1. Application of multivariate analysis to suspended matter particle size distribution in a karst aquifer
- Author
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Barbara J. Mahler, Michel Bakalowicz, Jean-Paul Dupont, Matthieu Fournier, Nicolas Massei, Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière (M2C), Université de Caen Normandie (UNICAEN), Normandie Université (NU)-Normandie Université (NU)-Institut national des sciences de l'Univers (INSU - CNRS)-Université de Rouen Normandie (UNIROUEN), Normandie Université (NU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), CREEN-ESIB, and CREEN RIAD
- Subjects
Hydrology ,geography ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,[SDE.MCG]Environmental Sciences/Global Changes ,0207 environmental engineering ,Sediment ,Aquifer ,02 engineering and technology ,karst hydrology • suspended particulate matter • particle size distribution • multivariate analysis • boundary condition ,Karst ,01 natural sciences ,6. Clean water ,Hydraulic head ,Spring (hydrology) ,Environmental science ,Karst spring ,[SDU.ENVI]Sciences of the Universe [physics]/Continental interfaces, environment ,020701 environmental engineering ,Sediment transport ,Groundwater ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Water Science and Technology - Abstract
International audience; Numerous quantitative and qualitative variables control suspended sediment dynamics in karst systems. The objective of this study was to identify the hydrodynamic variables controlling the transport properties of particles in a karst aquifer (western Paris basin). The particle size distribution of suspended sediment infiltrating via a swallow hole was compared to that in discharge from a spring, allowing identification of the particle transport properties of the karst system. Hill and Smith analysis, a type of multivariate analysis that allows joint examination of quantitative and qualitative variables, was used to identify the hydrodynamic parameters controlling the transport properties of the suspended matter. The results demonstrate that the particle size distribution discharging at the karst spring is controlled by spring discharge and the hydraulic gradient of the system. The hydraulic gradient is defined by the piezometric level and the stage of the Seine River, which is in turn controlled by the tide. This study illustrates the use of Hill and Smith analysis to identify those variables which control suspended sediment transport. It also illustrates the application of this analysis to identify boundary conditions and evaluate variables which control the behaviour of the hydrologic system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Published
- 2008
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