PaPRIKa, the French multicriteria method for mapping the intrinsic vulnerability of karst water resource and source - Two examples (Pyrenees, Normandy)

Abstract

PaPRIKa is an updated intrinsic vulnerability mapping method derived from previous specialized works on karst groundwater. It assesses vulnerability by using four criteria: P for Protection (considering the most protective index that results from the combination of Soil cover, Unsaturated zone and Epikarst aquifer), R for Reservoir type, I for Infiltration and Ka for Karstification development. These criteria are chosen based on the structure and functioning of the karst aquifers. PaPRIKa distinguishes source and resource vulnerability, so it constitutes a common basis for hydrogeologists and French administration helping to delineate water catchments protection zones. Two test sites (a Pyrenean karstic system and a chalk karstified aquifer in the Paris basin) are here presented to illustrate its application.