Thesis (D. Min.)--McCormick Theological Seminary, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.

Un total de cinq séquences a été étudié sur le Mont Lozère afin de reconstruire la dynamique paysagère et les usages du sol sur la longue durée. L’approche multiproxy utilisé a permis de déterminer les principaux rythmes d’anthropisation et de déterminer son caractère régional et/ou local. Ce travail mené à haute résolution spatiale, chronologique et analytique a permis d’intégrer les résultats avec les données obtenus dans le cadre du PCR-Mont Lozère, afin de caractériser les modes d’occupation de la montagne qui ont modelé ce paysage culturel depuis le Néolithique jusqu’à nos jours. Une longue histoire des interactions socio-environnementales a été mise en évidence au Mont Lozère, avec une première phase à caractère agropastoral dès le Néolithique ancien, vers ca. 4550-4400 cal BC. Le Néolithique final est une période clé caractérisée par un important impact agropastoral fondé sur l’utilisation du feu pour l’ouverture de clairières. Pendant l’Âge du Fer, un déboisement marqué dans les espaces d’altitude et de piedmont coïncide avec un développement des activités agropastorales et métallurgiques. Le Haut Moyen Âge se caractérise par l’amplification des déforestations, contemporaines d’un essor des activités agropastorales. Durant le Moyen Âge Central, un système diversifié d’exploitation des ressources naturelles inclue de la métallurgie, l’agriculture, le pastoralisme, l’extraction minière et le charbonnage. Le développement agropastoral du Bas Moyen Âge aboutit à une déforestation marquée du massif qui s’étend jusqu’à la moitié du 19ème siècle, quand commencent la déprise agropastorale et les reboisements au Mont Lozère. L’histoire de la nardaie qui caractérise les espaces sommitaux suit ces phases majeures de l’anthropisation et dévoile le rôle clé qu’a joué l’agropastoralisme dans la genèse et l’évolution de ce paysage culturel de moyenne montagne. / Five sedimentary sequences have been studied in the Mont Lozère with the aim to reconstruct the landscape dynamics and the land-use through the longue durée. The use of a multi-proxy analysis has allowed us both to identify distinct rhythms of human-induced landscape shift and to establish the local/regional extent of these changes. The use of high spatial, chronological and analytical resolution has enabled a correct integration of the results of this research with those supplied by the PCR-Mont Lozère project. As a result, a series of land-uses in a mountain environment from the Neolithic to present time has been proposed. A long history of socio-environmental interactions in Mont-Lozère is evidenced. A first shepherding phase in Early Neolithic (4550-4400 cal BC) has been evidenced. During Late Neolithic pastoral practices and related slash-and-burn strategies attain its highest activity. In the Iron Age Period a noticeable deforestation of both foothills and higher environments takes place as a consequence of the overall increase farming and metallurgical activities. Forest clearances increase even more during High-Medieval times, at the same time that farming activities reinforce. During the Middle Ages a more complex and diversified land-use system, including farming, metallurgy, mining and charcoal production, is recorded. The development of farming activities in the Late Medieval resulted in a more evident forest clearance of the Massif. This area remained unchanged until the 19th century, when the decay of agriculture and shepherding occurs and forest replanting in Mont Lozère is recorded. The history of highland herb communities of Nardus stricta correctly matches the main phases of land-use and underlines the key-role of farming in the genesis and evolution of this cultural landscape. / Se han estudiado cinco secuencias sedimentarias en el Mont Lozère con el objetivo de reconstruir la dinámica paisajística y los usos del suelo en la longue durée. La utilización de un análisis multiproxy ha permitido determinar los principales ritmos de antropización y establecer su carácter regional y/o local. La alta resolución espacial, cronológica y analítica hapermitido la integración de resultados con aquellos obtenidos en el marco del PCR-Mont Lozère y proponer los usos de la montaña que han modelado el paisaje cultural desde el Neolítico hasta la actualidad. Se ha evidenciado una larga historia de las interacciones socioambientales en el Mont Lozère, con una primera fase de carácter agropastoral en el Neolítico Antiguo, en ca. 4550-4400 cal BC. El Neolítico Final es una fase de marcado impacto agropastoral en la que se generalizan las quemas para abrir claros en el bosque. En la Edad del Hierro se inicia una marcada deforestación en el piedemonte y los espacios de altitud, coincidiendo con un desarrollo agropastoral y metalúrgico. En el periodo altomedieval se amplifican las deforestaciones coincidiendo con un marcado incremento de las actividades agropastorales. En la Plena Edad Media se evidencia un sistema diversificado que implica metalurgia, agricultura, pastoreo, minería y carboneo. El desarrollo agropastoral de la Baja Edad Media supone una marcada deforestación en el macizo que se extiende hasta mitad del s. XIX, momento en que se inicia el declive del agropastoralismo y empiezan las reforestaciones en el Mont Lozère. La historia de las formaciones herbosas con Nardus stricta de los espacios somitales sigue estas principales fases de antropización y revela el papel clave del agropastoralismo en la génesis y evolución de este paisaje cultural.

