GPS measurements of ground deformation induced by water level variations into a granitic aquifer (French Brittany)

Abstract

We used two semi-permanent GPS receivers with differential configuration to measure the hydrological subsidence of an aquifer used for water supply, located on a fractured granitic area. The time series of the vertical deformation measurements of the ground surface show a variation of 2 cm between winter and summer. We investigate the relationship between this vertical deformation and hydraulic head variations. We show that this kind of GPS survey allows characterizing part of the hydrological properties of such a heterogeneous aquifer. This is thus a new approach of time continuous monitoring of the deformation related to hydrogeological processes. © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.