Characterization of a heterogeneous aquifer. 110 (the poitiers hydrogeological experimental site, france)

Abstract

Characterization of fractured aquifers can present several problems. The main complexities that affect the characterization are the heterogeneous properties of the aquifer, the geometry and the physical and hydraulic parameters. Nevertheless their characterization is necessary to optimize their exploitation and management. These characterization issues have been afforded at the Poitiers Hydrogeological Experimental Site (HES, France); this work analyzes the main characteristics of the experimental site. An innovative methodology is the utilization of 3D seismic techniques (refraction and reflection with P waves) in order to characterize the aquifer heterogeneities on the experimental site. These have also allowed the characterization of large areas and more productive the direction of zones and/or more vulnerable zones.