Level of Education
4-year college degree
ECTS
3 credits
Training Structure
College of Sciences
Description
The purpose of this course is to review and expand students’ knowledge of fundamental concepts regarding the formation of the oceanic crust and its relationship to magnetism and hydrothermal activity, as well as 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 interactions between tectonics and surface processes will also be discussed.
These concepts will be supported by theoretical and physical models and extensively illustrated with case studies of natural environments (the Himalayas and Tibet, Taiwan, the Alps, the western Pacific, Sumatra, and the Mediterranean). One course will be devoted to the Archean (geodynamics and georesources).
Objectives
An overview of current knowledge and concepts regarding mid-ocean ridges, oceanic subduction, and orogenic processes. Development of a general understanding of Earth geodynamics, plate tectonics, and the mechanisms of deformation in the continental and oceanic crust.
Mandatory Prerequisites
Standard STU Training.
Knowledge Assessment
Continuous assessments (2 to 3) and a final exam.
Course Outline
Fundamentals of the geodynamics of divergent and convergent plate boundaries, the rheology of the continental and oceanic crust, and deformation processes at the crustal and lithospheric scales.
Additional Information
Academic Director:
Stéphane DOMINGUEZ
stephane.dominguez@umontpellier.fr
Bibliography
- Elements of Geology (M. Renard, Y. Lagabrielle, E. Martin, M. Rafelis Saint Sauveur, C. Pomerol, Publisher: Dunod, 2018)
- Visual Guide to Geology (Y. Lagabrielle, R. Maury, M. Renard, “Tout en fiches” Series, Publisher: Dunod, 2013)
- The Earth with the Naked Eye (N. Coltice, R. Jolivet, J.-A. Olive J., A. Schubnel, CNRS Editions, 2019).
- The Oceanic Crust (T. Jute, Publisher: Vuibert, 2012).
- Oceanic Subduction (S. Lallemand, Publisher: Gordon and Breach Science, 1999)
- Lithospheric Convergence (S. Lallemand, P. Huchon, L. Jolivet, G. Prouteau, Publisher: Vuibert, 2005)
- Continental Deformation (L. Jolivet, Science Education Series, Publisher: Hermann, 1997).