In order to gain a better understanding of the transfers between the surface of the massif and the Lascaux cave, as well as the hydrogeological and climatic functioning of the cave, it was essential to obtain a detailed understanding of the geometry of the bedrock and the nature of the material covering the massif.

The geophysical results obtained as part of Benjamin Lopez's thesis ("Les processus de transfert d'eau et de dioxyde de carbone dans l'épikarst" – 2009 [Water and carbon dioxide transfer processes in the epikarst]) highlighted major discontinuities in the surrounding rock, without defining their origin or spatial distribution. The aim of the work undertaken as part of this interdisciplinary study was to identify the spatial discontinuities in the bedrock and to determine the nature of the different materials present in the proximal intake area of the cave. The bio-pedological coverage was also taken into account in order to complete the study of surface-to-cave transfers.

Different laboratories were involved in this interdisciplinary study, as required by the specific topics covered under each part of the projet.

  • Study of the topography of the limestone roof and the main structural discontinuities (Colette Sirieix and S. Xu – I2M-CGE laboratory, University of Bordeaux): specifying the shape of the infillings and explaining their different natures, specifying the morphology of the surrounding limestone.
  • Study of ancient surface and sub-surface forms and formations within the protection perimeter and on the scale of Lascaux hill (Laurent Bruxelles – INRAP and Hubert Camus – Protée): understanding the excavation of the cave and evaluating its vulnerability.
  • Characterisation of the soil cover (Jérôme Poulenard – EDYTEM Laboratory, University of Savoie): mapping soil types, and mapping and characterising soil organic matter and microbiology.
  • Study of woodland (Stéphane Perrin, forestry expert – Forêt Conseil): mapping and characterising the stands, and putting forward a proposal for a short- and long-term vegetation cover management plan.