to which many experts are devoted.

Finally, other approaches are future-driven. Usingavailable climate scenarios based on varyingenvironmental, economic and demographic hypotheses,these aim at assessing water resources.

Clearly, the region hosts a wide range of skills andexpertise. These are all called on to tackle the challenges

of tomorrow in terms of sustainable management ofwater resources, which is such a vital issue for thesocieties and every person in the world.

ric Servat (UMR HSM)

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Water resources: identification,functioning, mobilisation

of PolytechMontpellier. Besides, thewhole HSM staff is involved in trainingfrom the science degree to Ph.D. levels.

Much of its research being basedon observation, the laboratory is amember of the Universe SciencesObservatory OREME (see page 13). Italso participates to several observationsystems (MEDYCISS, OHMCV, AMMA-CATCH, OMERE), while playing aleading role in the developmentof the KARST Observation System.In addition to its water chemistryand microbiology equipment, thelaboratory have access to other majortechnical facilities: the large regionaltechnical platform for the analysis oftrace elements in the environment

and the collective laboratory for theanalysis of stable isotopes in water.

HSM strength relies on its involvementin a number of national andinternational projects, its extensivenetwork of collaboration withresearch laboratories and institutionsworldwide, giving the lab a high levelof international recognition.HSM also works with public partners(DRE: Regional Directorate for theEnvironment, AFSSET: French Agencyfor Environmental and Occupational

Health Safety, local authorities:communities of municipalities,joint basin organizations, etc.),private consultancy and engineeringcompanies (SDEI, BioUV S.A., SOMEZ,etc.). HSM has also filed severalpatents, especially in metrology,and has developed professionalsoftware tools, particularly arounddata management. Besides, the studyof organic contaminants is one ofHSMs fields of excellence. It has setup, in partnership with the companyVeolia, a training and research chair

devoted to the Risks analyses inrelation to emerging contaminants inaquatic environments. Moreover, HSMis involved in the Water and LocalVulnerability and Risk Managementcompetitiveness clusters.

Biogeochemistry,extreme events,underground waterand hydrological cycles

in Mediterranean andtropical regions

The Montpellier HydroSciences JointResearch Unit (JRU) UMR HSM(CNRS, IRD, UM1, UM2) is devotedto research in water sciences coveringa broad range of domains frombiogeochemistry to extreme events,including underground water and thehydrological cycle.

HSM carries out most of its scientificactivity in the Mediterranean andtropical regions, in four scientificfields: Biogeochemistry, contaminationagents and health. Karsts and heterogeneousenvironments: hydrogeology,hydraulics and transfers. Climate, environmental changesand modelling of their impacts onwater resources.Hydrological cycle mechanisms,surface-atmosphere transfers and

interactions.

In addition, the laboratory developsfour cross-disciplinary technicalapproaches: (a) hydrodynamicmodelling and couplings;(b) hydrosphere tracers; (c) modellingmethods: assimilation, spatialisationand sensitivity; (d) informationsystems.

HSM is highly involved in research-oriented training and education.The training courses provided by the

laboratory attract French and foreignstudents alike (especially studentsfrom developing countries): WaterMasters degree, Health EngineeringMasters degree, Water sciences andtechnologies engineering degree

Main teams

UPR EAU/NREWater: New resources and Economy

(BRGM)14 scientists

Director: Jean-Christophe [email protected] Presentation page 16

UMR EMMAHMediterranean Environment

and Agro-Hydrosystems Modelling(INRA, UAPV)

40 scientistsDirector: Liliana Di Pietro

[email protected] Presentation page 14

UMR GMMontpellier Geosciences

(CNRS, UM2)89 scientists

Director: Jean-Louis [email protected]@gm.univ-montp2.fr

www.gm.univ-montp2.fr Presentation page 10

UMR HSMMontpellier HydroSciences

(CNRS, IRD, UM1, UM2)57 scientists

Director: ric [email protected]

www.hydrosciences.org Presentation page 8

UPR LGEIIndustrial EnvironmentEngineering Laboratory

(EMA)45 scientists

Director: Miguel [email protected]

www.mines-ales.fr/LGEI Presentation page 12

UMR LISAHLaboratory for the Study ofInteractions between Soils,

Agrosystems and Hydrosystems(INRA, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro)

34 scientistsDirector: Jrme Molnat


UMS OREMEMediterranean Environment Research

Observatory(CNRS, IRD, UM2)

3 scientists sensu stricto + 6 linked unitsDirector: Nicolas Arnaud

[email protected]

Presentation page 13

...continued on page 10


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The Mediterranean basin is characterised by unevenlydistributed and limited water resources as well as byincreasing anthropogenic pressures. Hydro-climaticprojections suggest a progressive diminution of the meanannual flows in this region, accompanied by more frequent andsevere drought periods. Moreover, water demand has doubledsince the nineteen fifties and is likely to continue to growas irrigated surfaces increase and urban areas spread. Withinthe HSM JRU, the RESCUE-Med team focuses its researchon the prospective evaluation of water resources underpressure of climate change and uses at different scales in theMediterranean region.

As part of a current PhD and in partnership with the BluePlan, the future availability of water resources is modelledat the regional scale according to various scenarios ofclimatic and water demand evolution, for agricultural andhousehold purposes. A hydric stress indicator was developed,

emphasising regional disparities concerning the capacity tomeet various water needs at different periods in the past andfuture. Alternative scenarios, such as supply networks withimproved efficiency, are being tested to assess the efficacyof adaptative strategies. The team also studies the impact ofthese changes on the water resources at more local scales.Hydrological modelling coupled with water uses is thusimplemented in the river basins of Ebre (Spain) and Hrault(France). These research efforts seek to elaborate scenariosof climate change and water demand evolution adapted tothese working scales. The objective is to assess the volumesand dynamics of flows, taking into account anthropogenicpressures (storage, withdrawals, consumption and transfers),in order to provide water resource managers with decision-making support tools.

Contact: Denis Ruelland, [email protected]

> W AT E R R E S O U R C E S A N D G L O B A L C H A N G E S

Global changes in the Mediterranean:what will tomorrows water resources be like?


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Palm grove of Tafilalet, Morocco.

Water stress indexes in theMediterranean Basin.

UMRHSM&PlanBleu

M .N. Favier IRD


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Other teams involvedUMR ESPACE-DEV

Spatial Analysis for Development(IRD, UM2, UAG, UR)

60 scientistsDirector: Frdric Huynh


UMR G-EAUWater Management, Stakeholders, Uses

(AgroParisTech, IRSTEA, CIHEAM-IAMM,CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro)

75 scientists

Director: Patrice [email protected] Presentation page 40

UMR ITAPInformation Technology Environmental

Analysis Agricultural Processes(IRSTEA, Montpellier SupAgro)

40 scientistsDirector: Tewfik [email protected]/itap Presentation page 28

UMR TETISTerritories, Environment, Remote sensing

and Spatial information(AgroParisTech, CIRAD, IRSTEA)70 scientists

Director: Jean-Philippe [email protected]

http://tetis.teledetection.fr Presentation page 46

Environmental and climaticchanges with high anthropogenicimpact (coastline evolution, seawater intrusion in groundwater).GM comprises five multidisciplinaryteams working in three scientificfields: Geodynamics (LithosphereDynamics and Mantle andInterface teams) Reservoirs (Basins and PorousEnvironment Transfers teams) Risks (Risks team)

