CHOICE 1

This module aims to provide the fundamentals of near-surface and borehole geophysical investigation methods used in the field of hydrogeophysics. These approaches are designed not only to characterize reservoir structure (geometry, lithologies) but also to detect, locate, and quantify fluid flow. We will also cover the processing and analysis of this data using various specialized software programs.

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This course unit includes a theoretical component designed to provide an understanding of transport processes and a more practical component that integrates fieldwork, numerical modeling, and the conduct of environmental studies. Quantitative hydrogeology is addressed through analytical and numerical solutions that account for transport processes in the subsurface.

This learning unit covers, among other things:

1) the mathematical tools and fundamental equations underlying analytical and numerical modeling;

2) the principles of numerical modeling (MDF); 

3) the typical methodology for creating a 3D numerical model for flow simulation; and

4) the analysis of scenarios incorporating climatic or anthropogenic forcings for optimal water resource management.

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The three major global irrigation models—large-scale hydraulic systems, community irrigation, and private irrigation—are presented in their historical context, based on an in-depth literature review and examples of specific cases, with a focus on the Mediterranean region.

These three different irrigation models are presented (ideology, construction, water management, agricultural development, stakeholders, etc.) using a theoretical framework based on oxymorons. These models are then illustrated through various real-world examples, presented in PowerPoint presentations, videos, and articles.

The various key references for each type of irrigation system will be presented and discussed. Each irrigation model is discussed with the students, who present their analyses through a guided exercise. Once the three irrigation models are understood, the course focuses on the analysis of rural development models related to irrigation. The analysis is based on a critical examination of the dualist theory of development as applied to irrigation systems.

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The module's content is organized into six sections:

1) Introduction by the EU: scientific and operational challenges related to biogeochemical issues and water quality in agricultural watersheds;

2) Physicochemical and hydrological processes that determine the availability and mobility of pesticides in a watershed;

3) TD: modeling tutorials on the transfer of pesticides;

4) The biogeochemical cycle of phosphorus in agricultural systems;

5) Nitrogen cycle and balance in agricultural watersheds;

6) Tutorial: Assessment of the nitrogen balance in a watershed; diagnosis of surface water contamination

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The status of a watercourse, as defined by the WFD, comprises two aspects: chemical status and ecological status. To define ecological status, several parameters must be taken into account, including those related to the water volume (as measured by flow rate) of the watercourse. In this course unit, students will conduct field or laboratory measurements to determine some of the key parameters used to assess the status of a watercourse or, more generally, in hydrological studies (floods, resource assessment, etc.).

Four topics will be covered:

- the Hydrometry component, involving the use of various flow measurement techniques (point-by-point method with an electromagnetic current meter, ADCP, dilution method, float gauging, and radar).

- the soil hydrodynamics component, involving the use of several infiltrometry methods to determine conductivity at saturation, as well as the collection of soil cylinders to determine, after drying, the porosity, dry density, and soil moisture content.

- the Hydrochemistry component, which includes:

• a field component (sampling and analysis using a multiparameter meter and a field spectrophotometer) for physicochemical parameters (temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, TAC, PO4, and NO3, etc.)
• a laboratory portion (analysis and quantification of 4-tert-octylphenol in a surface water sample, using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)) to determine the presence of trace amounts of emerging contaminants from the alkylphenol ethoxylate (APEO) family, compounds found in products such as detergents, emulsifiers, and solubilizers.

- the hydrobiology component, which takes into account the presence or absence of certain species—fish, invertebrates, macrophytes (aquatic plants), and diatoms (single-celled algae)—in order to determine specific indices (IPR, IBGN, IBMR, IBD) related to the biological quality of the watercourse.

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This learning unit introduces the fundamental concepts needed to understand the formation and operation of geothermal reservoirs.

First, the various types of geothermal energy—ranging from very low-energy geothermal systems to high-energy geothermal systems for electricity generation—are discussed in detail and examined through real-world case studies. A global overview is provided to assess the energy potential of geothermal resources.

The EU will then focus on several topics specific to geothermal energy, such as mass and heat transfer mechanisms in reservoirs. These will be discussed and illustrated using real-world examples through numerical modeling. The geological signature of geothermal reservoirs, such as mineral alterations, will also be studied in detail through case studies.

The issue of storage will be addressed by examining applications such as the underground storage of CO2, heat, or energy. The influence of the mechanical properties of reservoir rocks, as well as the interactions between the stored fluids and the surrounding rocks, will be highlighted in order to assess the feasibility and sustainability of these storage systems.

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The EU curriculum is organized into 6 course modules:
- Climate: meteorological variables, major climates of the Earth
- Surface energy balance: radiative, conductive, and convective fluxes, surface energy balance,
reference evapotranspiration (Penman and Penman-Monteith methods)
- Plants: growth and development cycle, phenology, geometric structure, photosynthesis, root system,
water in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum
- Crop models:
-Monteith approach, water constraints
- Impact of climate change on agriculture

Objectives*:

The objective of this module is to provide the theoretical foundations for understanding the influence of climate on crop pro
. The targeted competencies include knowledge of the fundamentals
of ecophysiology and the relationships between climate, water, and crop production.

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