M1 - Exploration and Reservoir Geology

The aim of this course is to recall and complete the knowledge of fundamental notions concerning the formation of the oceanic crust and the relations with magnetism and hydrothermalism, the birth, the functioning and the 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). Couplings between tectonics and surface processes will also be discussed.

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

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This teaching unit presents the fundamentals of structural geology at a master level. It focuses on the analysis of the different objects and mechanisms of deformation of the earth's crust from the surface to the base of the crust. Deformation is presented from field examples, samples, thin sections and experiments. These observations are compared with theory and analog, analytical and numerical modeling.
Major points covered:
(1) analysis of deformation at all scales, and associated tectonic regimes
(2) typology and kinematics of structural objects (e.g. faults, fractures, folds, etc.) faults, fractures, folds, shear zones),
(3) balanced structural cross-section,
(4) link 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 envelope).
Analysis of the post-depositional evolution that leads to the formation of natural resources (energy and minerals).

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

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This module aims to provide the basics of geophysical imaging of geological formations, both near-surface and lithospheric. We will focus 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 case study seen during the lab will highlight the importance of combining these methods to best describe the environment and its properties, particularly in terms of fluids.

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This field training course comes at the beginning of the cycle of our Master's degree. It aims at characterizing the succession of the formation and dismantling processes of the Variscan orogen, through the 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 the ductile deformation and the associated metamorphism in the deepest crustal levels; and (3) the study of the late-orogenic basins This teaching unit consists of three successive stages: the preparation phase based on the study of cartographic documents in the classroom, field work and the writing of a report, and finally a critical study of the bibliography.

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This course aims at homogenizing the knowledge of students coming from various backgrounds. The training targets in particular knowledge in mineralogy, magmatic petrology and associated metallic deposits. These disciplines are approached with a synthetic and global approach, integrating the processes and making the link between the main mineralogical and geochemical reservoirs. The courses are supported by practical work in magmatic petrology and metallogeny through the study of rock and mineralized samples, both macroscopic and microscopic.

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Contribution of geochemistry, geo-thermochronology and petrology in the knowledge of:
- the major stages of 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 covered in the introduction. This training consists then in understanding the main metallogenic processes in relation 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 to deepen the specific mineralogy of the metalliferous mineralizations.

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Major points covered: the concept of sea level, the sedimentary record of sea level variations, the notion of depositional sequences, the origin of sequences, the recognition of sequences and the fields of application (basin/reservoir architecture, reservoir prediction).

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

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Field application of 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 subsurface data in the case of a pre-chain 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 compression, 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 the behavior of rocks.
Notions related to the behavior of discontinuities, as well as fracture mechanics are discussed. The notions of creep and deferred behavior will also be addressed to consider the long-term behavior of rock masses.
In order to consider the mechanical behavior in a quantitative way, the notions of stress and strain tensor will be addressed. They will allow the introduction of elastic deformation calculations based on elastic moduli. The calculation of stresses on planes, from the knowledge of the stress tensor, will be discussed in the general case and will be illustrated by the Mohr representation.

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

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