I am a senior hydrogeologist working on the observation, characterization and modelling of groundwater systems.
My research focuses on fractured and karst aquifers, with a particular interest in understanding how groundwater flows, is stored and interacts with the surface environment. I combine field observations, long-term monitoring, hydrological and hydrochemical data, tracer experiments, pumping tests and modelling to investigate complex groundwater systems.
Over the course of my career, I have worked in a wide range of geological and climatic settings, from crystalline-rock aquifers in India to Mediterranean karst systems, the French Pyrenees and the Alps. These contrasting environments have provided natural laboratories for studying groundwater recharge, storage, flow and discharge.

Research interests

My current research focuses particularly on:
Karst aquifers — groundwater flow, storage, recharge, rapid responses and flood generation.
Fractured-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.
Groundwater–surface water interactions — the role of groundwater in rivers, wetlands and aquatic ecosystems.
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.

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.Selected research locations

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

• France
  Vise and Thau Lagoon · Lez karst system · Plateau de Sault · Fontaine de Nîmes · Mont-Blanc Massif
• India
  Maheshwaram · Mule Hole

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?

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.