In order to better identify the transfers between the surface of the massif and Lascaux Cave, and therefore better understand the hydrogeological and climatic conditions in the cavity, it is now essential to understand the geometry of the surrounding country and therefore the nature of the material cover of the massif. 

The geophysics results from Ben Lopez's phd thesis (“Les processus de transfert d'eau et de dioxyde de carbone dans l'épikarst”/ "The processes of transfer of water and carbon dioxide in the epikarst"- 2009) highlighted imoprtant discontinuites in the surrounding countryside without identifying their origin and spatial distribution. The work carried out in this interdisciplinary study aimed to classify the spatial discontinuities in the surrounding area, and to precise the nature of different materials present in the area surrounding the caves alimentation zone. The bio-pedological cover also took into account in order to complete the study of surface/cave transfers.

This interdisciplinary study was centred around different laboratories according to the thematics of each. 

  • Topographical studies of the limestone roof and the principal structural continuities. (Colette Sirieix et S. Xu - laboratoire I2M-CGE, Universityof Bordeaux) : specify the shape of the fills and explain their different natures,to specify the morphology of the limestone envelope. 
  • Study of the forms and old surface formations of the surface and sub-surface of the protection perimeter and at the scale of Lascaux hill  (Laurent Bruxelles - INRAP and Hubert Camus – Protée) : understand the digging of the cave and determine its vulnerability.
  • Characterisation of the pedological (soil) cover (Jérôme Poulenard - Laboratoire EDYTEM, University of Savoie) : establish a cartography of soil types and therefore a cartography of the organic matter and of the soil microbiology.
  • Reforesting study (Stéphane Perrin, forestry expert - Forêt Conseil) : establish the cartography and the character of population expansion, and thereforward a proposed management strategy for vegetal cover on the long and short term.