A Comprehensive Seismic Monitoring of the Pillar Threatening the World Cultural Heritage Site Chauvet‐Pont d'Arc Cave, Toward Rock Damage Assessment

A novel quantitative method for assessing rock damage in heritage sites has been developed, offering crucial insights into the structural health of fragile geological features. The study focused on Abraham's pillar at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chauvet-Pont d'Arc cave, monitoring its seismic response over two years to analyze elastic behavior influenced by weather conditions. By identifying the pillar's first two natural resonance modes and tracking their temporal evolution, researchers linked changes in resonance frequencies to air temperature and insolation. Thermo-acousto-elastic modeling revealed thermally-induced stress stiffening effects on the rock material, distinguishing between reversible processes and damage. This approach enhances risk assessment protocols for heritage sites, providing a foundation for conservation efforts amid climate change.

Guillemot, A., Audin, L., Larose, É., Baillet, L., Guéguen, P., Jaillet, S., & Delannoy, J.-J. (2024). A Comprehensive Seismic Monitoring of the Pillar Threatening the World Cultural Heritage Site Chauvet‐Pont d’Arc Cave, Toward Rock Damage Assessment. Earth and Space Science, 11(4). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023ea003329