La sûreté des installations de stockage profond des déchets radioactifs repose sur l’évaluation des propriétés de confinement de la barrière géologique et des processus qui y régissent le transport des radionucléides. La thèse est menée dans le cadre de l’expérience Deep Borehole du projet Mont Terri. Elle vise à renforcer l’évaluation de l’importance relative des phénomènes de transfert convectifs et diffusifs au sein de l’Argile à Opalines (OPA) et à apporter des éclaircissements concernant l’impact des phénomènes transitoires chimique et hydraulique sur ces transferts et la génération d’anomalies de pression. Un premier volet expérimental a permis d’acquérir les paramètres de transport advectifs, diffusifs, et les forces motrices associées, nécessaires à l’estimation des flux d’eau et de solutés entre l’OPA et les aquifères adjacents. Les données de température et de pression révèlent un gradient géothermique de 8.5°C/100 m et un excès de charge d’au moins 60 m. L’inversion du profil de chlorure par méthode Bayésienne de type Monte Carlo Markov Chain valide l’évolution paléohydrogéologique du site proposé dans la littérature en considérant un transport diffusif pur à travers la formation. La contribution des phénomènes de transport osmotique a été déterminée en interprétant le profil de pression à l’aide de simulations transitoires considérant l’évolution temporelle de la chlorinité et de la pression au cours du scénario géologique et de simulations en pseudo régime permanent. Ce profil est reproduit en évaluant le flux advectif couplé incluant l’advection de Darcy, la chemo-osmose et la thermo-osmose, avec une contribution majeure de ce dernier processus. / The safety of radioactive waste disposal facilities in deep geological formation depends on the evaluation of the rock confining properties and the processes governing radionuclides transfer. The thesis is conducted in the framework of Deep Borehole experiment of the Mont Terri project. The purpose of this research is to build confidence with regard to understanding relative importance of diffusive and convective phenomena withine the Opalinus Clay (OPA) and to identify the impact of a hydraulic and chemical transient behaviour on the transfers of fluid and solutes, and anomalous pressures generation.A first experimental stage enabled to acquire the advective and diffusive transport parameters, and the associated driving forces, necessary to the evaluation of fluid and solute fluxes between the OPA and its adjacent aquifers. Temperature and pressure measurements revealed a geothermal gradient of 8.5 °C/100 m and an excess of hydraulic head of at least 60 m.The chloride profile inversion by a Bayesian method with a Monte Carlo Markov Chain algorithm validates the paleohydrological evolution proposed in the litterature, considering a pure diffusive transport through the argillaceous formation. The contribution of osmotic transport phenomena was assessed by interpreting the pressure profile, using transient simulations that takes into account the temporal evolution of chlorinity and pressure during the geological scenario, and pseudo steady-state simulations. This profile is reproduced by evaluating the coupled advective flux, including pure advection, chemo-osmosis and thermo-osmosis, with a major contribution of the latter process.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The occurrence of late blight (Phytophthora infestans (Mont) de Bary) in potato crops is responsible for a large amount of fungicides every season. The use of systems for forecasting and late blight resistant cultivars are important tools to reduce the amount of fungicides and thereby reduce production costs and environmental pollution. The objective of this study was to evaluate forecast systems for late blight occurrence in Macaca, SMIJ461-1, and SMINIA793101-3 potato clones in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. The