Research on water is undertaken bythe Porous Environment Transfersand Risks teams. It concerns thecharacterisation and modelling ofmass and energy transfers in porous,fractured and karstic aquifers. Themain scientific challenges lie inthe in situ measurement of thesetransfers, taking into account theheterogeneities controlling them atall scales. These research works targetfour objectives: the developmentof (1) instrumented sites (Majorca,Maguelone, Roussillon, Larzac andLodve) dedicated to observation andexperimentation, (2) devices allowingcontrolled dynamic experiments,(3) surface and bore hole

Mass and energytransfers in porous,fractured and karsticaquifers

The Montpellier Geosciences JointResearch Unit UMR GM(CNRS,UM2) has developed a globalapproach to earth dynamics andtheir surface manifestations. Thistakes into account the couplingsbetween the various layers includingthe hydrosphere. The objective is togain a better understanding of thedynamic processes at different scales,and to bring this in line with societalexpectations such as: Supply of non-energy resources(mineral and hydric); Energy choices for the future, fromextending carbon-based reserves todeveloping new energy technologies(natural hydrogen, geothermalenergy);Waste storage and confinement(downstream from the nuclear cycle,CO

2, mining wastes, etc.);

Natural hazards (earthquakes,tsunamis, gravity hazards, floods,etc.);

Water resources: identification, functioning, mobilisation

The Mediterranean regionis one of the focal pointsof global changes. Theregion evolves swiftlyunder the effects of severeclimatic and anthropogenicpressures, while theresources produced arealready unable to meetthe population needs.The current intenseexploitation of resourcesaggravates social andenvironmental weaknessesand induces high stresseson the hydrological and

biogeochemical cycles. Critical situations and conflicts of use

are increasing in frequency and intensity. The quest for newways of sustainable development calls for a deeper knowledgeof anthropo-ecosystem degradation, resilience, flexibility andrehabilitation factors.

Within this context, the SICMED programme (continentalsurfaces and interfaces in the Mediterranean) carries out research,training and transfer activities dedicated to the study of evolvingMediterranean rural and peri-urban anthropo-ecosystems

subjected to global change-induced stresses. It is one of thecomponents of the MISTRALS (Mediterranean Integrated STudiesat Regional And Local Scales)project, and for the last decade ithas been developing a multi-disciplinary research project to studybiophysical, technical and social mechanisms at work.The programme pursues three objectives:To identify and analyse the scientific locks preventing efficientforecasting of the evolution of the bio-hydro-geo-chemicalprocesses subjected to current and future anthropogenic andclimatic stresses;To develop knowledge and tools for the rationalisedmanagement of the systems studied;To transfer such knowledge and tools to decision makers andmanagers in the private and public sectors.The SICMED programme is funded by IRSTEA, CNRS-INSU, INRAand IRD. It is based on a broad multilateral partnership involvingscientific institutions and stakeholders representing various

Mediterranean countries, but also other countries involved inresearch and development towards the Mediterranean region.

Contacts: Christian Leduc, [email protected] Jean-Claude Menaut, [email protected] Voltz, [email protected]& Maxime Thibon, [email protected]

More information on SICMED: www.sicmed.netMore information on Mistrals: www.mistrals-home.org


SICMED: The evolution of Mediterranean anthropo-ecosystems Cultivated landscape in Tunisia.

R. Calvez


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hydrogeophysical measurement andmonitoring systems and (4) specificdigital tools allowing the integrationof data obtained at different scales.

These research works are carried

out in the framework of severalprojects supported by the FrenchNational Research Agency (MOHINI,GRAIN D'SEL, LINE, COLINER,and HYDROKARST-G2) and theSOERE H+ (long term observationand experimentation systemsfor environmental research inhydrogeology). GM is in charge ofseveral SOERE H+ experimental sitesaround the Mediterranean region.GM is a member of the OREMEMediterranean Environment

(Marie-Curie, FP7 networks), theMediterranean region (North Africa,Middle East), and all over the world(Taiwan, Japan, India, Australia,New-Zealand, Iran, Brazil, Mexicoand the USA). GM collaborates

with the private sector, namely viathe creation of businesses by PhDstudents and for the funding ofresearch contracts and theses. Itbelongs to the Geosciences clusterinitiated in 2011 and involving keyregional companies (Geoter, Cenote,imaGeau, Schlumberger, Fugro,Antea, Areva, Lafarge) and R&D andtraining organisations (GM, BRGM,EMA, CEFREM, HSM). A largenumber of these stakeholders areactive in the field of water.

Research Observatory, being incharge of several observation tasks(SO-LTC, GPST2, GEK, Bore HoleHydrogeophysics).

GM is involved in the large

regional technical platform forthe analysis of trace elements inthe environment. It also housesequipments for the Gravimetryand Experimentation platforms ofthe National Institute for UniverseSciences (absolute gravimeter andEBSD SEM).

GM is also part of a wide nationaland international cooperationnetwork including countriesand programmes from Europe

The OMERE observatory supports the study of global changes affecting the Mediterranean

hydrosystems/agrosystems. It is located in an intermediate hydrological context, between aridand temperate environments, subjected to a wide range of hydrological processes stretchingfrom severe drought events to extreme floods. The observatory also explores the social andhuman context, submitted to considerable and rapid changes (intensification of agriculturalproductions in favourable areas, abandonment of farmlands in less favourable zones, increasedwater withdrawals, hydro-agricultural or environmental planning, etc.). The various climatechange scenarios elaborated by IPCC foresee major rainfall changes in these latitudes: lesswinter precipitations, more extreme rainfall events.

Given the peculiar situation of the Mediterranean region, the observatory has been collectingclimatic, hydrological, sediment and solute flows in two catchment basins over the lasttwo decades. These basins differ in terms of soils, hydro-agricultural developments, culturalpractices and evolution dynamics: Roujan (France, mainly wine growing) and Kamech (Tunisia,

polycrops-stock farming). The objectives of the observatory are as follows: i) to understandthe impact of agricultural activities on mass flows in Mediterranean elementary catchmentbasins (hydrological regimes and balances, water resource allocation, erosion dynamics,evolution of water quality); ii) to assess the intensity and speed at which water and groundresources can change as a function of changing land use; iii) to support the developmentof modelling approaches for flows in agricultural environments, by bringing observation inline with modelling; iv) to supply scientific bases, references and diagnostic tools for theagro-environmental engineering of agricultural landscapes. The HSM JRU, the Tunis NationalInstitute of Agronomy, the Tunisian National Institute of Rural Engineering, Water andForestry, and the LISAH JRU are the four partners in charge of coordinating and managingOMERE. The Observatory is a member of the French catchment basin network*.

Contacts: Patrick Andrieux, [email protected]& Damien Raclot, [email protected]

Information: www.umr-lisah.fr/omere* http://rnbv.ipgp.fr


OMERE: Mediterranean Observatoryof Rural Environment and Water

Instrumentation of theRoujan site (Hrault, France) as

part of the OMERE observatory.

M. Souli


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etc.), as well as a test hall for semi-industrial pilot scale experiments.Academic and industrial teams haveaccess to these facilities throughthe regional technical platforms,including Ecotech LR (Eco-technologies for agro-bioprocesses).

Moreover, the hydrometricmonitoring of experimentalcatchment basins is a fundamental

research effort for understanding theprocesses underlying flash kineticsfloods. This research started in 2001in collaboration with the ESPACE-DEV, HSM and TETIS JRUs. Severalexperimental catchment basins inthe Cevennes are currently beingmonitored. Thanks to the diversity ofthe experimental devices, researchwork has focused on developingimaging applied to river velocitiesand flow rates as well as low costdevices for extending and refiningdistributed hydrometric analyses.

