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Published on: October 16, 2018
Inverse modeling approach to allogenic karst system characterization.
N Dörfliger1, P Fleury, B Ladouche
1BRGM, Water Research Division, Montpellier, France.
This study introduces an inverse modeling approach to understand allogenic karst systems. The method uses discharge and chemical data to map water flow origins and improve conceptual models for better karst water management.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Hydrogeology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Allogenic karst systems are complex hydrological systems influenced by infiltrating water, karstification, and water quality.
- Effective management of these systems necessitates a thorough understanding of their structure and functioning.
- Existing methodologies may not fully capture the dynamic processes within allogenic karst environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and validate a novel inverse modeling methodology for analyzing allogenic karst systems.
- To improve conceptual models of karst system functioning by elucidating water flow paths and origins.
- To provide a tool for better hydrograph separation and understanding of spring water sources.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an inverse modeling approach requiring spring and river inflow discharge measurements.
- Incorporated continuous chemical parameter records from both river and spring sources.
- Employed rainfall and river inflow data for hydrograph reconstruction and component ratio definition.
Main Results:
- The inverse model successfully calculated unit hydrographs and impulse responses for flux analysis.
- Hydrograph reconstruction allowed for the definition of component ratios at each time step.
- Chemical data enabled the determination of spring water origins, distinguishing between epikarstic and saturated zone flow.
Conclusions:
- The developed inverse modeling methodology is well-suited for studying allogenic karst system functioning.
- The approach significantly improves conceptual models by clarifying water origins and flow dynamics.
- The methodology was successfully applied to the Bas-Agly and Cent Font karst systems in Southern France.
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