M1 - Exploration and Reservoir Geology

The aim of this course is to recall and complete the knowledge on fundamental notions concerning the formation of the oceanic crust and the relationships with magnetism and hydrothermalism, the origin, functioning and dynamics of subduction zones (formation of active margins and back-arc basins), the mechanisms of subduction and continental collision (formation of the orogenic prism, post-orogenic extension and exhumation). The couplings between tectonics and surface processes will also be addressed.

These notions will be supported by theoretical and physical models, largely illustrated by natural case studies (Himalayas-Tibet, Taiwan, Alps, Western Pacific, Sumatra, Mediterranean). A course will be dedicated to the Archean (geodynamics and georesources).

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This teaching unit introduces the fundamentals of structural geology at Master's level. It covers the analysis of the various objects and mechanisms of deformation in the Earth's crust, from the surface to the base of the crust. Deformation is presented using field examples, samples, thin sections and experiments. These observations are compared with theory and analog, analytical and numerical modeling.
Key points covered:
(1) analysis of deformation at all scales, and associated tectonic regimes
(2) typology and kinematics of structural objects (eg: faults, fractures, folds, shear zones),
(3) balanced structural cross-section,
(4) links between different scales and depths of deformation,
(5) different rheological and structural contexts (brittle and ductile structural levels, compressive and extensive regimes, homogeneous and stratified environments),
(6) presence of fluids and their role in deformation.

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Analysis of the formation of sedimentary basins by the interaction of internal forcings (lithospheric processes) and external forcings (processes in the Earth's outer envelopes).
Analysis of the post-deposition evolution that leads to the formation of natural resources (energy and mineral).

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This module is an in-depth training in sedimentology that includes a lecture (course) and a practical (field) part. After a framing on the mechanisms of sedimentary recording, hydrodynamic processes and associated sedimentary figures and structures. The different environments of terrigenous and then carbonate detrital deposits are reviewed by scanning the sedimentary landscape from upstream to downstream.

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The aim of this module is to provide a basic understanding of geophysical imaging of geological formations, both near-surface and on a lithospheric scale. The focus is on seismic methods (volume and surface wave tomography, receiver functions, ambient noise), gravimetry and magnetotellurics. We will also present the basics of seismic reflection (acquisition and processing). A practical case study will highlight the importance of combining these methods to provide the best possible description of the environment and its properties, particularly in terms of fluids.

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This field placement comes at the beginning of our Master's program. Its aim is to characterize the succession of formation and dismantling processes of the Variscan orogen, through a thematic study of the Montagne Noire massif. Particular attention will be paid to (1) the study of the deformation of the sedimentary cover and the geodynamic evolution of the basins; (2) the analysis of ductile deformation and associated metamorphism in the deepest crustal levels; and (3) the study of late-orogenic basins. This teaching unit is made up of three successive stages: the preparation phase based on the study of cartographic documents in the classroom, field work and the drafting of a report, and finally a critical study of the bibliography.

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The aim of this course is to harmonize the knowledge of students from different backgrounds. The course focuses in particular on mineralogy, magmatic petrology and associated metal deposits. These disciplines are approached with a synthetic and global approach, integrating processes and linking the main mineralogical and geochemical reservoirs. The course is supported by practical work in magmatic petrology and metallogeny, involving the study of macroscopic and microscopic rock and mineral samples.

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The contribution of geochemistry, geo-thermochronology and petrology to our knowledge of:
- the major stages in the formation, deformation and evolution of sedimentary basins and their bedrock
- the formation, origin, age and evolution of metal deposits

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Notions concerning the economics of primary resources and the history of mineral resources are addressed in the introduction. This training then consists of understanding the main metallogenic processes in connection with my geodynamic contexts. The notions of metallotects are detailed through the understanding (description, formation process) of the main exogenous and endogenous mineral deposits. The practical work allows you to deepen the specific mineralogy of metalliferous mineralization.

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The main points covered were the concept of sea level, the sedimentary recording of sea level variations, the notion of deposition sequences, the origin of sequences, sequence recognition and fields of application (basin/reservoir architecture, reservoir prediction).

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Case study of the Montpellier straddle front, SW zone of St Paul-et-Valmalle: Mas d'Arnaud – Mas de Fabre – Le Castellas.
Structural geology, classical and digital terrain mapping, facies sedimentology, GIS, detailed geological map.

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Putting into practice in the field the knowledge acquired in the analysis of sedimentary basins by a multi-disciplinary and multi-scale approach combining sedimentology and tectonics. This work is done by integrating field observations and sub-surface data in the case of a forechain basin.

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This course presents the mechanical behavior of rocks, based on the results of laboratory-scale work. The different types of laboratory experiments are described, and the various mechanical behaviors are discussed and illustrated with experimental data. Hydrostatic, uniaxial and triaxial compression tests are described. Elastic, plastic and viscous behaviors are considered, and the combination of these behaviors is applied to the description of rock behavior.
Notions relating to the behavior of discontinuities and fracture mechanics are addressed. The notions of creep and deferred behavior will also be covered, in order to consider the long-term behavior of rock masses.
In order to consider mechanical behavior quantitatively, the notions of stress and strain tensors will be covered. These will be used to introduce elastic deformation calculations based on elastic moduli. The calculation of stresses on planes, based on knowledge of the stress tensor, will be covered in the general case and illustrated by Mohr's representation.

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Seismic reflection is widely used in exploration, both at sea and on land, regardless of the geological context. Although it was initially developed by the oil industry, it is now used by industry (oil and mining) as well as by research and design offices. It can be deployed to image the subsurface on both a local and regional scale. Students will therefore learn to interpret the sedimentary, structural and fluid objects identified on the 2D and 3D seismic profiles. Particular attention will be paid to the resolution of the interpretation according to the initial data.

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