I am a senior hydrogeologist working on the observation, characterization and modelling of groundwater systems. My research aims to understand how geological structures, hydrological processes and environmental conditions control groundwater flow and storage. I combine field investigations, long-term observations, experimental approaches and physically based modelling to develop conceptual and quantitative representations of complex aquifer systems.

Research interests

My current research focuses particularly on:

• Karst aquifers — groundwater flow, storage, recharge, rapid responses and flood generation.
• Fractured-crystalline rock aquifers — the role of weathering and fracture networks in groundwater storage and circulation.
• Coastal karst aquifers — submarine springs, freshwater–seawater interactions, saltwater intrusion and flow reversal.
• Hydrogeological observatories — using long-term monitoring to reveal the dynamics of groundwater systems.
  
  A particular focus of my recent work is the Vise submarine spring and the Thau Lagoon, which provide an exceptional natural laboratory for studying coastal karst systems and the interactions between freshwater and seawater.
  

From field observations to hydrogeological models

I am particularly interested in connecting observations made in the field with a conceptual understanding of how groundwater systems function. Rather than considering an aquifer simply as a geological volume containing water, I see it as a dynamic system, where geology, hydrology, climate and surface environments interact across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. This approach is especially important in karst and fractured aquifers, where groundwater can simultaneously experience rapid flow through conduits and fractures and slower storage within the surrounding rock.

Professional experience & leadership

Alongside my research activities, I have been involved in scientific management and interdisciplinary research development. Since 2011, I have led research activities at BRGM in the fields of water resources, karst aquifers and their interactions with society. Since 2021, I have also served as Deputy Director of the G-EAU research unit, contributing to the development of interdisciplinary research at the interface between hydrogeology and social sciences.

Research and society

Groundwater is largely invisible, yet it plays a fundamental role in water resources, ecosystems and the resilience of societies to environmental change. I therefore also contribute to scientific communication, explaining groundwater processes and hydrogeological research to a wider audience through articles, interviews, field-based activities and public outreach.

My scientific activities also include the development of research tools and long-term hydrogeological observation systems. I have contributed to the development of tools such as XLKarst and ESPERE, and to collaborative research infrastructures and observatories providing open scientific data.

Research sites

My research has taken place in several contrasting groundwater systems, including:

• France: Vise & Thau Lagoon · Lez karst system · Plateau de Sault · Fontaine de Nîmes · Mont-Blanc Massif
• India: Maheshwaram · Mule Hole · Choutuppal
• Cameroon: Nsimi

These sites represent very different hydrogeological environments, but share a common scientific question: how does water move through the subsurface, and how can we observe and understand this hidden circulation in heterogeneous aquifers?

Professional affiliation

I am a Senior Hydrogeologist at BRGM and a member of the G-EAU research community. For my complete professional background and publications, see my CV and Publications pages.