Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Société géologique de France
Résumé : International audience
The Messinian salinity crisis (MSC) is characterized by gigantic erosion that remodels the margins while a thick, essentially evaporitic and detrital, sedimentary sequence forms in the deep basins. Based on recent (MAURESC, 2003) and earlier (MESEA 1, 1990; MAGIRAA, 1996; GEOBREST, 2002) seismic reflection data, this work brings to light the record of the MSC on the Provençal margin, which has until now been rarely explored from this perspective. Beyond its strictly regional interest, this study fits into a larger synthesis of MSC seismic markers in the Mediterranean and Black Sea marine domain [Lofi et al., 2011] and employs the new nomenclature established on this occasion. The results obtained reveal a Messinian detrital body (CU unit) of 625 metres maximum thickness at the foot of the margin, accumulating at the mouths of the principal canyons. Its form, facies and extension assimilate it to clastic fans, fed by subaerial erosion linked to the MSC. The relative geometry of CU and the Messinian units MU and UU deposited in the deep basin give indications to their chronostratigraphic relations. The deposition of the CU unit is posterior to the basal part of the mobile unit consisting of halite (MU), but contemporary to its top. These results agree with the recent scenarii, which propose that the precipitation of MU in the basin began early, during the lowering of the sea level, and ended at a low level during the MSC [Blanc, 2000; Martin et al., 2001; Sage et al., 2005; Ryan, 2009]. The UU unit surmounts MU and is subdivided into two sub-units with perceptibly different seismic facies : UU1 at the base and UU2 at the summit. UU1 could correspond to a unit containing more halite and/or more clastic material than UU2. The UU1 sub-unit could be partially contemporary to the CU unit. Concerning salt tectonics and its markers, three structural provinces have been evidenced in the sector of study, respectively : an upslope domain in extension (normal faults), an intermediary domain in translation (tabular MU) and a downslope domain in contraction (salt diapirs). These domains are directly linked to the gravity spreading and/or gliding of the brittle sedimentary cover formed by the CU, UU and Plio-Quatenary units and of the mobile level, MU. In the study area, a close relation between the distribution and thickness of CU and salt tectonics has additionally been evidenced at the mouths of the large Messinian canyons, being best expressed where CU is thick.
EISSN: 1777-5817

hal-00498286
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00498286

Éditeur(s) : Soc Geol France
Résumé : The Lesser Antilles subduction zone has produced no recent strong thrust earthquakes, making it difficult to quantify the seismic hazard from such events. The Lesser Antilles arc has a low subduction rate and an accretionary wedge that is very wide at its southern end. To investigate the effect of the wedge on seismogenesis, numerical models of forearc thermal structure were constructed along six transects perpendicular to the arc in order to determine the thermally predicted width of the seismogenic zone. The geometry of each section is constrained by published seismic profiles and crustal models derived from gravity and seismic data and by earthquake hypocenters at depth. A major constraint on the deep part of the model is that mantle temperature beneath the volcanic arc should achieve a temperature of 1,100 degrees C to generate partial melts. Predicted surface heat flow is compared to the available heat flow observations. Thermal modeling results indicate a systematic southward increase in the width of the seismogenic zone, more than doubling in width from north to south and corresponding to a dramatic southward increase in forearc width (distance from the arc to the deformation front of the accretionary wedge). The minimum width of the seismogenic zone (distance between the intersections of the subduction interface with the 150 degrees C and 350 degrees C isotherms) increases from about 80 km, north of 16 degrees N, to 230 km, at 13 degrees N. The maximum width (between the 100 degrees C and 450 degrees C isotherms) ranges from about 150 km in the north to up to 320 km in the south. This large variation in the width of the seismogenic zone is a consequence of the increasing width of the accretionary wedge to the south, caused by the increased thickness of sediment on the subducting plate. There is good agreement between the thermally predicted seismogenic limits and the sparse distribution of recorded thrust earthquakes, which are observed only in the northern portion of the arc. Possible scenarios for mega-thrust earthquakes are discussed. Depending on the segment length (along-strike) of the rupture plane, the occurrence of an event of magnitude 8-9 cannot be excluded.
L’absence de grands séismes récents à mécanismes chevauchants dans la zone de subduction des Petites Antilles rend difficile l’évaluation de l’aléa sismique lié à de tels événements. L’arc des Petites Antilles est caractérisé par une faible vitesse de subduction et par la présence d’un prisme d’accrétion très développé à son extrémité méridionale. Afin d’évaluer les effets de la largeur de ce prisme sur la genèse des séismes, nous avons étudié six sections perpendiculaires à l’arc, du nord au sud de celui-ci, pour déterminer la largeur de la zone sismogène prédite par les modèles thermiques appliqués à chacune de ces coupes. La géométrie de ces dernières est contrainte par les profils sismiques publiés, par les modèles de structure crustale déduits des données gravitaires et sismiques, et enfin par la distribution des hypocentres des séismes. Un contrôle important permettant de tester la validité des modèles thermiques en profondeur est qu’une température minimale de 1 100oC, compatible avec la fusion partielle du manteau hydraté, doit être atteinte sous l’arc volcanique actif. Par ailleurs, le flux thermique en surface prédit par ces modèles doit être compatible avec les mesures de flux de chaleur. Les modèles thermiques retenus d’après ces critères montrent une augmentation du simple au double vers le sud de la largeur de la zone sismogène, qui correspond à un élargissement considérable de la taille du domaine avant-arc. En effet, la largeur minimale de la zone sismogène (définie comme la distance entre les intersections de l’interface des plaques avec les isothermes 150o et 350oC) augmente d’environ 80 km au nord de 16oN jusqu’à 230 km à 13oN. La largeur maximale de cette zone (définie par les intersections de l’interface avec les isothermes 100o et 450oC) augmente, quant à elle, d’environ 150 km au nord jusqu’à 320 km au sud de l’arc. Cette variation considérable est la conséquence de l’augmentation de la largeur du prisme d’accrétion, elle-même causée par l’accumulation croissante des sédiments déposés sur la plaque plongeante. Les largeurs de la zone sismogène prédites à l’aide des modèles thermiques sont en bon accord avec les rares données disponibles sur les séismes à mécanismes chevauchants dans la partie nord de l’arc. Les scénarios possibles relatifs à des méga-séismes de ce type n’excluent pas de futurs événements atteignant des magnitudes de 8 à 9.
Bulletin De La Societe Geologique De France (0037-9409) (Soc Geol France), 2013 , Vol. 184 , N. 1-2 , P. 47-59

