Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
Advances in groundwater storage monitoring are crucial for water resource management and hydrological processes understanding. The evaluation of water storage changes (WSC) often involve point measurements (observation wells, moisture probes, etc.), which may be inappropriate in heterogeneous media. Over the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in the use of gravimetry for hydrological studies. In the framework of the GHYRAF (Gravity and Hydrology inAfrica) project, 3 yr of repeated absolute gravity measurements using a FG5-type gravimeter have been undertaken at Nalohou, a Sudanian site in northern Benin. Hydrological data are collected within the long-term observing system AMMA-Catch. Once corrected for solid earth tides, ocean loading, air pressure effects, polar motion contribution and non-local hydrology, seasonal gravity variations reach up to 11 μGal, equivalent to a WSC of 260-mm thick infinite layer of water. Absolute temporal gravity data are compared to WSC deduced from neutron probe and water-table variations through a direct modelling approach. First, we use neutronic measurements available for the whole vertical profile where WSC occur (the vadose zone and a shallow unconfined aquifer). The RMSD between observed and modelled gravity variations is 1.61 μGal, which falls within the error bars of the absolute gravity data. Second, to acknowledge for the spatial variability of aquifer properties, we use a 2-D model for specific yield (Sy) derived from resistivity mapping and Magnetic Resonance Soundings (MRS). The latter provides a water content (θMRS) known to be higher than the specific yield. Hence, we scaled the 2-D model of θMRS with a single factor (α). WSC are calculated from water-table monitoring in the aquifer layer and neutronic measurements in the vadose layer. The value of α is obtained with aMonte-Carlo sampling approach, minimizing the RMSD between modelled and observed gravity variations. This leads to α = Sy/θMRS = 0.63 ± 0.15, close to what is found in the literature on the basis of pumping tests experiments, with a RMSD value of 0.94 μGal. This hydrogeophysical experiment is a first step towards the use of time-lapse gravity data as an integrative tool to monitor interannual WSC even in complicated subsurface distribution.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00821181
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00821181
DOI : 10.1093/gji/ggt146

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Nature Publishing Group
Résumé : International audience
Lateral variations along the Himalayan arc are suggested by an increasing number of studies and carry important information about the orogen’s segmentation. Here we compile the hitherto most complete land gravity dataset in the region which enables the currently highest resolution plausible analysis. To study lateral variations in collisional structure we compute arc-parallel gravity anomalies (APaGA) by subtracting the average arc-perpendicular profile from our dataset; we compute likewise for topography (APaTA). We find no direct correlation between APaGA, APaTA and background seismicity, as suggested in oceanic subduction context. In the Himalayas APaTA mainly reflect relief and erosional effects, whereas APaGA reflect the deep structure of the orogen with clear lateral boundaries. Four segments are outlined and have disparate flexural geometry: NE India, Bhutan, Nepal & India until Dehradun, and NW India. The segment boundaries in the India plate are related to inherited structures, and the boundaries of the Shillong block are highlighted by seismic activity. We find that large earthquakes of the past millennium do not propagate across the segment boundaries defined by APaGA, therefore these seem to set limits for potential rupture of megathrust earthquakes.
ISSN: 2045-2322

hal-01420404
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01420404
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01420404/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01420404/file/hetenyi2016.pdf
DOI : 10.1038/srep33866

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag
Résumé : In this paper, we investigate the impact of ambient temperature changes on the gravity reading of spring-based relative gravimeters. Controlled heating experiments using two Scintrex CG5 gravimeters allowed us to determine a linear correlation (R2> 0.9) between ambient temperature and gravity variations. The relation is stable and constant for the two CG5 we used: −5 nm/s2/∘C. A linear relation is also seen between gravity and residual sensor temperature variations (R2> 0.75), but contrary to ambient temperature, this relation is neither constant over time nor similar between the two instruments. The linear correction of ambient temperature on the controlled heating time series reduced the standard deviation at least by a factor of 2, to less than 10 nm/s2. The laboratory results allowed for reprocessing the data gathered on a field survey that originally aimed to characterize local hydrological heterogeneities on a karstic area. The correction of two years of monthly CG5 measurements from ambient temperature variations halved the standard deviation (from 62 to 32 nm/s2) and led us to a better hydrological interpretation. Although the origin of this effect is uncertain, we suggest that an imperfect control of the sensor temperature may be involved, as well as a change of the properties of an electronic component.
ISSN: 0949-7714

hal-01526952
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526952
DOI : 10.1007/s00190-016-0961-2

