Hydraulics and Turbidity Generation in the Milandre Cave (Switzerland)

Karst aquifers may convey significant sediment fluxes, as displayed by the intense turbidity peaks commonly observed at karst springs. The understanding of origin suspended solids discharged springs is key in assessing spring vulnerability and securing drinking water quality. mechanisms for generation transport are however difficult to investigate because general lack access conduits. These processes have been examined Milandre Cave, which hosts a drain regional importance, more than 10 years means monitoring both inside outlets this system. Additionally, composition load (particle-size distribution Escherichia coli content) has monitored over course flood event. data compared against numerical simulation mean boundary shear stress conduit network. following conceptual model through system derived: during minor events, most comes from underground remobilization, while medium soil-derived also reaches spring. Hydraulics epiphreatic zone tightly linked with autochthonous (mostly flooding flushing conduits). In comparison, allochthonous associated finer particles, higher E. coli, UV fluorescence. This improves overall could help forecast pollution events supplies.