Droits : 2013 Societe Geologique de France
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00140/25140/29432.pdf
DOI:10.2113/gssgfbull.184.1-2.47
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00140/25140/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : The Firouzkuh Fault in most of its extension is located at the southern side of Firouzkuh Valley in west of the Central Alborz. It is a SW - NE prominent structure with a 70 km long on a sinistral -normal fault. It has been known as a south-dipping reverse fault.Paleoseismic analysis and C14 dating along the Firouzkuh left -lateral strike-slip fault indicate that Central Alborz has been shaken by large earthquakes during the Holocene. Here we present the data carried out of one of the two excavated trenches with 15 m long, 2m wide, ~ 4m deep in the east of Firouzkuh, where we found some evidence for last paleoearthquake associated to seismic re-activity on Firouzkuh Fault in the second trench (F2) that dug across a gauge zone. The last event is evidenced by cutting young superficial deposit where this faulted unit stratigrafically covered alluvium deposits yielded dated human bones fragments. The bones found in 60-70cm-deep of trench which a C14 age of 1159 ± 28 BP. Regarding to estimated slips per event on paleoseismological log of eastern wall of trench F1, event magnitudes for each paleoearthquakes are M≈7.
Geosciences Scientific Quarterly Journal

hal-00800375
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00800375

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : A section of ancient fast-spreading ocean crust was sampled at Wadi Gideah, located in the Wadi Tayin Massif of the Oman ophiolite. This sample suite was used for generating a coherent data set combining various petro-geochemical and structural investigations, with the aim of building a reference section for advancing our understanding of crustal accretion processes at fast-spreading mid-ocean ridges. Additionally, this study focuses on one outcrop that represents part of the fossil axial melt lens (AML).Major and trace element analyses reveal a trend of chemical evolution up section in the lower crust, with a marked difference between the layered gabbros and the foliated gabbros above. Petrological modeling shows that the chemical evolution up section can be produced by hydrous fractionation crystallization, with melt H2O contents of ~0.8 wt% and 0.8 to 1.2 wt% for the lower and upper crust, respectively. Together with the observed very steep bulk Zr/Hf vs. Zr gradient, high F and Cl content of magmatic amphibole, general Nb-Ta depletion of melts compared with NMORB, and high Sr87/Sr86 ratio compared with modern fast-spread crust, this suggests that Wadi Gideah layered gabbros were accreted by crystallization of ascending melts in sills, in a context of subduction initiation. The distinct changes in chemical trends and average grain size at the layered to foliated gabbro transition are tentatively explained by enhanced hydrothermal cooling deeper than the AML. The gabbro/dike transition displays complex structural and lithological relationships that, together with fractional crystallization modeling, point to episodic vertical movements of the AML. Plagioclase crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO) measured over the whole gabbro section are always consistent with magmatic flow. The CPO strength generally increases downward, with more scattering in the layered gabbro section. From the top to the bottom of the layered gabbros, CPO become progressively more prolate, possibly reflecting increasing shear induced by active mantle flow underneath.Wadi Gideah lower crust recorded