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
We analyse temporal variations of gravity measured in southern Taiwan since November 2006 at 10 sites using absolute gravimeters and, since November 2008, at 70 sites using a relative gravimeter. We describe and apply methods to interpret the gravity changes in terms of local hydrological processes and vertical ground motions. The effect of land water is computed from local rainfall data and a model of rain accumulation and discharge in the ground. The effect of the vertical motions of the ground is estimated using time-series of permanent Global Positioning System (GPS) stations and the theoretical gravity to height ratio of −2 μGal cm−1. Unexpectedly, Morakot typhoon (2009 August), the strongest typhoon in Taiwan in 50 yr, was responsible for the highest gravity changes. Morakot triggered numerous large landslides and debris flow deposits. Their thicknesses are estimated from the gravity changes (up to ∼280 μGal) along with field observations and satellite images.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00768216
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00768216
DOI : 10.1093/gji/ggs019

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
Time-lapse microgravity surveying combined with absolute gravity measurements is used to investigate water storage changes in a karst aquifer of similar to 100 km(2) area. The survey consists of 40 gravity stations measured with a relative gravimeter; absolute gravity is measured at three stations for each survey. In total, four gravity surveys are performed over a 2 year time period during consecutive wet and dry periods. Survey precisions range between 2.4 and 5 mu Gal, enabling statistically significant detection of 10 mu Gal change, i.e., similar to 0.25 m equivalent water level change. Observed gravity changes are coherent between consecutive survey periods, i.e., net water withdrawal and net water recharge is observed, reaching changes as high as 22 mu Gal. Observed gravity changes allow refining evapotranspiration estimates, which may serve to improve the water budget of the aquifer. High-and low-gravity amplitude zones characterize the karst system, demonstrating spatially variable storage behavior. Geomorphologic considerations are invoked to explain the location of preferential zones of water storage, and a conceptual model of water storage is discussed for the studied karst.
ISSN: 0148-0227

hal-00496400
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00496400
DOI : 10.1029/2009JB006616

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : This paper is the first presentation of a project called GHYRAF (Gravity and Hydrology in Africa) devoted to the detailed comparison between models and multidisciplinary observations (ground and satellite gravity, geodesy, hydrology, meteorology) of the variations of water storage in Africa from the Sahara and part to the monsoon equatorial part. We describe the various actions planned in this project. We first detail the actions planned in gravimetry which consist in two main surface gravity experiments: on the one hand the periodic repetition of absolute gravity measurements along a north-south monsoonal gradient of rainfall in West Africa, going from Tamanrasset (20 mm/year) in southern Algeria to Djougou (1200 mm/year) in central Benin; on the other hand the continuous measurements at Djougou (Benin) with a superconducting gravimeter to monitor with a higher sampling rate the gravity changes related to an extreme hydrological cycle. Another section describes the actions planned in GPS which will maintain and develop the present-day existing network in West Africa. The third type of actions deals with hydrology and we review the three sites that will be investigated in this joint hydrogeophysics project namely Wankama (near Niamey) and Bagara (near Diffa) in the Niger Sahelian zone and Nalohou (near Djougou) in the Benin monsoon zone. We also address the question of the ground truth of satellite-derived missions: in this context the GHYRAF project will lead to test the hydrology models by comparison both with in situ and satellite data such as GRACE, as well as to an important increase of our knowledge of the seasonal water cycle in Africa. We finally present preliminary results in GPS based on the analysis of the vertical motion of the Djougou site. The resulting absolute gravity changes related to the 2008 monsoon are finally given.
ISSN: 0264-3707

hal-00475660
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00475660
DOI : 10.1016/j.jog.2009.09.014

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
A network of 54 survey GPS sites, 28 continuous GPS stations and three absolute gravity (AG) observation sites have been set up in the Alborz mountain range to quantify the present-day kinematics of the range. Our results allow us to accurately estimate the motion of the South Caspian block (SCB) for the first time, and indicate rotation of the SCB relative to Eurasia, accounting for the left lateral motion in the Alborz range. In light of these new results, it clearly appears that deformation rates vary along the range, the eastern part accommodating mainly left lateral strike slip (2 mm yr(-1) south of the range and 5 mm yr(-1) north of the range) with a very low range normal shortening rate on the Khazar thrust fault (similar to 2 mm yr(-1)), and the western part accommodating range normal shortening (similar to 6 mm yr-1) on the Khazar thrust fault with a left lateral component of similar to 2 mm yr(-1) north of the range and 1 mm yr(-1) south of the range. These present-day kinematics agree with geomorphologic estimated slip rates, but not the long-term deformation, corroborating the idea that the kinematics of the range have changed recently due to the change of SCB motion.;Modelling of the interseismic deformation suggests a deep locking depth on the central-western segment of the Khazar fault (similar to 30 km) in agreement with the Baladeh earthquake rupture and aftershock ranging between 10 and 30 km. Given this unusual deep locking depth and the 34 degrees dip of the thrust, a large part of the Alborz range is located above the seismically coupled part of the fault. Based on our AG measurements this part of the range seems to uplift at a rate of 1-5 mm yr(-1), in agreement with terrace uplift.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00617146
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617146
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617146v2/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00617146/file/djamour2010.pdf
DOI : 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2010.04811.x