experiments were carried out at the experimental area of the Fitotecnia Department during Spring 2006 and Autumn 2007. Meteorological data were collected at the centre of the experimental area with an automatic station and with psicrometric pairs installed at different heights, connected to a datalogger. Thirteen treatments were used arranged in a completely randomized design, with four replications. Treatments were differentiated by using accumulated values of severity, which were calculated by Blitecast and Prophy forecasting systems, and the clones characterized as susceptible (Macaca) and resistant (SMIJ461-1 and SMINIA793101-3) to late blight. The values of severity accumulated had the purpose of indicating the time of fungicide application for late blight control. The use of forecast systems for late blight in potatoes of a susceptible genotype, Macaca, reduced the number of fungicides applications without affecting the productivity of the crop, using the Prophy forecasting system, with accumulation of 20 or 25 severity values. In the Prophy forecasting system with 15 accumulated values of severity, there was a better control of late blight than in the weekly scheme, although, the increase in productivity was not significant. The Blitecast forecasting system was not effective to predict infection to control late blight and, therefore, it must be adjusted, particularly regarding height measurement for relative humidity and air temperature. For resistant clones, the use of forecasting systems for late blight in potatoes has no effect on the disease occurrence and productivity of the crop. / A ocorrência da requeima (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary) nas lavouras de batata é responsável pela grande quantidade de fungicidas utilizados em cada época de cultivo. A utilização de sistemas de previsão e de cultivares resistentes à requeima são importantes ferramentas para reduzir a quantidade de fungicidas utilizados e com isso diminuir os custos de produção e a poluição ambiental. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar sistemas de previsão de ocorrência de requeima nos clones Macaca, SMIJ461-1 e SMINIA793101-3 de batata, na região produtora de Santa Maria, RS. Os experimentos foram conduzidos na área experimental do Departamento de Fitotecnia nos períodos de primavera de 2006 e outono de 2007. Os dados meteorológicos foram coletados no centro da área experimental com uma estação automática e com pares psicrométricos instalados em diferentes níveis, conectados a um datalogger. Foram utilizados treze tratamentos arranjados no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram diferenciados por meio dos valores de severidade acumulados, que foram calculados pelos sistemas de previsão Blitecast e Prophy, e pelos clones caracterizados como suscetível (Macaca) e resistentes (SMIJ461-1 e SMINIA793101-3) à requeima. Os valores de severidade acumulados tinham a finalidade de indicar o momento de aplicação de fungicida para o controle da requeima. A utilização de sistemas de previsão de requeima da batata, para um genótipo suscetível, Macaca, permitiu reduzir o número de aplicações de fungicidas sem afetar a produtividade dessa cultura, utilizando-se o sistema de previsão Prophy, com acúmulo de 20 ou 25 valores de severidade. No sistema de previsão Prophy, com 15 valores de severidade acumulados, obteve-se melhor controle da requeima do que no esquema Semanal, embora o ganho em produtividade não seja significativo. O sistema Blitecast não foi eficiente para prever o momento de aplicação de fungicida para o controle da requeima e, portanto, para ser utilizado deve sofrer alguns ajustes, principalmente em relação à altura de medida da umidade relativa e temperatura do ar. Para os clones considerados resistentes a utilização de sistemas de previsão de requeima da batata, não tem efeito sobre a ocorrência da requeima e na produtividade da cultura.