a formation history consistent with a hybrid accretion model, combing several processes such as downward magmatic flow and/or upward melt migration in the upper foliated gabbros, sill intrusions in the layered gabbros, and deep hydrothermal circulation. The latter was presumably focused in channels, preserved today as several, up to 100 m wide zones of extensively altered former layered gabbro, cross-cutting the magmatic layering. These metagabbros display significantly higher Sr87/Sr86 ratio, late stage magmatic phases, and evidence for high temperature partial melting.
Une coupe d'ancienne croute océanique rapide a été échantillonnée dans le Wadi Gideah, situé dans le Massif de Wadi Tayin de l'Ophiolite d'Oman. Cette série d'échantillons a permis de générer un jeu de données cohérent, combinant des études pétro-géochimiques et structurales, dans le but de construire une coupe de référence pour mieux contraindre notre compréhension des processus d'accrétion crustale aux dorsales océaniques rapides. Ce travail intègre aussi l'étude détaillée d'un affleurement représentant en partie la lentille magmatique axiale (LMA) fossile.Les analyses d'éléments majeurs et traces révèlent une évolution chimique dans la croûte inférieure, avec une nette différence entre les gabbros lités et les gabbros foliés sus-jacents. La modélisation pétrologique montre que l'évolution chimique vers le haut peut être produite par cristallisation fractionnée hydratée, avec des teneurs en H2O des magmas de ~0.8 wt% dans la croute inférieure et 0.8 to 1.2 wt% dans la croute supérieure. Combiné aux forts gradients de Zr/Hf vs. Zr, aux teneurs élevées de F et Cl dans les amphiboles magmatiques, à l'appauvrissement général en Nb-Ta des magmas comparé aux NMORB, et aux rapports Sr87/Sr86 élevés comparés à la croûte rapide moderne, ceci suggère que les gabbros lités du Wadi Gideah ont été formés par la cristallisation des magmas ascendants dans des sills, dans un contexte d'initiation de subduction. Les changements de signature géochimique et de taille de grain à la transition entre gabbros lités et gabbros foliés témoignent possiblement d'un fort refroidissement hydrothermal plus profond que la LMA. La transition complexe filonien/gabbro montre des relations structurale et lithologiques complexes, qui, combinées o la modélisation de la cristallisation fractionnée, traduisent les mouvements verticaux épisodiques de la LMA. Les orientations préférentielles cristallographiques (OPC) des plagioclases mesurées sur l'ensemble de la coupe dans les gabbros témoignent toujours d'une déformation magmatique. L'intensité des OPC a tendance à augmenter vers le bas, avec une plus forte variabilité dans les gabbros lités. Dans les gabbros lités, les OPC sont de plus en plus linéaires vers le bas, résultant possiblement d'un cisaillement plus fort induit par l'écoulement actif du manteau sous-jacent.La croûte inférieure dans le Wadi Gideah a enregistré une histoire compatible avec un modèle d'accrétion hydride, combinant plusieurs processus tels que l'écoulement magmatique vers le bas et/ou la migration de liquides magmatiques vers le haut dans les gabbros foliés supérieurs, l'intrusion de sills dans les gabbros lités, et une circulation hydrothermale profonde. Cette dernière était probablement concentrée dans des chenaux, préservés aujourd'hui sous la forme de plusieurs zones, dont l'épaisseur atteint 100 m, de gabbros lités fortement altérés, recoupant le litage magmatique. Ces métagabbros ont des rapports Sr87/Sr86 élevés, comportent des phases magmatiques tardives et montrent des évidences de fusion partielle.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01302675

