OPTION 3

This EU is sequenced according to the following activities: First steps - R environment; R structures; Inputs and outputs in R; Manipulating R structures; The basics of algorithms; Programming structures in R; Mini-project in groups on an R function to be created for an applied "Water" problem.

Objectives:

The EU's objectives are 1) to present the basics of the interpreted language of an engineering tool (environment, structures, inputs/outputs, structure manipulation, graphics, programming), 2) to provide the fundamental theoretical knowledge needed to create one's own functions and programs using practical examples in water science so that 3) students can independently continue their self-training and expertise in R.

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Historically, the issue of managing access to water resources first arose in relation to river water, which is closely linked to prevailing climatic conditions, and water supplied by man-made distribution systems. It is only more recently that consideration has been given to managing groundwater, which is less subject to problems of temporary scarcity (except for aquifers accompanying rivers). In most cases, access to this groundwater is individual, with each user (particularly farmers) accessing it by drilling at the point of use. However, these underground resources also need to be managed, as they are increasingly exploited and sometimes even overexploited.

This module addresses the issue of groundwater resource management by first presenting the contributions of each physical science discipline (geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, isotopy) and their tools for understanding aquifers (in terms of geology: outcrops, drilling, logging, seismic profiles, etc.; in terms of hydrogeology: piezometry, pumping tests, sampling points/outlets, quantities extracted, etc.): geometry, structure, and hydrological functioning.

He then discusses the importance of groundwater for the various uses to which it is put. The economic value of groundwater is examined in this section (Qureshi et al., 2012). The difficulties involved in determining groundwater withdrawals and the methods used to reveal them are also explained.

He then describes the various problems posed by aquifers: current or future overexploitation of water tables, deterioration in groundwater quality, threat of saltwater intrusion, soil salinization, etc.

Finally, it lists the various methods for rebalancing groundwater supply and demand. First, it outlines ways to increase water supply (active groundwater management, resource substitution) or prevent contamination of good-quality water by poorer-quality water. Examples include active management of karst aquifers (Lez system), artificial recharge (e.g., Seine catchment fields in Paris), inter-seasonal/inter-annual recharge (Llobregat, Catalonia), recharge with wastewater (California), and dams to prevent the contamination of fresh water by salt water.

Secondly, it outlines solutions that address water demand. These solutions are based on two individual decision-making drivers that can sometimes be combined: maximizing individual utility and being part of a society that encourages "pro-social" behavior. Solutions that directly affect groundwater demand (pricing, quotas, water rights trading) will be explored, as well as indirect solutions (purchasing land that can protect a resource, agricultural or energy policies that can positively or negatively influence the development of individual withdrawals, etc.).

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The content of the EU is divided into five sections: 

1. A presentation of the techniques and principles of optical, thermal, and radar remote sensing,
2. A presentation of the main data sources (images, altimetry products) and a practical exercise in data retrieval.
3. Acquisition through practice of preprocessing methods (geometric and radiometric corrections) for optical and radar images, frequently used in Geographic Information Systems.
4. A series of lectures and practical exercises illustrating the value of different types of remote sensing data for hydrology and 
5. The contribution of remote sensing to answering environmental questions

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