La communauté Rurale de Mont-Rolland (région de Thiès, Sénégal) est un foyer endémique de leishmaniose canine décrit depuis 1970. Des études épidémiologiques récentes ont montré que l'agent étiologique est Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum et que le cycle de transmission est bien établi sur l'ensemble de la commune, avec plus de 30% des chiens et plus de 20% des hommes séropositifs. Néanmoins, malgré les différentes études épidémiologiques, le vecteur reste toujours inconnu. Jusqu'à présent, aucune espèce de Phlebotomus, connue pour être vecteur de L. infantum (sous genre Larroussius et secondairement Adlerius), n'a été identifiée au Sénégal. Dans ce contexte, l'objectif principal de cette thèse était d'identifier les vecteurs potentiels de la maladie et de caractériser le cycle de transmission de la leishmaniose canine par des études écologiques, parasitologiques et moléculaires des populations de phlébotomes. Ainsi, 7442 spécimens de phlébotomes ont été récoltés par piégeage adhésif, piégeage lumineux et par pulvérisations intradomiciliaires d'insecticides pyréthrinoïdes. Neuf espèces de phlébotomes ont été identifiées : deux appartiennent au genre Phlebotomus, P. duboscqi (vecteur de la leishmaniose cutanée au Sénégal) et P. rodhaini, les autres espèces appartiennent au genre Sergentomyia, S. adleri, S. clydei, S. antennata, S. buxtoni, S. dubia, S. schwetzi, et S. magna. La distribution spatiale des phlébotomes est hétérogène selon le village, selon l'écosystème et l'environnement de capture. Les études parasitologiques et les études moléculaires (PCR diagnostique de Leishmania) ont révélé trois espèces de Sergentomyia infectées par L. infantum, S. dubia (dissection et PCR), S. schwetzi (dissection et PCR) et S. magna (PCR). Il faut noter que plus de 2% des individus femelles à jeun testées étaient PCR positives, soulignant la survie des parasites chez ces espèces après la digestion. Toutes les autres espèces étaient négatives aussi bien en dissection qu'en PCR. Les analyses statistiques ont montré : que la distribution de S. dubia est significativement associée à la séroprévalence chez les chiens, que les individus de S. schwetzi positifs en PCR sont significativement associés à la séroprévalence chez le chien, qu'il y a un effet significatif du nombre de phlébotomes positifs en PCR (les 3 espèces confondues) sur la séroprévalence chez l'homme. Toutes ces données démontrent pour la première fois que 3 espèces du genre Sergentomyia, S. dubia, S. schwetzi et probablement S. magna, sont les vecteurs de la leishmaniose canine dans le foyer de Mont-Rolland. Ces résultats remettent en question le dogme qui stipule que seul le genre Phlebotomus serait capable de transmettre le parasite Leishmania dans l'Ancien-Monde. L'étude du comportement et de la distribution de ces trois espèces et de leurs spécimens infectés nous ont permis de proposer un modèle de transmission dans ce foyer. / AbstractThe rural community of Mont-Rolland (Thiès, Sénégal) is an endemic focus of canine leishmaniasis described since 1970. Recent epidemiological studies showed that the causative agent is Leishmania infantum with well established transmission cycle throughout the area. However, despite the several epidemiological studies, the vector species is still unknown. So far, no species of Phlebotomus belongs to Larroussius and Adlerius subgenera, known as vector of L. infantum, was identified in Senegal. In this context, the main objective of this thesis was to identify potential vectors of the disease and to characterize the cycle of canine leishmaniasis transmission by ecological, parasitological and molecular studies on sandfly populations. Thus, 7442 specimens were collected by sticky traps, light traps and indoor spraying with pyrethroid insecticide from different environments (intradomiciliary, peridomiciliary, culture area, isolated area) and different villages and ecosystems (sandy soils, lateritic gravel soils and sandy clay soils). Nine species of sand flies were identified; two belong to the Phlebotomus genus, P. duboscqi (vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Senegal) and P. rodhaini, the other species belong to the Sergentomyia genus, S. adleri, S. clydei, S. antennata, S. buxtoni, S. dubia, S. schwetzi, and