* SWIFT: Screening Methods for Water DataInformation in Support of the Implementationof the WFD.KNAPPE:Knowledge and Need Assessment onPharmaceutical Products in Environmentalwaters

water and effluents; development ofprocesses and process couplings forthe treatment of water and effluents;integrated management of pollutingflows (industrial environments,water resources) according to alocal ecology type approach;geomatics and collective intelligencefor decision support. These differentlevels of water cycle analysis makeit possible to answer the questions

raised not only by science, butalso by economic and industrialstakeholders.

LGEI is part of the Institut CarnotM.I.N.E.S., reflecting its privilegedrelationships with the economicsector. The laboratory is activein the Water, Trimatec, LocalVulnerability and Risk Managementand Eurobiomed competitivenessclusters. It collaborates withacademics and industrialists atnational and international levels,

participating and coordinatingseveral European projects*.

The laboratory hosts all the facilitiesneeded in a chemistry lab (HPLC/MS/MS, GC/MS/MS, ICP, extractors,

Analysis of thehydrological cycle forresearch, economic andindustrial activities

The Industrial EnvironmentEngineering Laboratory UPR LGEI is an Internal Research Unit of AlsEngineering High School (cole des

Mines dAls, EMA), a national publicinstitution reporting to the Ministryof Industry. Its research work covers abroad field of applications based oncomplementary disciplines: processengineering, analytical chemistry andmetrology, microbiology, molecularbiology, hydrology, hydrogeology,geomatics, geostatistical methods,computer sciences and modelling,simulation tools and decision supportsystems.

Water issues are addressed from

several angles: control of disastrousimpacts for a resilient environment;understanding and spatialisation ofhydrological processes in catchmentbasins (modelling); diagnosis of thechemical and ecological quality of


The spatio-temporal functioning of agricultural landscapes results from

complex interactions between biophysical processes and human activities.Modelling the functioning of such systems and simulating their changesunder the impact of climatic changes and anthropogenic pressures (pollution,development, changes in land use), involves taking into account all theseinteractions and coupling many processes/phenomena distributed in the areastudied. In order to implement such modelling processes and run simulationsbased on these coupled models, the LISAH JRU has developed an advancedand generic software tool.

Thus, the OpenFLUID platform can provide a software environment tomodel and simulate the spatial functioning of agricultural landscapes. It allowsmodels to be developed and implemented during simulations. These modelsare developed as plug-in software tools for OpenFLUID. Then they can be used to create coupled models adapted to (i) the modellingcontext, (ii) the simulation objectives and (iii) the data available. The simulations are based on digital representations of the landscapes

studied. These include the geometries and properties of the actual landscape elements. OpenFLUID has been used for numerousprojects and Ph.D. theses. It has been applied to Mediterranean and tropical environments, for the modelling of water and pollutantflows and erosion, especially under the impact of agricultural practices. OpenFLUID also provides software support for the developmentand implementation of the MHYDAS (distributed hydrological modelling of agro-systems) model, among others, as well as the digitalrepresentation of agricultural catchment basins, and the simulation of water and pollutant flows. OpenFLUID has a user graphic interfaceand can also be used in a command line (in a calculation cluster for example). It is an open-source, free licence software and can bedownloaded from the OpenFLUID internet site*.

Contacts: Jean-Christophe Fabre, [email protected] & Roger Moussa, [email protected]

* www.umr-lisah.fr/openfluid


The OpenFLUID platform: modelling and simulationof the spatial functioning of agricultural landscapes

Water level simulations within the hydrographicnetwork of Roujan (Hrault, France) using the

MHYDAS model with the OPENFLUID modellingplatform.

J.C

.Fabre


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Observation for a betterunderstanding of thedynamics and facilitatedmanagement of water

resourcesThe Mediterranean EnvironmentResearch Observatory Joint ServiceUnit UMS OREME(CNRS, IRD,UM2) is dedicated to the study ofthe uncertainties and vulnerabilitiesof Mediterranean environments.OREME focuses on natural hazards,resources and the impact of globaland anthropogenic changes on theliving and inert Mediterranean area.Its aim is to identify such systemsresponse mechanisms to natural and

anthropogenic forcing.

OREMEs mission consists incollecting, integrating and sharinglong-term observation data tounderstand the evolution ofresources and environments. Thisdata is also essential for developingexplanatory and predictive models.

OMERE closely works with publicpartners (universe and ecologysciences laboratories, informationscience laboratories, local authorities

and State agencies) and privatecompanies (especially IBM).

In the field of water, OREMEcollaborates with other JRUs in orderto develop hydrologic observation

couplings occurring in the variouscompartments. Complex simulationsare necessary to understand theseconditions: real-time modelling of thestate of the resource, its uses and theirimmediate effects. At the core of this

process of study, the data collected,calculated or associated with usesmust be processed within theacquisition-refinement-processing-decision continuum.

Thanks to its network of partnershipsand its expertise, OREME intervenesat different stages of this continuum,especially during acquisition(sensor network management),storage, sharing (managementof query standards and norms,management of metadata, web

services, etc.) and decision support(detection of changes, informationfusion, reasoning, user interactions,visualisation, recommendation,forecasting and real-time operations).

The water resource must be managedin such a way as to prevent or bettermanage crises. This is why resourcemodelling must give a picture asclose as possible to the reality, sothat risks can be analysed and thenecessary decisions taken in realtime. For this reason, a shift to

operational decision support modelsis required. Indeed, to avoid having tocarry out time-consuming exhaustivemodelling, basic simulations, basedon reliable data, has to be performedupstream.

systems. These range from the basinscale to the in situ bore-hole scale: Geodesic, gravimetric, geophysical/hydrogeophysical systematic bore-hole observation at all scales;Multi-scale observation system of

flood dynamics and undergroundhydrodynamics of fractured andkarstic systems; Observation system for thepollution and biological adaptabilitydownstream from mining sites;Monitoring of the Languedoccoastline, interface betweencatchment basin and marineenvironment.

These observation systems included in French and internationalnetworks provide information

on water resource dynamics,especially karstic aquifers. Theyalso make it possible to monitorthe quantity and quality of theresource downstream from theaquifers. Geophysical methods areused to monitor underground watermovements and link aquifer supplieswith their discharge. The aim hereis to understand their hydrologicalcycles and analyse it both in terms ofresource quantity and hydrologicalhazards, such as flash discharges.

The quantity and quality of theresource available at each utilisationsite are the result of complexprocesses. Their assessment needscombining models of water storage,flow and physico-biochemical

Water stainingexperiments for transferscharacterisation andvulnerability assessmentof the karstic hydrosystemof the Lez River (France). V. Leonardi


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with the different processes, onthe one hand, and include newmodelling approaches that take intoconsideration the heterogeneities ofthe environment and processes atdifferent scales, on the other hand.

The disciplinary expertise andtechniques implemented cover

hydrology, hydrogeology, soiland water geochemistry andmicrobiology, agronomy, remotesensing, geophysics, appliedmathematics, the physics of wavesin porous media, digital simulation,parallel calculation and signalprocessing.