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer
Résumé : International audience
Thiswork examines the relevance of the inclusion of ground-based gravity data in the calibration process of a global rainfall-discharge reservoir model. The analysis is performed for the Durzon karst system (Larzac, France). The first part of the study focuses on the hydrological interpretation of the ground-based gravity measurements. The second part of the study investigates further the information content of the gravity data with respect to water storage dynamics modelling.The gravity-derived information is found unable to either reduce equifinality of the single-objective, dischargebased model calibration process or enhance model performance through assimilation.
ISSN: 1866-6280

hal-00812624
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00812624
DOI : 10.1007/s12665-012-1856-z

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : In this paper we present the potential of a new compact superconducting gravimeter (GWR iGrav) designed for groundwater monitoring. At first, 3 yr of continuous gravity data are evaluated and the performance of the instrument is investigated. With repeated absolute gravity measurements using a Micro-g Lacoste FG5, the calibration factor (−894.8 nm s−2 V−1) and the long-term drift of this instrument (45 nm s−2 yr−1) are estimated for the first time with a high precision and found to be respectively constant and linear for this particular iGrav. The low noise level performance is found similar to those of previous superconducting gravimeters and leads to gravity residuals coherent with local hydrology. The iGrav is located in a fully instrumented hydrogeophysical observatory on the Durzon karstic basin (Larzac plateau, south of France). Rain gauges and a flux tower (evapo-transpiration measurements) are used to evaluate the groundwater mass balance at the local scale. Water mass balance demonstrates that the karst is only capacitive: all the rainwater is temporarily stored in the matrix and fast transfers to the spring through fractures are insignificant in this area. Moreover, the upper part of the karst around the observatory appears to be representative of slow transfer of the whole catchment. Indeed, slow transfer estimated on the site fully supports the low-flow discharge at the only spring which represents all groundwater outflows from the catchment. In the last part of the paper, reservoir models are used to characterize the water transfer and storage processes. Particular highlights are done on the advantages of continuous gravity data (compared to repeated campaigns) and on the importance of local accurate meteorological data to limit misinterpretation of the gravity observations. The results are complementary with previous studies at the basin scale and show a clear potential for continuous gravity time-series assimilation in hydrological simulations, even on heterogeneous karstic systems.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-01526965
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526965
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526965/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526965/file/fores2016.pdf
DOI : 10.1093/gji/ggw396

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The island of Taiwan is located on the convergent boundary between the Philippine Sea plate and the Chinese continental margin. It offers very active mountain building and collapsing processes well illustrated by the rugged topography, rapid uplift and denudation, young tectonic landforms, active faulting and numerous earthquakes. In this paper, using simple models, we have estimated vertical movements and associated absolute gravity variations which can be expected along a profile crossing the southern part of the island and probably suffering the highest rates of rising. The two different tectonic styles proposed for the island, thin-skinned and thick-skinned, were taken into account. Horizontal and vertical movements were modeled by an elastic deformation code. Gravity variations due to these deformations are then modeled at a second step. They are dominated by plate and free-air effects, i.e. elevation of the topography, with several mu Gal yr(-1). By comparison, gravity changes generated by mass transfers are weak: maximum 0.1 mu Gal yr(-1) with the thin-skinned tectonic and 0.3 mu Gal yr(-1) with the thick-skinned tectonic. Though elastic rheology has limitations, this modeling offers interesting results on what gravity signal can be expected from the AGTO project (Absolute Gravity in the Taiwanese Orogen), which proposes to study the dynamic of these mountain ranges using absolute gravimetry (AG) and also including relative gravimetry (RG) and GPS measurements.
ISSN: 0264-3707

hal-00456035
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00456035
DOI : 10.1016/j.jog.2009.09.004

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : TAG LITHO
In this study we attempt to understand the water storage variations in a karst aquifer on the Larzac Plateau (South of France) using absolute gravimetry. On this karst system, water input is exclusively rainfall and draining occurs at the Durzon perennial spring in a karstic valley. Our basis assumption is that water storage in the vadose zone (epikarst and infiltration zone) has a significant effect on surface gravity through Newtonian attraction. The karst aquifer is hence being monitored since January 2006 with monthly absolute gravity measurements at three sites. The gravity measurements are corrected for regional scale gravity using water storage models in order to obtain gravity variations related exclusively to the local water storage variations. The gravity variations exhibit an important seasonal component (10-15 mu gal corresponding to a variation of equivalent water stab thickness of similar to 24-36 cm). Water storage variation seen by gravimetry is not spatially uniform on the studied karst system, corroborating current geomorphologic observations and interpretations. Finally, we use a global mass balance consideration linking rainfall, evapotranspiration and spring discharge to provide a conceptual framework for the understanding of observed gravity variations.
ISSN: 0022-1694

hal-00411884
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00411884
DOI : 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2008.06.020