S. magna. Two species of the Phlebotomus genus were significantly underrepresented (292 specimens) compared to species of the Sergentomyia genus (7150 specimens). The spatial distribution of sand flies is heterogeneous depending on the village, the ecosystem and environment, suggesting that several species are capable of transmitting the parasite. Parasitological and molecular studies (diagnostic PCR of Leishmania) revealed that three species of Sergentomyia were infected with L. infantum, S. dubia (dissection and PCR), S. schwetzi (dissection and PCR) and S. magna (PCR). It is worth noting that more than 2% of un-fed females of these species were PCR-positive, emphasizing the survival of parasites after digestion. All other species were found to be negative in both PCR and dissection. In addition, statistical analysis showed that 1) the distribution of S. dubia is significantly associated with seroprevalence in dogs, 2) PCR-positive individuals of S. schwetzi are significantly associated with seroprevalence in dogs, 3) there is a significant effect of PCR-positive sand flies (all species considered) on seroprevalence in humans. All these data demonstrated for the first time that three species of Sergentomyia, S. dubia, S. schwetzi and probably S. magna, are the vectors of the canine leishmaniasis in the Mont-Rolland commune. The results presented in this study challenge the dogma which states that only the Phlebotomus genus would be capable of transmitting Leishmania parasites in the Old World. The behaviour and distribution of these three species and their infected specimens allowed us to propose a model of transmission in the focus.

The objective of this study is to assess the uncultured bacterial diversity in the snowpack of the Mont Blanc (MtBl) glacier containing Saharan dust deposited during four dust events during the period 2006 – 2009 by means of molecular phylogenetics. The final goal is to discover the bacteria that could be involved in the establishment of snow microbiota. Bacterial diversity was evaluated using rybotyping and subsequent sequencing of partial (V3-V5) and full-length 16S rRNA genes. For comparison purpose we also studied following samples: “clean” MtBl snow containing no Saharan dust; Saharan sand collected in Tunisia; Saharan dust collected in Grenoble (200 m a.s.l.) and recovered later on MtBl (4250 m a.s.l.). In order to verify possible microbial activity in situ, both rDNA and rRNA approaches were implemented for the “clean” snow sample. To evaluate the survival/colonization abilities of bacterial phylotypes recovered in snow samples with Saharan dust, we analyzed their closest strain physiology as well as sources of environmental clones using a threshold of ≥98% sequence similarity. For the result interpretation, we also used data on dust elemental composition and dust particles size distribution. As a result 8 clone libraries (including rRNA-based one) were constructed using V3-V5 16S rRNA gene sequences for 5 snow samples (4 with Saharan dust and one “clean”), sample of Saharan dust collected in Grenoble and Saharan sand sample. Furthermore, 4 clone libraries were generated using full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicons obtained from 4 of the above snow samples (three with Saharan dust and one ‘clean'). Species content and dominant phylotypes and their assigning to major divisions varied significantly in alpine snow on a Mont Blanc glacier associated with four depositions of Saharan dust over a 3-year. Dominant phylotypes revealed are belonged to Actinobacteria, Proteobactreia, Firmicutes, Deinococcus-Thermus, Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria. Such variability was detected by both partial and full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and seems to be caused more by conditions of dust transport than bacterial load from the original dust source. Also the preservation period of dust in snowpack could affect the species composition. Thirteen icy phylotypes as candidates into snow microbiota establishing were recognized in snow containing Saharan dust and only two in “clean” snow sample. Of them, both dominant and minor phylotypes of Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria и Firmicutes