Geology of France

This course will cover the various geological periods in France from the Paleozoic to the present day and will place these events in their geodynamic context. We will cover sedimentary, tectonic, geomorphological, metamorphic, and magmatic processes. More specifically, we will examine the structure and geological evolution of the Hercynian orogens, the Mesozoic basins, the Pyrenean-Alpine orogeny, and finally the West European Rift. To define these major geological features, the course will incorporate various data such as geological maps, paleogeographic maps, cross-sections, rock facies, geochronological ages, ECORS profiles, magnetic anomaly maps, gravimetric maps, etc. The geological evolution of the Languedoc region from the Hercynian orogeny to the opening of the Mediterranean Sea will be thoroughly documented and explored during laboratory sessions and field trips.

Hourly volumes:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

Practical Training: 9:00 a.m.

Field: 12 hours

This course unit aims to integrate the knowledge of geology acquired through the 4th semester of the STE bachelor’s degree program. This knowledge is applied to exploring the geology of France and familiarizes students with the interpretive analysis of geological maps and subsurface data, as well as the construction of geological cross-sections during laboratory sessions. The course covers a wide range of topics, including: mapping, stratigraphy, petrography (rock classification), tectonics, metamorphism, sedimentology, and geophysics, in no particular order.

Foundational knowledge at the L2 level in cartography, petrography, stratigraphy, geochronology, geodynamics, structural and sedimentary geology, and Earth evolution.

Recommended prerequisites:

Geophysics

Ongoing assessment:

- Course Assessment

- Field Knowledge Assessment

- 3 practical assignments (structural diagrams, geological cross-sections)

• Brief description of the concepts covered in fourth grade:

Geological evolution of France, with a focus on the Languedoc region. Demonstrate that geologists must be able to integrate interdisciplinary tools. The concepts covered include, in particular:

- Mountain ranges in France

- Major sedimentary basins

- West European rifting and the opening of the Gulf of Lion

- The Geology of Languedoc

• Brief descriptions of the lab sessions and the number of hours associated with each session

Three 3-hour lab sessions: the first on the Hercynian massif of the Maures, the second on the Alpine convergence zone (Chambéry), and the third in Languedoc (multiphase tectonics up to the Oligocene rift, map of Alès).

Analysis of geological maps:

-group together structural, sedimentary, tectonometamorphic, and lithotype units,

-create geological cross-sections and associated logs,

-reconstruct the geological history of the region under study.

• Description of the topics/hands-on activities covered during your field trip(s) and details on the destinations/sites

 Field Trip 1 (Hercynian): Identification of crystalline and metamorphic rock facies in the Montagne Noire (Gorges d’Héric and Cabrières), field geological cross-section, landscape interpretation, and an exercise in re-identifying features on the geological map.

Field Trip 2 (Alpine and Oligocene Rift): Cross-section of the northern Montpellier region from the Triassic–Permian unconformity at Larzac to Pic St. Loup, passing through the Cévennes Fault at Thaurac. Identification of sedimentary rock facies and a discordance; measurement of a fault; landscape interpretation; and an exercise in re-identifying features on the geological map.

To learn about and understand the subsurface and the various geological events in France.

Be able to create structural diagrams, cross-sections, geological sections, map interpretations, geological interpretations of geophysical data and landscapes, and identify rocks in the field.