Research by earth scientist Rimbaud Lapperre has led to a better understanding of how the subsurface, faults and groundwater interact. With this knowledge, we can better protect the unique and valuable landscapes associated with faults and better prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Faults, underground fractures, affect groundwater flow and separate higher and wet landscapes from lower and drier landscapes. There is often an underground waterfall at the faults. In the past, these faults were considered obstacles to effective water management and (deep) ploughed to improve groundwater flow.
Nowadays, we are more careful with faults. Attempts are being made to preserve the associated and unique landscapes and restore them where possible. In order to be able to do this, it is important to improve the insight into the geohydrological functioning of these faults.
Restoration
Lapperre and his colleagues carried out fieldwork, laboratory research and literature studies. For example, he studied how the subsurface, faults and groundwater interact. These new insights contribute to the restoration of the special geohydrological situation at faults in places where its natural impact has been lost, particularly in Brabant and Limburg. Ideally, this restoration occurs through natural processes.
Faults can also serve as natural reservoirs for water storage. In this way, they help create a more resilient water system and allow us to better prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Lapperre will defend his PhD research on 2 June.