Abstract
Estimating evolution of exchanges within the stream-aquifer interface
is frequently tackled with the help of numerical models. Yet, the
definition of boundary conditions is generally based on poorly
constrained assumptions and restrained to the location of piezometers.
We suggest here to stretch the modeling domain and build stronger
constraints, both in space and time, by using a multi-method approach.
On a hotspot of the Orgeval Critical Zone observatory (France), we show
how a thorough interpretation of high-resolution geophysical images,
combined with geotechnical data, helps describing the spatial
heterogeneities of the shallow aquifer. It provides a detailed
distribution of hydrofacies, valuable prior information about the
associated hydrodynamic properties and makes it possible to expand the
modeling window in space. We show how the local temporal dynamic of the
water table can be captured with high resolution time-lapse seismic
acquisitions. Time-lapse variations in seismic data are discriminated
from noise or measurement errors to be interpreted, regarding
hydrological observations, as temporal changes in the
saturated-unsaturated zone continuum. Each seismic snapshot is then
thoroughly inverted to actually image spatial water content variations
and delineate the water table outside the limits defined by the
piezometers. This posterior geophysical information is then suggested as
initial and boundary conditions of the expanded hydrogeological modeling
domain. We finally calibrate and provide plausible ranges of hydraulic
parameters to reproduce the water table and improve the estimation of
stream-aquifer exchanges.