Sedimentary dynamics

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.

Mastery of facies sedimentology with a good level of expertise in both clastic and carbonate sedimentology. Know how to analyze facies successions at different scales and constrain sedimentary architectures and associated processes to be able to reconstruct depositional environments as accurately as possible and predict facies partitioning within an economic framework (reservoirs, covers, traps).

Sedimentary Geology and Tectonics (L2) and Sedimentary Rocks and Surface Transfers (L3) modules or equivalent.

Continuous assessment: includes 4 fieldwork notes corresponding to each of the four working days. 1 written exam mark.

For each environment, the approach includes a geomorphological approach to the devices, analysis of the associated depositional processes, study of typical sequences and recognition criteria at different scales, classifications of the different device types and finally their seismic and logging signatures. Each course is supported by a presentation of the most remarkable samples from the collections.
Practical work in the field follows the course as closely as possible. They provide a real practical application of the concepts introduced in class. Four days (8:00-18:00) are set aside for this purpose. These are not field trips, but precise work on remarkable outcrops, chosen to illustrate the different depositional systems as fully as possible, and for which a report is required:
(1) Lacustrine, proximal fluvial and eolian systems (Permian-Triassic of the Lodève Basin);
(2) Distal fluvial and mixed littoral systems (Rhetian-Lias of the southern edge of Larzac);
(3) Storm ramp and turbidite systems (Ordovician-Visean on the southern slopes of the Montagne Noire);
(4) Barred carbonate platform system (Upper Jurassic, Argelliers).