were revealed. Data on the closest strain physiology of recognized icy phylotypes suggests that representatives of genera Massilia (Betaproteobacteria), Tumebacillus (Firmicutes), Phormidium and Stigonema (both Cyanobacteria) are most relevant findings in terms of propagation in snow. By analyzing 16S rRNA from the “clean” snow containing no Saharan dust and comparing the data with those obtained for 16S rDNA library, it has been shown that Stigonema-like cyanobacterium identified could be propagating in snow at subzero temperature. Among all identified phylotypes, 10% were categorized as HA-phylotypes based on their con-specificity (≥98% similarity) with normal (non-pathogenic) human microbiome representatives. Furthermore, 11% out of all phylotypes showed less than 90% similarity with known taxa, thus, presenting novel taxa. Sequencing of both partial (V3-V5) and full-length 16S rRNA genes permitted to describe microbial diversity more fully and get more detailed picture. / The objective of this study is to assess the uncultured bacterial diversity in the snowpack of the Mont Blanc (MtBl) glacier containing Saharan dust deposited during four dust events during the period 2006 – 2009 by means of molecular phylogenetics. The final goal is to discover the bacteria that could be involved in the establishment of snow microbiota. Bacterial diversity was evaluated using rybotyping and subsequent sequencing of partial (V3-V5) and full-length 16S rRNA genes. For comparison purpose we also studied following samples: “clean” MtBl snow containing no Saharan dust; Saharan sand collected in Tunisia; Saharan dust collected in Grenoble (200 m a.s.l.) and recovered later on MtBl (4250 m a.s.l.). In order to verify possible microbial activity in situ, both rDNA and rRNA approaches were implemented for the “clean” snow sample. To evaluate the survival/colonization abilities of bacterial phylotypes recovered in snow samples with Saharan dust, we analyzed their closest strain physiology as well as sources of environmental clones using a threshold of ≥98% sequence similarity. For the result interpretation, we also used data on dust elemental composition and dust particles size distribution. As a result 8 clone libraries (including rRNA-based one) were constructed using V3-V5 16S rRNA gene sequences for 5 snow samples (4 with Saharan dust and one “clean”), sample of Saharan dust collected in Grenoble and Saharan sand sample. Furthermore, 4 clone libraries were generated using full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicons obtained from 4 of the above snow samples (three with Saharan dust and one ‘clean'). Species content and dominant phylotypes and their assigning to major divisions varied significantly in alpine snow on a Mont Blanc glacier associated with four depositions of Saharan dust over a 3-year. Dominant phylotypes revealed are belonged to Actinobacteria, Proteobactreia, Firmicutes, Deinococcus-Thermus, Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria. Such variability was detected by both partial and full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and seems to be caused more by conditions of dust transport than bacterial load from the original dust source. Also the preservation period of dust in snowpack could affect the species composition. Thirteen icy phylotypes as candidates into snow microbiota establishing were recognized in snow containing Saharan dust and only two in “clean” snow sample. Of them, both dominant and minor phylotypes of Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria и Firmicutes were revealed. Data on the closest strain physiology of recognized icy phylotypes suggests that representatives of genera Massilia (Betaproteobacteria), Tumebacillus (Firmicutes), Phormidium and Stigonema (both Cyanobacteria) are most relevant findings in terms of propagation in snow. By analyzing 16S rRNA from the “clean” snow containing no Saharan dust and comparing the data with those obtained for 16S rDNA library, it has been shown that Stigonema-like cyanobacterium identified could be propagating in snow at subzero temperature. Among all identified phylotypes, 10% were categorized as HA-phylotypes based on their con-specificity (≥98% similarity) with normal (non-pathogenic) human microbiome representatives. Furthermore, 11% out of all phylotypes showed less than 90% similarity with known taxa, thus, presenting novel taxa. Sequencing of both partial (V3-V5) and full-length 16S rRNA genes permitted to describe

