Geodynamics

The Geodynamics EU articulates the presentation, study and characterization of the major processes associated with solid Earth geodynamics: mantle dynamics, plate tectonics, plate boundaries (rifts, subductions, collisions, ocean expansion) and intraplate domains. These systems and processes are studied through natural examples at the crustal and lithospheric scales, with emphasis on the integration of different data and tools used in the Earth sciences (geophysics, geochemistry, structural geology, rock mechanics, petrology, etc.) NB: the hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere are not covered.

The courses are associated with practical sessions focused on the analysis and synthesis of documents in order to characterize geodynamic processes, using the concepts covered in geosciences since S1.

Hourly volumes:

CM : 3 pm

TD : 21 h

Objectives*:

Description, study, and understanding of the major geodynamic processes that structure and affect the Solid Earth. Understanding of the dynamics of these systems, their evolution over time, and their interactions.

Basic knowledge (L1 and L2 level) in Earth sciences (structural geology, geophysics, geochemistry, sedimentology ...)

Continuous assessment (TD reports, written exams)

Synthetic description of the concepts covered in CM:

• Introduction: Paleo-reconstructions, kinematic - driving force relationships
• Convection and mantle dynamics, asthenosphere - lithosphere interactions
• Plate kinematics (velocity space, triple point, Eulerian pole, partitioning)
• Rift - Deformation modes, distribution of deformation and seismicity Rift, ridge, expansion, cooling of the oceanic lithosphere
• Subduction - Dynamics, force balance, deformation and arc and back-arc GPS
• Collision - Integration of geology, tectonics, dynamics
• Intra-plate domain (rheology, GIA, viscosity)

Understand the functioning of geodynamic processes affecting the solid Earth

Understand the functioning of large plate boundary systems

Know how to integrate data and information from all fields of Earth sciences to characterize the geodynamics of the solid Earth

Know how to put natural examples in their theoretical framework (plate tectonics, balance of forces, ...)