EMMAH collaborates with the Frenchacademic world (INRA: FrenchNational Institute for AgronomicResearch, CEA: French Nuclearand Alternative Energies Centre,

CNRS: French National Centre forScientific Research, Universities,etc.) and the international academicworld (Sfax National School ofEngineering, Tunisia; SpanishInstitute for Sustainable Agricultureand Valencia University, Spain; DutchNational Aerospace Laboratory andUniversity of Twente, Netherlands;Universities of Maryland and Boston,USA, etc.). Moreover, EMMAH alsodevelops partnerships with Frenchinstitutional or managerial bodies(Rhne-Mditerrane-Corse WaterAgency, irrigators and farmersunions, joint organisations for themanagement of underground waterresources) as well as private partners(Veolia, Suez Environnement,engineering offices, etc.).

human pathogens in these treatedwaters.

EMMAHs work is based on theutilisation of remote sensingand geophysical data, intensiveobservation of instrumented sites,laboratory measurements andmethodological development to

better understand and model thefunctioning of Mediterraneanecosystems. EMMAH has set upa monitoring system of severalobservation sites representativeof different hydro-geological andagronomic contexts (Crau-Camargueregion, karstic aquifers of theFontaine de Vaucluse, Avignon peri-urban zone).

In addition, two sites are dedicatedto the study of hydric flows into theatmosphere and the water table.

EMMAH is also equipped to carry outbiological measurements (biomass,foliar index, chlorophyll content,etc.), chemical analyses of water andsoils (organic and mineral chemistry),water isotopic analyses (H3, C14, C13/C12 ratio of dissolved carbon) andground hydrodynamic properties.EMMAH also has access to theRustrel (Vaucluse) low-disturbanceunderground laboratory in the karsticmassif of Fontaine de Vaucluse, andto the INRA molecular biology labin Avignon. It is also equipped withsubsurface geophysical prospectinginstruments (electrical tomography).The researchers develop mechanisticmodels for hydrosystem functioning.These integrate and spatialise theelementary models associated

Mediterraneanenvironment andmodelling ofagro-hydrosystems

The Mediterranean Environmentand Agro-Hydrosystem Modelling

Joint Research Unit UMR EMMAH(INRA Avignon, UAPV) is focused onimpact analysis of global changeson water resources, agriculturalproduction and their interactions atthe local level (from the landscapeto the production basin and theaquifer). The research works targetfive cross-disciplinary goals: Quantification of the impacts ofglobal change on the interactionsbetween surface biophysicalprocesses (agricultural productionand water cycle) and water resources,

especially underground. Identification of landscape changesand their driving forces, based on aretrospective analysis that stretchesover several decades.Understanding of the modificationsinduced by extreme climatic events(such as drought/heat wave) on thefunctioning of agro-ecosystems.Understanding and modellingthe impacts of heavy rainfall on thehydrological and hydrochemicalfunctioning of the ground-tablesystem. Study of alternative irrigationtechniques, such as the use ofwater downstream from wastewater treatment plants, particularlyregarding quantification of the risksassociated with the presence of

TheFontaine duVaucluse spring (France)

in high water conditions. UMR EMMAH


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At the crossroad of soilsciences, hydrologyand agronomy: thefunctioning of cultivatedlandscapes

The Laboratory for the Studyof Interactions between Soils,

Agrosystems and HydrosystemsJoint Research Unit UMRLISAH(INRA, IRD, MontpellierSupAgro) studies the functioningof cultivated landscapes resultingfrom the interactions between i) theunderlying soil, ii) the agrosystemthat modifies the geometry of thelandscape and iii) the hydrosystemthat transfers water and other

elements. It serves the followingspecific objectives: The development of knowledge onerosion, water and material transfersand the evolution of pollutingsubstances (pesticides) in soils andrural catchment basins with respectto their spatial organisation andtemporal evolution; The elaboration of tools fordiagnosing and preventing therisks induced by human activities(cultivated environments) on

to the resource (a few hundred km)catchment basins;Development of digital soil mappingmethods and information systems; Analysis of factors and processes ofsoil erosion and sediment transfer incatchment basins; Study of the influence of hydraulicworks (ditches, banks, hill lakes) on thehydrological functioning of cultivatedsoil and catchment basins.

LISAH scientific approach is basedon in situ hydrological studies andexperiments, methodological researchfor the acquisition and processingof soil and landscape spatial dataand development of distributedhydrological modelling approaches,taking into account the specific

heterogeneities of rural landscapes.To this end, LISAH runs theMediterranean Observatory of RuralEnvironment and Water (OMERE, seepage 11). The laboratory analyses theimpact of anthropogenic actions onthe physical and chemical erosion ofMediterranean soils and on the qualityof water. Moreover, since 2006, LISAHhas been developing the simulationplatform OpenFLUID (SoftwareEnvironment for Modelling Fluxes inLandscapes, see page 12).

hydrological regimes and theevolution of water and landresources; The definition of new modes ofsustainable management for the ruralenvironment; The training of students on theconcepts and tools used to analyseand model the spatial organisationand the hydrology of cultivatedenvironments.

LISAH combines expertise in soilscience, hydrology, agronomy andspatialisation. Its structure is basedon three research teams:Water and pollutants in cultivatedcatchment basins; Erosion and sediment transport incultivated catchment basins;

Spatial and dynamic structure ofsoils and cultivated landscapes.

LISAH especially focuses on winegrowing in the Languedoc-Roussillonregion and banana tree farmingin the French Antilles, with thefollowing objectives: Study of soils and water pollutionby phytosanitary products; Analysis of the soil-crop systemhydrological cycle at various scales,from the elementary (a few km)

Bedrock (granite, schist, gneiss, etc.) occupies large surface areasin Europe and France and elsewhere across the planet. The waterresources they contain are used substantially in agriculturaland economic development in the regions concerned. This is

particularly true for emerging economies where the context isarid or semi-arid and access to water is limited.

The BRGM EAU/NRE research unit contributes to thedevelopment of knowledge on the genesis, geometry, hydraulicproperties and functioning of bedrock aquifers. Significantprogress has been made in this corpus of knowledge. Morespecifically, it has been demonstrated that climatic alterationprocesses significantly influence aquifer properties through thedevelopment of alteration profiles. Moving downwards, theseare made up of (see figure on the right): loose alterites (coarsesand in granitic zones), characterised by low permeability andsignificant underground water storage capacities; a strataboundcracked horizon, 50 to 100-metres thick, also stronglyinfluenced by alteration processes and to which the bedrockaquifer owes much of its permeability.

Numerous practical applications stem from these geologicaland hydrogeological concepts. One such application isregional mapping of underground water potentialities and the

regionalisation of hydrodynamic parameters for modelling.Other applications concern water resource management toolsfor catchment basins. Indeed, such management is essential forintensive withdrawals for irrigation purposes. These applicationsalso cover bore-hole layout techniques and methods leading toimproved success rates for exploitable flow rates.

Contacts: Jean-Christophe Marchal, [email protected]& Benot Dewandel, [email protected]

> F U N C T I O N I N G O F C O M P L E X A Q U I F ER S

Aquifers in bedrock regions:a water resource to be managed

Drilling

Alterites

Fractured and altered bedrock

Unaltered bedrock

Saturateda

quifer

Porousgeological medium

Fracturedgeological medium

Discontinuousgeological medium0 25 m

Conceptual model of the structureand hydrologic properties of the bedrockaquifers.

J.C. Marchal


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Several researchers are involved inteaching for vocational training,for the Water Masters degree andothers Masters and engineering

courses related to water.