La spectrométrie par transformée de Fourier (STF) dans le visible est sur le point de percer en instrumentation astronomique grâce au nouveau Spectromètre Imageur de l'Observatoire du mont Mégantic (SpIOMM). Cet appareil a connu plusieurs phases de développement et de conception avant de devenir pleinement fonctionnel. Le sujet du présent projet consiste en la dernière phase de développement de SpI OMM, soit l'implantation d'un nouveau système d'asservissement en angle des miroirs de l'interféromètre de type Michelson. En effet, cet interféromètre est très sensible aux conditions environnantes et il est primordial de s'assurer que l'angle de désalignement est inférieur à 1 Jlrad pour maximiser et garder constante l'efficacité de modulation de la cavité interférométrique durant toute la prise de mesure, qui peut s'étirer jusqu'à toute une nuit. L'instrument étant désormais fonctionnel, des observations au télescope furent possibles dès juin 2007. Une fois la fiabilité de l'appareil confirmée par plusieurs mesures réussies, la mesure du champ de vitesse de la nébuleuse du Crabe fut entreprise. Le défi de cette étude consiste à bien identifier les raies nébulaires puisque la structure en expansion très rapide est sujette à un fort décalage Doppler et donc à un chevauchement des spectres provenant des différentes structures. En plus de pouvoir résoudre chaque structure physique de Ml , ce projet a rendu possible la mesure des rapports de raies [NII]/Hα, [SII]/ Hα et [SIl] [lambda]6717 / [SIl] [lambda]6731. Ces cartes tridimensionnelles encore jamais obtenues pour MInous renseignent sur le processus d'émission de la lumière (radiatif ou collisionnel), sur sa densité électronique et sur sa dynamique d'expansion. Principalement, ces cartes ont confirmé l'asymétrie nord-ouest/sud-est déjà perçue dans la littérature à partir de la membrane pour le filament nord/ouest.

The changing point of views on values linked to the importance now to protect, preserve and promote natural and cultural heritage influence the quality of life environment in which the man evolves. It has directly an influence on lifestyle, more specific on leisure and touristic activities.The general objective of this Master Thesis is to preserve, protect and promote the Mont- Bellevue Park, located at Sherbrooke (Quebec) by applying Sustainable Development Principles. This urban green park has a big area (197 hectares). Indeed, the ecotouristic development propositions applies values and criteria of Sustainable Development. Furthermore, this Master Thesis answers to a lack of studies on the characterization of the natural and human environment of the Mont-Bellevue Park. For Sherbrooke City, the Mont-Bellevue Park represents a green, infrastructure having an environmental, ecological, social and economic usefulness. It is on this notion of Sustainable City Development that is part of the Sustainable Development Concept, that the research hypothesis is based.The Master Thesis integrates a large range of investigations based on human, physical and biophysical data. Mainly, human data come from a research by written questionnaire and interviews to know Mont-Bellevue Park users habits. Physical and biophysical data were acquired by field investigation, photo-interpretation and thematic maps analysis.The treatment and the analysis of these data identify and localize the information that were presented, organized and synthesised by thematic maps. These data were combined with a sustainable criteria base to map potential sites that can be developed (by thematic attractions) and protected in the Park. A Sustainable Development Concept of the sites was elaborated to emphasize the natural and anthropological attractions of the area.The application of Sustainable Development Principles allows respecting the integrity of the natural environment while meeting the needs and the expectations of Mont-Bellevue Park users and visitors. To give access to these sites, we proposed varieties of thematic circuits plans that connect these sites.

