Geology of France

The course will cover the different episodes of geology in France from the Paleozoic era to the present day and will place these events in their geodynamic context. We will cover sedimentary, tectonic, geomorphological, metamorphic, and magmatic evolution. More specifically, we will discuss the structure and geological evolution of the Hercynian massifs, Mesozoic basins, Pyrenean-Alpine orogenesis, 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 Languedoc from the Hercynian orogeny to the opening of the Mediterranean Sea will be particularly well documented and developed during practical work and field trips.

Hourly volumes:

CM: 3 p.m.

Practical work: 9 hours

Field: 12 hours

This course aims to integrate the knowledge of geology acquired up to the fourth semester of the STE bachelor's degree. This knowledge is applied to the discovery of the geology of France and familiarizes students with the interpretative analysis of geological maps, subsurface data, and the construction of geological cross-sections in practical work. The subjects covered are numerous, including: cartography, stratigraphy, petrography (rock classification), tectonics, metamorphism, sedimentology, and geophysics, in no particular order of priority.

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

Recommended prerequisites:

Geophysics

Continuous assessment:

- Course knowledge assessment

- Field knowledge assessment

- 3 practical work assessments (structural diagrams, geological cross-sections)

• Brief description of the concepts covered in CM:

Geological evolution of France, particularly Languedoc. Demonstrate that geologists must know how to integrate transdisciplinary tools. The concepts covered are, in particular:

- Mountain ranges in France

- Large sedimentary basins

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

- The geology of Languedoc

• Brief description of practical sessions and number of hours associated with each session

Three 3-hour practical sessions, the first on the Hercynian Massif of Les Maures, the second on Alpine convergence (Chambéry), and the third on Languedoc (poly-phasing up to the Oligocene rift, map of Alès).

Analysis of geological maps:

-group together structural, sedimentary, tectono-metamorphic, and lithotype assemblages,

-construct geological sections and associated logs,

-reconstruct the geological history of the region under study.

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

 Outing 1 (Hercynian): Identification of crystalline and metamorphic rock facies in the Montagne Noire (Gorges d'Héric and Cabrières), geological cross-section of the terrain, landscape reading, and exercise in re-identifying elements on the geological map.

Outing 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, a unconformity, measurement of a fault, landscape reading and exercise in re-identifying elements of the geological map.

Knowing and understanding the subsoil and various geological events in France.

Know how to construct a structural diagram, log, geological cross-section, map commentary, geological interpretation of geophysical data, landscapes, and rock recognition in the field.