EAU/NRE has developed a strongpartnership with the French-IndianResearch Centre on UndergroundWater. This joint BRGM-NGRI(National Geophysical ResearchInstitute) laboratory, based inHyderabad in the south of India,has developed research on baseaquifers in tropical regions usingthe SOERE (H+) observationsystem. The lab develops tools formanaging aquifers that are severely

impacted by agricultural practices(irrigation pumping, pollution) andby climate change.

EAU/NRE specifically developsapplied research activities directedto local authorities, water agenciesand industrialists. Several projectshave led to the development ofmethodologies to study mineralwater deposits and their industrialmanagement (i.e. Nestl WatersandDanone Eaux France). Moreover,EAU/NRE is involved in theWater competitiveness cluster.

increasing constraints, i.e. climatechange, anthropogenic pressure,socio-economic evolution, urbangrowth, etc. The following topics

are more specifically studied:(i) characterisation of the structureand functioning of complex aquifers(karst, fractured ground, volcanicenvironments) in order to assesstheir potentialities; (ii) developmentof modelling and decision supporttools for managing these aquifers andforecasting impact of global changes;and (iii) development of activeresource management methods(recycling of treated waste waters,artificial recharging of water-tables,inter-seasonal storage and controlled

overexploitation). The development of economicapproaches needed to evaluate waterresource management scenariosat the basin scale. Research effortsfocus on the economic evaluation ofincentive programmes and resourcemanagement policies as a functionof uses, the economic optimisationof resource management plansvia cost-efficiency analyses, theweighting of benefits and drawbacksbetween economic developmentand environmental policies, thecomparison of approaches (analysisof costs avoided), the contingentevaluation based on enquiries andthe elaboration of medium andlong-term water use scenarios(prospective analysis).

Located in Montpellier on theMediterranean shore, LISAH runscollaboration programmes withseveral Tunisian and Moroccan

higher education, research andtraining institutions: Hassan IIAgronomy and Veterinarian Institutein Rabat; National Institute ofResearch on Rural Engineering,Water and Forestry in Tunis; NationalInstitute of Agronomy in Tunis;National Engineering School in Tunis,National Centre for Cartographyand Remote Sensing. It also works inpartnership with public and privatestakeholders in the field of water andsoil resource management.

Hydrogeologists andeconomists workingon water resourcemanagement

The Water/New resources andEconomy Internal ResearchUnit UPR EAU/NRE belongs tothe BRGM Water Department. Itspermanent staff comprises eighthydrologists and six economistswhose research efforts focus onwater resource management. EAU/NREs activities comprise two mainscientific focuses: The development of alternativesolutions to conventional waterresources, that are suffering from



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>THE MEDITERRANEAN

KARSTIC AQUIFERS:

COMPLEX SYSTEMSKarstic aquifers contain a significant

share of water resources in France(35% of the country), all the more inthe Mediterranean region (> 50%).Their heterogeneity makes thesezones complex (with voids varying insize from cracks of a few centimetresto sinkholes several meters wide),which are characterised by a specifichydrologic functioning. Becauseof their complexity, they are stillunderexploited. Moreover, the use ofthis resource must take into accountcharacteristics specific to the karsticsystems, especially their vulnerabilityto pollution and overexploitation.In regions where water is alreadyscarce and within a context of globalchange, a better understanding oftheir functioning has become essentialto ensure they are optimally andsustainably exploited and protected.To this end, the regional researchunits develop different complementaryapproaches.

The functioning of the non-saturated zone (NSZ) of karstic systems, which can reach upto tens or even hundreds of metres in size, remains poorly known and modelled. Yet, itis now obvious that it plays a major role in transfer dynamics and storage characteristics.The Rustrel (Vaucluse) Low Disturbance Underground Laboratory (LSBB) is located inan artificial gallery (opened for no hydrogeological reasons). The site of the laboratoryspans flows within the limestone massif of the Mont de Vaucluse covering a distance of3,800 metres and reaching depths ranging from 0 and 500 meters.

The site provides direct access to the karst NSZ, hence offering an exceptionalresearch opportunity. Thanks to direct (geological, hydrodynamic, hydrochemical) andindirect (hydro-geophysical) measurements carried out on this site, the EMMAH JRU isdeveloping an operational model of the karstic aquifer NSZ. Eventually, it will be possibleto precisely assess the impact of the NSZ on the global functioning of these aquifersystems. The experimental site of the LSBB, located in the supply basin of Fontaine deVaucluse, will serve as a reference site for the development of this model, which willthen be validated and refined through its application to other systems.

In addition to studying the karstic aquifer as such, the work carried out in the Fontainede Vaucluse catchment basin includes the whole upstream area: vegetation, land use,definition and mapping of drainage units. The impact of the karstic system on theenvironment downstream from the spring is also studied under different aspects (flood

warning, biodiversity and green tourism).

Contacts: Christophe Emblanch, [email protected] Danquigny, [email protected]& Kostantinos Chalikakis, [email protected]

> F U N C T I O N I N G O F C O M P L E X A Q U IF E R S

Study of the functioning of non-saturatedzones of karstic systems


17

Water sampling in the non-saturated zone of the karsticaquifer in the low-disturbancelaboratory of Rustrel ( Vaucluse,France).

UMR EMMAH


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The karst and heterogeous environments research group within the

HSM JRU focuses on underground and surface transfers in this type ofenvironment. Within the framework of its research activities combininghydrogeological, hydrological and hydraulic characterisation and modelling,the laboratory participates to a broad-reaching research project.The project is entitled Multi-Uses Management of MediterraneanKarstic Aquifers and is being coordinated by BRGM for MontpellierAgglomeration, in collaboration with the G-EAU and TETIS JRUs, theBiotope company and the European Centre for Research and AdvancedTraining in Scientific Computation. This 3-year project started in June2009 (mainly funded by Montpellier Agglomeration with co-funding fromthe Rhne - Mditerrane - Corse Water Agency, the Hrault GeneralCouncil, the BRGM).

It mainly concerns the Lez catchment basin (France) as well as the

associated karstic aquifer, and deals with resource management and floodhazard mitigation issues. The project serves the following main objectives:To get a better knowledge of the hydrogeological undergroundenvironment, through a better understanding of underground flows andgeology of this type of peri-Mediterranean hydrosystem;To assess the quantitative and qualitative vulnerability of the aquifer;To reassess the water resource that can be exploited within the aquiferand characterise the impacts of global changes using different models;

To characterise the role of the karstic aquifer in the hydrological regime of the Lez river in order to better evaluate flood hazard aswell as the chemical and geological quality of the hydrological environment;

To take stock of the situation of the underground biodiversity of the Lez aquifer;To study the effects of actively managing the karstic aquifer on flood mitigation using coupled hydrological and hydrogeological

models.

Contacts: Vronique Leonardi, [email protected] Jourde, [email protected]& Jean-Christophe Marchal, [email protected]

> F U N C T I O N I N G O F C O M P L E X A Q U I FE R S

Multi-uses managementof the Lez river catchment basin karstic aquifer

For several years now, the Risk team of the GM JRU has beenconducting original research works on the monitoring andlocalisation of fresh water resources in karstic zones.

In 2011, within the framework of the OREME Observatory, andin partnership with the National Institute for Universe Sciences,the H+ Observatory, the Maison de lEau water science centreand the companies imaGeau (Montpellier), MicroG and GWR(USA), GM established a geodesic observatory on the Larzacplateau. The aim of the observatory is to bring new knowledgebased on very high tech original observations over long periodsof time.

