Vulnerability mapping of a vast karst hydrosystem. Application and adjustments of PaPRIKa method to the Fontaine‐de‐Vaucluse catchment (France)
Résumé
The Fontaine-de-Vaucluse spring (south-eastern France) is one of the largest karstic spring in Europe, with an average discharge rate of 20m3.s−1. This spring is the unique outlet of a vast catchment area of about 1100km 2. Since human activities and global changes increase the pressure on fresh water resources , such a large reservoir needs to be protected for future exploitations. The vulnerability assessment is therefore necessary to sustainable groundwater management. Mapping the vulnerability of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse catchment can guide the evolution of Human activities in order to preserve the groundwater quality.