Morphological and hydrogeological features of karst aquifers in the Loue valley (French Jura Mountains): implications for the fate of nutrients in waters
Leaders : Jean-Baptiste Charlier (BRGM Montpellier), Stéphane Jaillet (EDYTEM, Chambéry), Margot Vivier (BRGM Montpellier)
Overview: Participants will have the opportunity to discover several spectacular karst curiosities of the beautiful Loue-Lison valley, located in the French Jura Mountains. This excursion aims at presenting some characteristics of the karst morphology (Merey Plateau) and hydrogeology (Lison spring), to address the link between the history of karst formation and the current hydrogeological behaviour of aquifers. Moreover, particular attention will be paid to the impact of land use on the quality of surface and groundwater, through the presentation of recent results on the fate and transport of nutrients.
The programme includes:
- a visit of the sub-surface karst features (crypto-karst) on the Merey plateau, known for its exceptional density of sinkholes / dolines
- a visit to the Lison spring, one of the largest and most beautiful spring in France. As well as the spring and its waterfall, the site offers views of the Creux Billard sinkhole and the Sarrazine overflow
- a cheese and wine tasting at Fort St Antoine (Comté maturing cellar), at the end of the day
Difficulty: the visit of some sites involves a walk of about 1 hour
Date: Thursday 03/09/26
Time: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Max number of participants: 60
Cost: 80 CHF per person (includes bus transportation, sandwich lunch, cheese tasting).