The observatory includes the first new generationsupraconductor gravimeter (iGrav) developed by GWR, as wellas one of the 50 absolute gravimeters existing in the world(MicroG). Gravimetry consists in making surface ground massmeasurements in order to determine water bodies and their

temporal variations without drilling any bore hole. This typeof measurement has become so successful that it is now beingexported to other karsts such as the Vaucluse plateau.

The Larzac observatory also welcomes French and foreignresearchers who wish to collaborate on research worksin progress, both in geophysics and in hydrogeology. Theobservatory is a training site enabling students from UM2 andall over France to work on current topics using high tech tools.The data collected will make it possible to better understandand model karstic aquifers so that quantitative information canbe provided to help with the exploitation/protection of theLarzac water resources and of karstic zones in generalContacts:Cdric Champollion, [email protected]& Jean Chry, [email protected]

> F U N C T I O N I N G O F C O M P L E X A Q U I FE R S

Geodesy to study water resourcesin a karstic environment

18

The Lez springnear Montpellier, France.

M. Souli


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Since 2004, the BRGM EAU/NRE research unit has been working on the issue

of karstic flash floods. This work comprises several projects with the aim ofproviding long-term assessments. A first research project for the city of Nmes(France) targeted the functioning of the Fontaine de Nmes karstic system inflood conditions. It has evidenced the flood buffering role when the aquifer isundersaturated. It has also showed the karstic systems major contribution tothe genesis of devastating floods in Nmes, especially that of underground watersduring a flood peak.

A tight monitoring of the underground waters has thus been proposed to theNmes authorities. Furthermore, a warning tool was designed, based on an abacus.This tool is able to forecast flood magnitudes. It takes into account the saturationcondition of the karst and the real time weather forecasts. This type of approachhas been replicated in other karstic catchment basins following a request from theCentral Department of Hydrometeorology and Flood Forecast Support (SCHAPI).The tools developed for the forecasters are currently being tested by the FloodForecasting Departments.

Contacts: Perrine Fleury, [email protected]& Jean-Christophe Marchal, [email protected]

> F U N C T I O N I N G O F C O M P L E X A Q U IF E R S

Karstic flash floods: fromresearch to operational management

Retro-flooding of an ancientRoman pit during the 2005

flood of Nmes (France).19

J.C.Marchal


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Real-time flood forecasting is a complex issue with vitaleconomic and societal implications. The complexity stemsfrom the coupling between atmospheric, hydrological andhydrogeological models.

The EMA LGEI research unit studies and implements themethods it develops on the catchment basins of the Gardonriver in Remoulins and its upstream outfalls in France. The siteis known for the devastating gardonnades(river Gardon flash

floods). The models developed will then be validated on the Czeand Ardche rivers, also known for their flash floods, and on theSomme river, known for its table floods.

The use of neuronal-type networks offers a new alternative:it consists in taking advantage of experimental data recordedduring the elaboration of models, obtained through artificiallearning. The first results show that floods of the Gardon riverat Anduze can be anticipated without any rainfall forecast evenfor short time horizons (2 to 3 hours), thus enabling the localauthorities to take the first decisions rapidly. The purposeof this method is to publish a vigicrues* flood vigilance mapon the internet. These research efforts are being carried outwithin the framework of the FLASH project (Flood forecastingwith machine Learning, data Assimilation and Semi-physicalmodelling), in collaboration with national partners (SCHAPI:Central Department of Hydrometeorology and Flood Forecast

Support, School of Industrial Chemistry and Physics of the Cityof Paris, Mountain environments, dynamics and territories JRU),and with the financial support of the French National ResearchAgency.

Contacts: Anne Johannet, [email protected]& Pierre-Alain Ayral, [email protected]

Additional information: Toukourou M., 2009.Application de lapprentissage artificiel auxprvisions des crues clair.Thse de doctorat de l'EMA, Als, France.

Kong A Siou L., 2011. Modlisation des crues de bassins karstiques par rseaux deneurones. Cas du bassin du Lez (France).Thse de Doctorat de lUM2, France.

* www.vigicrues.gouv.fr

> W AT E R - R E L A T E D H A Z A R D S

Real-time flood forecasting using neuronal-type networks

Rainfall runoff is a phenomenon poorly taken into account and rarely dealt withas a full scale risk. It is often confused or associated with floods. Yet, it may causesevere damage. The complexity of the phenomenon stems from its sudden andhighly localised occurrence. It usually affects small urban and rural catchmentbasins. Its characterisation is very difficult since the phenomenon is influenced

by numerous physical parameters but mainly because it is aggravated by humanactivities.

The methodologies currently implemented to study runoff are mainly based onquantitative studies and/or modelling. The work carried out by the EMA LGEIresearch unit uses a hydro-geomorphological approach to characterise andspatialise the phenomenon. A rainfall diagnosis method has been developed andapplied to a rural community.

The qualitative approach used makes it possible to take stock of the generalsituation. All information and data can be integrated into a qualitative map.Using this approach, a global spatial analysis was performed. Associated withpermeability measurements, the trends observed by the qualitative analysis havebeen confirmed.

Contacts:Sophie Sauvagnargues, [email protected]& Pierre-Alain Ayral, [email protected]


Methodology for the evaluationof rainfall runoff hazards

Classes de susceptibilitau ruissellement

Trs forte

Forte

Moyenne

Faible

Trs faible

Limite bassin versant

Limite communale

Rseau hydrographique

Qualitativerunoff sensibilityclasses aroundNmes (France)between Marchand June, 2011(from clearest colour= lowestsensibilityto darkestcolour =highestsensibility).

Nme

sAggl

omra

tion

Flood forecast one hour before the event without rainfall forecast(calculated water level in green, measured water level in red).

LGEI


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Satellites are very useful tools for quantifying global biophysical variables and monitoring their time-spacedynamics. They contribute to water cycle knowledge by measuring atmospheric humidity, rainfall, groundhumidity, evapotranspiration and the topography of hydrographic networks.

Measuring river flow rates is a major challenge for future satellite missions. The TETIS JRU carries out researchwork in this field together with the National Space Study Centre (CNES), the French Aerospace Lab (ONERA)and industrial stakeholders in the space industry (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company; ThalesAlenia Space; Collection, Localisation, Satellites, Noveltis). The work is devoted to measurement technologiesfor river surface variables. These variables are then integrated in order to derive river hydraulic parametersand calculate flow rates.

Three families of spatial techniques are being developed. Radar altimetry (Lidar) makes it possible to measureriver levels; TETIS develops qualification methods for measuring river levels and quantifying their uncertainty.As part of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography mission (NASA-CNES), spatial radar interferometry isused to measure slopes; TETIS studies the roughness of water surface and its influence on radar retrodiffusion.TETIS is also involved in airborne campaigns to validate radar devices, processing chains and models. Finally,time interferometry makes it possible to measure surface velocities; TETIS takes part in exploratory airborne

campaigns and explores the modelling of this technique on rivers.

In order to assess the flow rate of rivers by means of satellite measurements without in situ measurements,TETIS develops hydraulic equation inversion methods that make it possible to determine river bed parameters(level, slope, roughness of bed, velocity profile), using surface variables only. These methods constitute acoherent framework for specifying future space missions and improving knowledge of the world river flowrates within the next twenty years.

Contact: Pascal Kosuth, [email protected]


Satellite measurement of river flow rates

Rio Madeira in Brazil.

