Accounting for Heterogeneities in 3D Hydrogeological Modeling of the Chalk Aquifer
Abstract
The chalk aquifer has long been modeled as a homogeneous and isotropic medium. The use of hydrogeological models to define maximum exploitable groundwater volumes raises the question of the relevance of this conceptual scheme. The lithostratigraphic subdivision of the chalk in Normandy distinguishes 9 chalk formations. Each of them contains, in varying proportions, lithological discontinuities (marly horizons, hardgrounds, flint bands). Recent observations reported in the literature in England and Normandy have shown that these lithological discontinuities can compartmentalize the aquifer and control karstification and preferential flow. Pumping tests carried out in the chalk of southern Normandy notably confirm a hydrostratified conceptual model of the chalk aquifer. Building on a 3D geological model distinguishing six chalk formations in Normandy (Rouen Metropolitan Area), this study attempts a preliminary characterization of the hydrodynamic properties (specific capacities, transmissivities) and the sensitivity to karstification (number of identified inception horizons, spring discharge rates, karst voids) of each of the six modeled chalk formations. The results demonstrate the need to continue and improve the characterization of the heterogeneity of the chalk reservoir and to integrate these heterogeneities into 3D hydrogeological models, for a more reliable definition of exploitable groundwater volumes and a sustainable management of the resource.
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BibTeX
@misc{david2026accounting,
title = {{Accounting for Heterogeneities in 3D Hydrogeological Modeling of the Chalk Aquifer}},
author = {Pierre-Yann David and Angélie Portal and Baptiste Meire and Eric Lasseur and Églantine Husson and Alexandre Ortiz and Vincent Bailly-Comte and Nicole Baran and Manuel Parizot},
howpublished = {HAL},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
url = {https://brgm.hal.science/hal-05855518v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Accounting for Heterogeneities in 3D Hydrogeological Modeling of the Chalk Aquifer
AU - Pierre-Yann David
AU - Angélie Portal
AU - Baptiste Meire
AU - Eric Lasseur
AU - Églantine Husson
AU - Alexandre Ortiz
AU - Vincent Bailly-Comte
AU - Nicole Baran
AU - Manuel Parizot
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/06
PB - HAL
UR - https://brgm.hal.science/hal-05855518v1
AB - The chalk aquifer has long been modeled as a homogeneous and isotropic medium. The use of hydrogeological models to define maximum exploitable groundwater volumes raises the question of the relevance of this conceptual scheme. The lithostratigraphic subdivision of the chalk in Normandy distinguishes 9 chalk formations. Each of them contains, in varying proportions, lithological discontinuities (marly horizons, hardgrounds, flint bands). Recent observations reported in the literature in England and Normandy have shown that these lithological discontinuities can compartmentalize the aquifer and control karstification and preferential flow. Pumping tests carried out in the chalk of southern Normandy notably confirm a hydrostratified conceptual model of the chalk aquifer. Building on a 3D geological model distinguishing six chalk formations in Normandy (Rouen Metropolitan Area), this study attempts a preliminary characterization of the hydrodynamic properties (specific capacities, transmissivities) and the sensitivity to karstification (number of identified inception horizons, spring discharge rates, karst voids) of each of the six modeled chalk formations. The results demonstrate the need to continue and improve the characterization of the heterogeneity of the chalk reservoir and to integrate these heterogeneities into 3D hydrogeological models, for a more reliable definition of exploitable groundwater volumes and a sustainable management of the resource.
ER -