The research themes developed by C-DESSOUS, a research group specialising in geophysical imaging, modelling and thermo-hydro-dynamic monitoring of porous media, focus mainly on the continental water and element cycle (precipitation – vegetation – unsaturated zone – surface water – groundwater and permafrost continuum in the Arctic zone) within the critical zone, in particular on the dynamics of transfers within and between the surface and underground compartments involved and their interactions at different spatial scales (from mm to the scale of the catchment basin or aquifer); more broadly, the methods developed in imaging and modelling contribute to multidisciplinary work and are used in the thermo-hydro-dynamic monitoring of porous media encountered in geosciences and planetology.

C-DESSOUS research is focused on understanding the functioning of hydro-eco-cryo-systems, with the aim of providing elements for the preservation and sustainable management of natural resources (energy and water), both in France and abroad, and more specifically for understanding the climatic and anthropogenic forcings provided by the water and carbon cycles. A number of projects, co-developed with partners in society, are located at the interface between decision-makers, managers, users and scientists, combining fundamental research with applied spin-offs in the context of knowledge and protection of resources and environments.