M.J

guIRD


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The intensity and variability of precipitations together with the complexity ofhydrological processes in Mediterranean catchment basins somewhat limit predictabilityof extreme phenomena. A better understanding of the processes involved in thehydrological responses of catchment basins, which are responsible for the spatio-temporal variability of water routes, could make it possible to improve the modellingof this type of event. This research (LGEI/TETIS research units collaboration) fallswithin the framework of geomatics applied to hydrology. It calls on the use of satellites(especially very high resolution 3D products for the spatial characterisation of basinsand their hydrographic networks), to study the geomorphological origins of the spatio-temporal variations of hydrological responses.

First, using spatial data, the potential drainage system representing the drygeomorphological network formed by the continuous thalweg lines of the basins isdefined. An original algorithm using a terrain digital model structure in a triangularform has been developed specifically for this purpose. It makes it possible to faithfullyplot the networks in relation to their real routes and provides information about theirgeomorphology and that of the basins. The second research area concerns the studyof water or real drain dynamics. The purpose is to better understand the spatialdynamics of drain water filling over the course of different flood episodes. To this end,a spatialised network of light sensors has been distributed over two experimentalbasins (< 1 km) located on the Anduze Gardon. The idea is to monitor the time-spacevariations of the hydrological dynamics in the water networks.

By comparing and contrasting the geomorphological characteristics and hydrologicalresponses observed, the predominance of sub-surface flows in the basins studied has

been confirmed. This has also led to evidence two types of networks with differentfunctioning and has underlined the important influence of the slopes and their changeson the initiation and sustainability of flows within the networks. Finally, it has led tohypotheses about the different functioning of these networks in relation to episodes.

Contacts: Sophie Sauvagnargues, [email protected] Ayral, [email protected] Puech, [email protected]& Jean-Stphane Bailly, [email protected]


Utilisation of very high resolution satellite images:study of the geomorphological origin of water routes

in Mediterranean catchment basins.

The LISAH JRU has designed a simple vine evapotranspirationmapping method. The study concerned the lower valley of thePeyne river, a tributary of the Hrault river, where vines covermore than 70% of the surface. Twelve ASTER images wereacquired between July 2007 and October 2008. These surfacetemperature images (with a spatial resolution of 90 m), werethen converted into daily evapotranspiration maps using waterdeficit index (WDI) and simplified surface energy balance index(SSEBI) values, which so far had never been used on vines.

These maps were then validated by means of a measurementdevice installed on seven vine plots deemed to berepresentative of the soil-landscape variability of the Peynevalley. Evapotranspiration was measured directly using turbulent

covariances on two of these plots. By means of regular soilmoisture and water table level monitoring, it was also possibleto precisely assess the daily evapotranspiration of the sevenplots, via the HYDRUS1D hydric transfer model.

The evapotranspiration maps made from satellite images werethen successfully validated, the SSEBI index being slightly moreprecise (0.8 mm/day) than the WDI index (1 mm/day). Theevapotranspiration maps thus obtained exhibit a spatial stabilityover time, similar to that of 1:25 000 scale soil maps.

Contacts: Frdric Jacob, [email protected] Lagacherie, [email protected]& Laurent Prvot, [email protected]

> A G R I C U L T U R A L W AT E R U S E

Mapping of vine evapotranspirationfrom satellite images



22

Stream gauging experimentsduring a precipitation event.

P.A.Ayral


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The hydric status of vines and its spatial and temporalvariations determine the quantitative and qualitative potential

of the harvest. This knowledge is essential to trigger thecorrective actions needed to optimise the management ofgrape quality and the water resources used for irrigation.Being able to spatialise changes of the vines hydric status overthe cultivated areas is also a pre-requisite for diagnosing thecurrent situation of the water resource and possibly forecastingthe impacts of climate change in Mediterranean agriculturalenvironments where vine growing is dominant.

The objective of this research effort (collaboration betweenITAP, LISAH, Sciences for Oenology research units; INRAPech Rouge experimental station, the French Wine and VineInstitute, Sydney University in Australia and Talca University inChile), is to propose an estimation model of the hydric status

of the vine in time and space. The model can then be scaledaccording to the vineyard and production area hence providingoperational decision-making support for crop management.The project is thus scaled to offer interesting potential for vinegrowers.

The model uses and creates synergy so that the data availablecan be configured differently and according to the targetedscale. Thanks to recent technological progress, and to anetwork of local geo-referenced measurements to monitor thehydric condition of the vine, it is now possible to characterisethe heterogeneous aspects of crops (near infrared airinformation) and soils (measurement of the apparent electricalconductivity of the soil using high space resolution sensors

mounted on mobile vehicles).

These networks of communicating sensors (located in thesoil and in the crops), make it possible to collect real-timecontinuous information (plant and soil monitoring systems). It isalready possible to monitor variables and hence obtain indirectand local assessments of plant hydric conditions.

Based on a reference measurement, the spatial extrapolationapproach has been validated at the scale of the plot and of thevineyard. It is currently being transferred to an industrial partner(Fruition Sciences) and validated on a larger scale (cooperativecellar).

Contact: Bruno Tisseyre, [email protected]

> A G R I C U L T U R A L W AT E R U S E

Spatialisation of the hydric status of vines

Mapping of vineyardsevapotranspiration level inthe Peyne Valley (France)and localisation of the sevenvalidation plots.

UMR LISAH

Experimentaldevice for direct

measurement of vineevapotranspiration.

M. Galleguillos


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Water quality preservationand restoration


24

Cascades in Krk, Croatia. D. Lacroix


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reserving the quality of water resourcesraises major environmental, sanitary andeconomic issues for our societies. Aquatic

ecosystems host a broad variety of animal and vegetalspecies whose conditions and dynamics are sensitiveto the chemical, biological and physical composition ofwater. Moreover, water is a vital resource for humansand an essential resource for the development of theirsocieties. Yet, human activities can also be a threat to

water quality, because of the substances they release inthe environment. The degradation of the physico-chemicaland biological qualities of water can induce pathologicalrisks for human beings. This degradation in turncompromises the sustainability of human activities andthe environmental functions of the water resource. Theimpact of agriculture on water resources is particularlyillustrative of the challenges science has to take up inorder to preserve water quality. Water is increasinglyneeded for agriculture, industrial processes and energyproduction. But at the same time, agricultural inputs suchas fertilisers and pesticides and industrial effluents are asmany sources of water contamination. In an attempt toovercome the challenges of production within a context

of water scarcity, agriculture looks for new practices,such as the use of non conventional water (such astreated waste water). Yet, there will be no sustainableagricultural development without a control of the releaseof contaminating substances and of their mobility in theenvironment. In that respect, the use of non conventionalwater may lead to potential contamination of surface andunderground water, due to the presence of toxic andpathogenic compounds in waste water.

Many of these issues are being tackled by the regionalscientific community: the development of innovativeprocesses for waste water treatment (industrial,domestic, urban); the understanding and forecasting

of contaminants concentrations and mobility inhydrosystems; the design of landscape developmentand management approaches to limit the scatteringof contaminants in the environment; the developmentdecision-support tools for risk evaluation and wateruse optimisation. The research efforts concentrate notonly on usual contaminants such as metals, fertilisers

(nitrogen, phosphorus) and pesticides, but also onemerging contaminants such as drug substances, virusesand bacteria.

