Characterizing aquifers when using magnetic resonance sounding in a heterogeneous geomagnetic field

International audienceIt has previously been reported that the heterogeneity of the geomagnetic field disturbs the currently- measured free induction decay signal of magnetic resonance sounding (MRS). To overcome the limitation of MRS in a non-homogeneous geomagnetic field, we adapted the spin-echo methodology usually used at the laboratory scale and in boreholes. We present examples of measurements carried out in a sandy aquifer in southern India. The 15-25 m thick sand deposit overlays a gneissic basement. Two sources of geomagnetic field heterogeneity have been identified at this site, both affecting the geomagnetic field within the sandy aquifer: the gneissic bedrock and an intruded dyke into the bedrock. Spin-echo and free induction decay signals have been recorded at six locations. We found that the groundwater content, the thickness of the saturated aquifer and its transmissivity calculated with free induction decay measurements are underestimated compared to those derived from spin-echo measurements. The closer to the dyke the higher the underestimation. Time-domain electromagnetic measurements indicate that the aquifer is rather homogeneous at the site scale, as suggested by spin-echo results. We also found that a small heterogeneity of the geomagnetic field can go unnoticed, thus leading to an unknown mis-estimate of aquifer properties when using free induction decay measurements. Thus spin-echo measurements can be used to improve the accuracy of aquifer characterization when using MRS in geological contexts where geomagnetic field heterogeneity exists

Quantifying aquifer properties and freshwater resource in coastal barriers: a hydrogeophysical approach applied at Sasihithlu (Karnataka state, India)

Many human communities living in coastal areas in Africa and Asia rely on thin freshwater lenses for their domestic supply. Population growth together with change in rainfall patterns and sea level will probably impact these vulnerable groundwater resources. Spatial knowledge of the aquifer properties and creation of a groundwater model are required for achieving a sustainable management of the resource. This paper presents a ready-to-use methodology for estimating the key aquifer properties and the freshwater resource based on the joint use of two non-invasive geophysical tools together with common hydrological measurements. <br><br> We applied the proposed methodology in an unconfined aquifer of a coastal sandy barrier in South-Western India. We jointly used magnetic resonance and transient electromagnetic soundings and we monitored rainfall, groundwater level and groundwater electrical conductivity. The combined interpretation of geophysical and hydrological results allowed estimating the aquifer properties and mapping the freshwater lens. Depending on the location and season, we estimate the freshwater reserve to range between 400 and 700 L m<sup>−2</sup> of surface area (± 50%). We also estimate the recharge using time lapse geophysical measurements with hydrological monitoring. After a rainy event close to 100% of the rain is reaching the water table, but the net recharge at the end of the monsoon is less than 10% of the rain. Thus, we conclude that a change in rainfall patterns will probably not impact the groundwater resource since most of the rain water recharging the aquifer is flowing towards the sea and the river. However, a change in sea level will impact both the groundwater reserve and net recharge

Flagellar energetics from high-resolution imaging of beating patterns in tethered mouse sperm

We demonstrate a technique for investigating the energetics of flagella or cilia. We record the planar beating of tethered mouse sperm at high resolution. Beating waveforms are reconstructed using proper orthogonal decomposition of the centerline tangent-angle profiles. Energy conservation is employed to obtain the mechanical power exerted by the dynein motors from the observed kinematics. A large proportion of the mechanical power exerted by the dynein motors is dissipated internally by the motors themselves. There could also be significant dissipation within the passive structures of the flagellum. The total internal dissipation is considerably greater than the hydrodynamic dissipation in the aqueous medium outside. The net power input from the dynein motors in sperm from Crisp2-knockout mice is significantly smaller than in wildtype samples, indicating that ion-channel regulation by cysteine-rich secretory proteins controls energy flows powering the axoneme

CRISPs function to boost sperm power output and motility

Fertilization requires sperm to travel long distances through the complex environment of the female reproductive tract. Despite the strong association between poor motility and infertility, the kinetics of sperm tail movement and the role individual proteins play in this process is poorly understood. Here, we use a high spatiotemporal sperm imaging system and an analysis protocol to define the role of CRISPs in the mechanobiology of sperm function. Each of CRISP1, CRISP2, and CRISP4 is required to optimize sperm flagellum waveform. Each plays an autonomous role in defining beat frequency, flexibility, and power dissipation. We thus posit that the expansion of the CRISP family from one member in basal vertebrates, to three in most mammals, and four in numerous rodents, represents an example of neofunctionalization wherein proteins with a common core function, boosting power output, have evolved to optimize different aspects of sperm tail performance