Hydrogeophysical characterization in a volcanic context from local to
regional scales combining airborne electromagnetism and magnetism
Abstract
In volcanic islands, a crucial step for watershed resources management
is the characterization of groundwater aquifers from local to regional
scales. Airborne geophysical data provide high-resolution imagery down
to hundred meters below the surface, over large territories. Yet, its
regional accurate interpretation may be limited by the low density of
field observations. In this study, we propose an approach combining
airborne electromagnetic and magnetic data in order to resolve
ambiguities and provide a multiscale hydrogeophysical characterization
of Piton des Neiges volcano (Réunion Island). With limited calibration
data, this methodology produces a geological model more robust and
accurate than using airborne electromagnetic data alone. Through the
continuous coverage of both methods, we demonstrate the influence of
volcanic unit geometries on groundwater flows within the critical zone
and we highlight major structures impacting groundwater flows at both
local and regional scales.