CHOICE 3

This course unit is organized into the following activities: Getting Started—The R Environment; Structures in R; Input and Output in R; Manipulating Structures in R; Fundamentals of Algorithms; Programming Structures in R; Group Mini-Project: Creating an R function to address a real-world “water” problem

Objectives*:

The course aims to 1) introduce the basics of the interpreted language used in engineering tools (environment, structures, input/output, structure manipulation, graphics, programming), 2) to provide the fundamental theoretical knowledge needed to create their own functions and programs using practical examples in water sciences so that 3) students can independently continue their self-directed learning and develop 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 tied to prevailing climatic conditions—and water supplied by man-made distribution systems. It is only more recently that the management of groundwater—which is less prone to short-term shortages (except for aquifers associated with surface watercourses)—has been considered. In most cases, access to these groundwater resources is on an individual basis, with each user (particularly agricultural users) accessing them through drilling at the exact location where they are needed. However, these groundwater resources also require management, as they are increasingly being exploited and, in some cases, even overexploited.

This module addresses the issue of groundwater resource management by first presenting the contributions of each physical science discipline (geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, isotope analysis) and their tools for understanding aquifers (in terms of geology: outcrops, boreholes, well logging, seismic profiles, etc.; in hydrogeology: piezometry, pumping tests, intake/discharge points, withdrawal volumes, etc.): geometry, structure, and hydrological functioning.

He then discusses the importance of groundwater for the various uses for which it is drawn. The economic value of groundwater is thus examined in this section (Qureshi et al., 2012). The challenges involved in determining the volume of groundwater abstractions and the methods used to identify them are also outlined.

He then describes the various problems posed by aquifers: current or future overexploitation of groundwater, deterioration in groundwater quality, the 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, substitution between resources) or to prevent the contamination of high-quality water by lower-quality water. Examples: active management of karst aquifers (the Lez system), artificial recharge (e.g., the Seine catchment fields in Paris), inter-seasonal/inter-annual recharge (Llobregat, Catalonia), recharge using wastewater (California), and dams designed to prevent the contamination of freshwater by saltwater.

Second, it outlines solutions that address water demand. These solutions are rooted in two drivers of individual decision-making that can sometimes be combined: the maximization of individual utility and participation in a society that fosters “prosocial” behaviors. The study will explore solutions that directly affect groundwater demand (pricing, quotas, market-based trading of water rights) as well as indirect solutions (purchasing land to create a sanctuary for a resource in need of protection; agricultural or energy policies that can positively or negatively influence the growth of individual withdrawals, etc.).

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The EU curriculum is organized into five units: 

1. An introduction to the techniques and principles of optical, thermal, and radar remote sensing,
2. An overview of the main data sources (images, altimetry products) and a hands-on exercise in data retrieval,
3. Learning through practice the methods of preprocessing (geometric and radiometric corrections) for optical and radar images, which are frequently used in Geographic Information Systems
4. A series of lectures and hands-on exercises illustrating the value of various types of remote sensing data for hydrology and 
5. The Role of Remote Sensing in Addressing Environmental Issues

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