Carbon-14 was measured in the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in ground water and compared with ¹⁴C analyses of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Two field sites were used for this study; the Stripa mine in central Sweden, and the Milk River Aquifer in southern Alberta, Canada. The Stripa mine consists of a Precambrian granite dominated by fracture flow, while the Milk River Aquifer is a Cretaceous sandstone aquifer characterized by porous flow. At both field sites, ¹⁴C analyses of the DOC provide additional information on the ground-water age. At the Stripa site the DIC from the recharge area probably precipitates at around the 300 m level of the mine, never reaching the deeper ground waters. In this case, ¹⁴C analyses of the DOC provides a better estimate of the ground-water age. The dilution of the DIC by carbonates and microbial processes in the Milk River Aquifer is so great that geochemical corrections of ¹⁴C data are difficult. This is another example where ¹⁴C analyses of the DOC provide more information on ground-water age. Carbon-14 was measured on both the hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic fractions of the DOC. At the Stripa site, the hydrophobic organic compounds in the V2 borehole ranged from 7,500 to 15,500 years before present, suggesting a young component of ground water. Other hydraulic and isotopic evidence supports relatively recent ground water mixing with older brines in this borehole. The δ¹³C values of the DIC in the V2 borehole are light and similar to the stable carbon isotope values for the DOC, supporting a biogenic origin of the DIC. The organic compounds in the hydrophobic and hydrophilic fractions were also characterized. The DOC may originate from kerogen in the aquifer matrix, from soil organic matter in the recharge zone, or from a combination of these two sources. Carbon-14 analyses, along with characterization of the organics, were used to determine this origin. Carbon-14 analyses of the hydrophobic fraction in the Milk River Aquifer suggest a soil origin, while ¹⁴C analyses of the hydrophilic fraction suggest an origin within the Cretaceous sediments (kerogen) or from the shale in contact with the aquifer.

Depuis les 100 dernières années, la température de la Terre a fortement augmenté en raison des changements climatiques. Par exemple, le sud du Québec a connu des anomalies d’environ +1,2 °C depuis 1970. Or, deux conséquences possibles d’une telle augmentation de température sont (i) le déplacement des distributions géographiques des espèces vers des latitudes ou altitudes plus froides, et (2) une modification des communautés favorisant les espèces adaptées au chaud. À l’été 2012, l’inventaire floristique effectué par Gilles Marcotte et Miroslav Grandtner en 1970 a été reproduit dans le Parc du Mont-Mégantic. Ce site d’étude se distingue par un fort gradient altitudinal et une transition abrupte entre la forêt de feuillus et la forêt boréale, ce qui en fait un site propice à l’étude des questions reliées au climat. Ainsi, 48 parcelles de 0,1 et 0,2 acres (~400 et 800 m2) ont été inventoriées à 42 ans d’intervalle sur l’ensemble du parc. Ce mémoire vise donc à déterminer s’il y a eu des changements dans les communautés végétales du Mont-Mégantic, et si oui, si ces changements vont dans la direction prédite par le réchauffement climatique. Les résultats suggèrent un effet visible du réchauffement climatique puisque les espèces se sont en moyenne déplacées vers le sommet de façon notable, toutes strates confondues (8,5 ± 1,6 m par décennie). De plus, cette augmentation de l’altitude moyenne des espèces est cohérente avec une augmentation des Community Temperature Indices (CTI) et des Community Moisture Indices (CMI) des parcelles (0,2 ± 0,1 °C et -0,13 ± 0,05 unités arbitraires d’humidité, respectivement, en 42 ans), suggérant une représentation légèrement accrue des espèces adaptées au chaud et au sec. Ces résultats sont cohérents avec le réchauffement régional observé, puisque celui-ci peut réduire la disponibilité de l’eau. Par contre, un rôle potentiel du changement de régime de lumière a été mis en évidence, particulièrement pour les herbacées, qui sembleraient affectées par une ouverture accrue de la canopée par rapport à 1970. Finalement, considérant que la variation spatiale des CTI est équivalente au gradiant adiabatique de température (-0,55 °C/100 m d’altitude), nos résultats indiquent que les espèces végétales du Mont-Mégantic subissent probablement un retard les empêchant de se déplacer de manière à suivre l’augmentation de température observée. Les conclusions de ce mémoire soulignent que le réchauffement climatique peut mener à des changements visibles dans les communautés végétales, et ce, même lorsque ces communautés sont relativement bien protégées.