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3D geological modelling of a coastal area: case study of the Vaches Noires Cliffs, Normandy, France

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Abstract

This study aims to realize a regional scale 3D geological model (3D-GM) of the Pays d’Auge Plateau (PAP), in Normandy, France, leading to the study of the Vaches Noires Cliffs (VNCs), a local coastal site. A 3D-GM is built using a 3D implicit method based on the integration of surface geology, cross sections, and elevation data. The geometry of the geological layers is characterized, leading to an estimation of the volume of each geological unit and of the water resource within the Cretaceous aquifer of the study site. A hydrogeological model of the VNCs is proposed and the role of clayey soils on the erosive process of the cliffs is considered. Lastly, potential applications of 3D-GM are discussed in the framework of further researches on coastal retreat in Normandy.

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Funding

This study was supported by the TéléDéTAC project funded by the Normandy region.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cerema, ENDSUM Research Team, 10, chemin de la Poudrière, CS90245, F-76121, Le Grand Quevilly, France

    Imen Hassen, Cyrille Fauchard & Raphael Antoine

  2. Université de Caen Normandie, UMR 6554 LETG/GEOPHEN, 14000, Caen, France

    Thomas Roulland, Olivier Maquaire, Stéphane Costa & Olivier Dugué

Authors
  1. Imen Hassen
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  2. Cyrille Fauchard
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  3. Raphael Antoine
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  5. Olivier Maquaire
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  6. Stéphane Costa
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  7. Olivier Dugué
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Correspondence to Imen Hassen.

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Hassen, I., Fauchard, C., Antoine, R. et al. 3D geological modelling of a coastal area: case study of the Vaches Noires Cliffs, Normandy, France. Bull Eng Geol Environ 80, 1375–1388 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-020-01955-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-020-01955-z

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