One way to reduce environmental pollution is todevelop and implement efficient treatment processesof agricultural and industrial effluents. Conventionaltreatments have mainly been guided by output waterquality. The current scientific challenge is to design

new processes that meet environmental requirementsbroader than the sole quality of the effluents processed,integrating energy constraints (development of low-energy processes, or even bioenergy-producingprocesses). An array of biological, physico-chemical andmembrane-based processes are being explored.

The evolution of the contaminants in the environmentcan only be understood by means of analytical researchworks that examine the processes involved, be theybiological, physical or chemical, and the interactionsamong processes. In particular, the specific properties ofeach environment (geology, soils, landscape structures,rural and urban developments, etc.) have to be taken

into account. The evolution of contaminants with regardto micro-organisms activity, degradation or modificationof chemical compounds, is also an issue. The effect ofcontrasted climatic and hydrological conditions on themobilisation and transport of contaminants is a researchtopic of upmost importance, especially in Mediterraneanand tropical contexts.

Finally, water quality preservation necessitates the designof generic decision-support tools, useable in the longterm and over large areas, to evaluate, monitor andoptimise the effects of human activities on water quality.Associated scientific issues concern time and spaceintegration of the processes involved in contaminants

evolution. In particular, digital modelling of contaminantsevolution, life cycle assessment and the developmentof indicators of pollution stresses are areas of majorinterest.

Jrme Molnat, Olivier Grnberger& Marc Voltz (UMR LISAH)

P


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Both physical and biological methodsare explored to treat water. Physicalapproaches include: Treatment of organic compounds: Coupled processes for the treatmentof phytosanitary products, endocrinedisruptors, drugs and colouringagents (photocatalysis, enzymaticcatalysis, adsorption and membraneprocesses); Separation by pervaporation; Treatment of the polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons, using ozonation andmembrane processes.

Treatment of mineral pollutions: Selective electro-extraction of metalcations in diluted solutions;

Boron extraction throughnanofiltration; Membrane distillation and reverseosmosis for sea water desalination; Extraction and concentrationof heavy metals with hollow fibremembrane contactors.

Coupling of membrane separationand biological pathways is alsodeveloped in the lab:Membrane bioreactor for domesticeffluents; Treatment of effluents containing

phenolic compounds using amembrane enzymatic reactor; Treatment of urban residual watercoupled with energy production usinga membrane reactor.

Moreover, IEM develops innovativematerials with specific functionalities: Super-hydrophobic membrane forthe treatment of water (membranedistillation); New membrane synthesised by self-assembled copolymer blocks; Copolymer synthesis for the

sorption/complexification of metalsin the treatment of industrial wastewater and the recovery of metals.

Membrane materialsand processes for watertreatment intensification

TheEuropean Membrane InstituteJoint Research Unit UMR IEM(CNRS, ENSCM, UM2), founded in1998, is a world-renowned laboratoryspecialised in membrane materialsand processes. Its research objectivesare based on a multidisciplinary,multi-scale approach: Elaboration and characterisation ofnew membrane materials; Implementation of such materialsinto membrane-based processesused in particular for effluent

treatment, gas separation, andbiotechnologies related to food andhealth sciences.

IEM comprises three researchdepartments: Design of membrane materials andmultifunctional systems; Interfaces and physico-chemistry ofpolymers;Membrane-based processengineering.

Within a context of increasing water

demand compounded by the scarcityand degradation of the resource,IEM develops multifunctional andinnovative membrane materialsand processes to intensify watertreatment. IEM works with a numberof industrial and academic partnersthrough national and internationalcollaborative research programmes.

The following application fields arespecifically targeted:Water treatment to reach therequired water quality (drinkingwater, process water, etc.);Waste water treatment forenvironmental preservation and/or reuse of treated water (irrigation,cooling water, wash water, etc.); Sea water desalination.

Main teamsUS Analysis

Analysis of Water, Soils and Plants(CIRAD)

9 scientistsDirector: Daniel [email protected]

www.cirad.fr/ur/analyses Presentation page 31

UMR IEMEuropean Membrane Institute

(CNRS, ENSCM, UM2)90 scientists

Director: Philippe [email protected]

www.iemm.univ-montp2.fr Presentation page 26

UMR ITAPInformation Technology Environmental

Analysis Agricultural Processes(IRSTEA, Montpellier SupAgro)

40 scientistsDirector: Tewfik [email protected]/itap Presentation page 28

UPR LBEEnvironmental Biotechnology

Laboratory(INRA)

23 scientistsDirector: Jean-Philippe Steyer

[email protected]/narbonne

Presentation page 29



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The riparian corridors, associating human activities (agriculture,urban development, transport infrastructures, etc.) and naturalor semi-natural plant formations (prairies, riparian forests), arefactors of control of the ecological and physical conditions ofrivers. Hence, they constitute key elements to comply with theEuropean Water Framework Directive (WFD). The restoration

of riparian corridors involves various stakeholders at the locallevel (structures in charge of the management of catchmentbasins), district level (Water Agencies) and national level (State).

To facilitate the multi-level and multi-stakeholder decisionmaking process, it is necessary to develop tools to assess theanthropogenic impacts on aquatic environments. The Rhne-Mditerrane-Corse water agency has commissioned TETIS todesign methods to characterise the anthropogenic pressuresalong rivers and to spatially model the relations between thesepressures and the ecological status of aquatic environments.

TETIS has developed an innovative methodology based onobject-oriented classification, using satellite or airborneimages with a very high spatial resolution, associated withexogenous data. This gives rise to land-use maps of riparian

corridors, with the required precision about the nature andlocalisation of the objects (riparian vegetation, buildings,agricultural plots and associated developments, roadinfrastructures). The land-use maps are then synthesised asspatial indicators of environmental pressure.

The relations between pressure indicators and water conditionindicators (biological or physico-chemical indicators) are thenmodelled within the framework of the DPSIR conceptualdiagram (Driving force, Pressures, State, Impacts, Responses).This modelling approach is original in the way it takes intoconsideration the imbrications between functional levels (thestation: local level and the catchment basin: global level), andthe inherent upstream/downstream dependences in rivers.

Contacts:Flavie Cernesson, [email protected] Decherf, [email protected] Kosuth, [email protected] Lalande, [email protected]& Kenji Os, [email protected]

> W AT E R Q U A L I T Y A N D E C O L O G I C A L F U N C T I O N S

Control of the ecological quality of rivers


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D. Lacroix Industrial effluents have to be treated

before their release in the environment (factories near Alexandria in Egypt).


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Other teams involved

UMR EMMAHMediterranean Environment

and Agro-Hydrosystems Modelling(INRA, UAPV)40 scientists

Director: Liliana Di Pietro


UMR G-EAUWater Management, Stakeholders, Uses

(AgroParisTech, IRSTEA, CIHEAM-IAMM,CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro)

75 scientistsDirector: Patrice [email protected]

www.g-eau.net Presentation page 40

UMR HSMMontpellier HydroSciences

(CNRS, IRD, UM1, UM2)57 scientists

Director: ric [email protected]

www.hydrosciences.org Presentation page 8


impacts of pesticide applicationtechniques. It facilitates the regionalplatform ecotechnologies for agro-bioprocesses*, and is a reference centrefor agricultural spraying.Environmental assessment:

ITAP develops and implementsenvironmental and social impactsassessment tools, based on life cycleanalysis (LCA) and seeks to optimise theperformance of the processes studies. Itfacilitates the ELSA cluster network**.

Here are some examples of ITAPresearch works in relation

water resources preservation and management - les dossiers d'agropolis international

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