Completed projects

Deglaciation history in Lake Geneva basin (land seismic reflection)

Deglaciation and climate history in Lake Geneva basin: improvement of land seismic reflection methods (S- and P-waves) for a continuous spatial analysis

Seismic profile in a glacial valley filled with unconsolidated sediments. On top, new seismic reflection method using S-waves. In the middle, P-waves seismic profile acquired with new instruments. At the bottom, interpreted seismic profile: the gravel figured in orange represents an aquifer with high production of drinking water that has been confirmed by drilling in September 2008 (data courtesy: André Pugin).

Description : This project proposes to establish a spatial continuity between lacustrine and land environments in the scientific research of sub-surface sedimentary deposits by the improvement of land seismic reflection techniques. Its goal is the reconstruction of the history of geological and climatic changes in Lake Geneva area during the last 20'000 years. The exploration of sedimentary deposits on land with innovative seismic reflection methods (use of the S- and P-waves) will allow the spatial reconstruction of geological changes observed previously in lacustrine settings.

Several sites, which contain lacustrine, palustral and glacial sediments, witnesses of the geological and climatic history of Lake Geneva basin, will be investigated. The expected data will improve knowledge on Deglaciation and Holocene climate in Lake Leman area, and will provide the base of a more ambitious scientific research.

Framework/Financing : Fondation Ernst and Lucie Schmidheiny.

Collaborations : André Pugin, Geological Survey of Canada (Natural Ressources Canada).

Supervisor and colleague directly involved : Stéphanie Girardclos.