Introducing the team
“Processus, Observation, Modélisation, Eaux souterraines, Sols”:
Managers : Olivier Atteia and Myriam Schumtz-Arbogast
The PROMESS team has one major objective: to develop a comprehensive scientific approach to the challenges of climate change and soil and groundwater pollution. Our four main areas of research are: characterisation, understanding transfers and reactions, inverse modelling and decision support under uncertainty. These issues are applied at several scales to soils and groundwater, which are particularly heterogeneous systems.
Research areas and themes
AXIS 1: Hydrogeology & Hydrochemistry
Coordinators : Michel Franceschi et François Larroque
Our work in hydrogeology ranges from borehole characterisation to flow and solute transport modelling on a regional scale. We study a wide range of issues, including aquifer recharge, groundwater-river interactions, sedimentary systems and medium- and deep-depth geothermal energy. Using an integrated approach (characterisation, long-term monitoring, modelling), we develop innovative operational solutions to meet the challenges of managing and protecting water resources in a context of global change. Thanks to our strong regional roots, we have forged many relationships with water stakeholders in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, but we are also developing our relationships with national and international research networks.
AXIS 2: Polluted soils
Coordinators : Grégory Cohen and Philippe Chéry
The work carried out on polluted soils ranges from the characterisation of matrices and the distribution of contamination to the remediation of different types of soil. It is complemented by the study of the transfer of contaminants to different environmental compartments. We work on point pollution (e.g. industrial) and diffuse pollution (e.g. agricultural) to develop operational and innovative solutions to meet the challenges of protecting, managing and using contaminated environments. The studies carried out follow an integrated approach based on sampling strategies, physico-chemical analysis of different compartments and matrices and transfer modelling. They are carried out in collaboration with local and national players, as well as with our international academic and industrial partners.
Cross-functional initiatives
Integrating societal issues
Coordinator: Frédérique Hoffman
- In addition to theoretical projects, a large part of the PROMESS team’s research is focused on targeted research involving end-users (companies, local authorities) in projects.
Monitoring and characterisation
Coordinator: Myriam Schmutz-Arbogast
- Due to the diversity of the terrain, a large part of our activities are focused on improving measurement techniques, with a strong emphasis on the development of surface geophysics, but also in situ measurements (temperature load, contaminants).
Modelling
Coordinator: Alexandre Pryet
- Environmental modelling applied to multiphysical processes in natural objects aims to provide robust information, in particular by estimating parameters, quantifying uncertainties and optimising solutions.
Equipments / Resources
Computing
- Dell PowerEdge® calculation servers with Feflow®, Modflow, OpenFoam, PEST++,…
Field observation and characterisation
- DGPS, monitoring probes for pressure, temperature, conductivity, fluorescein; drilling and surface pumps; targeted sampling, electromagnetic current meter; packers; …