tel-01302675
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01302675
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01302675/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01302675/file/Th%C3%A8se_Tim-Mueller_2015.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Transport of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons through focused fluid flow systems is a widespread process in continental margins and sedimentary basins, which is gaining increased attention in the assessment of geohazards, environment conservation, and securing fossil energy resources. Studying the abundance, distribution and drivers for this process is crucial for understanding its role in 1) the dynamics of gas hydrate accumulation and destabilization, 2) submarine slope stability and related tsunamis, 3) the plethora of chemosynthetic benthic ecosystems that develop in deep seep sites, and 4) the input of greenhouse gases (e.g. methane) into the ocean/atmosphere system, which may influence the atmospheric carbon budget and Earth's paleo- and present climate. New ocean exploration tools provide ever more data and improve our understanding of these systems. However, the subject still suffers from a lack of interdisciplinary knowledge dissemination. The ongoing international debate about the timing and the processes that control fluid expulsion in sedimentary basins is fuelled by their implications for structural and petroleum geology. Because fluids expelled at cold seeps originate at depth they represent open windows into the underlying petroleum systems and are valuable indicators for the reservoir systems. They may also help in deciphering past and predicting future climate change because worldwide release of large amounts of fluids may have an impact on the chemistry of the ocean and atmosphere.
ISSN: 0025-3227

hal-00772472
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00772472
DOI : 10.1016/j.margeo.2012.10.012

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : National audience
Crustal-scale models for the Pyrenees based on ECORS reflection profileshave around 20 years now. In recent years, new understandingswere gained on the reconstruction to the preorogenic times, namelya scenario of extreme crustal attenuation and mantle exhumation ; inturn, this has implications on the interpretation of the present-day structure,as new models for the chain must consider feedbacks between themid-Cretaceous hyperextension and the Pyrenean inversion. On the WcentralPyrenean traverse, the southern part comprises 3 S-vergent basementthrust units, the Lakora, Gavarnie and Guarga units, flanked by thedetached cover of the Jaca piggyback basin and the Ebro basin, wherethe Mesozoic is thin and Late Cretaceous-Tertiary synorogenic carbonateand detrital sequences record a southward depocenter migration.To the N, the Chaînons Béarnais belt (CB) is a system of Jurassic to LowerCretaceous carbonate anticline ridges separated by synclines withthick Albian-Cenomanian flysch, covered to the north by Upper Cretaceousflysch sequences. The CB is thrust southwards together with theLakora thrust unit and northwards onto the Aquitaine basin. CB foldinglargely results from the rising and squeezing of diapirs initiated duringthe Jurassic-Early Cretaceous extension. Pieces of crust and mantle liftedin the diapirs attest that the CB derive from a Cretaceous domainof hyperextended continental crust and exhumed mantle. Moho reflectionsin the ECORS-Arzaq profile constrain the present deep structure.Restoration leads to a Mesozoic cover detachment over the N-Iberianand S-European margins. Inversion began by subduction of the exhumedmantle and folding and pop-up thrusting of the CB cover onto themargins. From the mid-late Eocene onwards, continental collision wasaccommodated by wedging and thrust stacking in the Iberian crust, involvingthe piggyback formation of S-vergent basement thrusts in theupper crust, and the northward subduction of the lower crust.
24 ème Réunion des sciences de la Terre 2014
Pau, France

insu-01080831
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01080831

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
Tin mineralization in Achmmach deposit (NE of Moroccan Central Massif) is associated with tourmaline-rich alteration halos and faults, within N70 shear zones, hosted in sandstones and metapelites of the Upper Visean-Namurian. Such deposits were reported as late-Variscan in age and related to the emplacement of late orogenic granite not outcropping in the studied area.From field constraints, it appears that the late Variscan phase is marked by a transition from transpression to extension with conditions of deformation evolving from ductile to brittle environments. During the transpressive phase (horizontal shortening direction roughly trending E-W), pervasive tourmaline is deposited under the form of metasomatic halos around fractures in the upper levels relative to the deep batholith. This hydrothermal activity is coeval with ductile shear zones within a large corridors trending N70. Tourmaline-rich alteration appears as a hardening stage contributing to the modification of the tectonic style of rocks. Thereafter, a strong brecciation occurs in response of re-using and re-opening of the strike-slip structure. The result is (1) the formation of dextral (N070, N020) and sinistral (N120) shears, and (2) the circulation of fluids within early tourmalinites and formation of tourmaline-rich breccia. Subsequently, during the late orogenic extensional phase, tourmalinite breccias reopened as normal faults acting as overpressure fluid pathways for developing other breccias and veins. Such event is marked by deposition of tin mineralization i.e., cassiterite followed by sulphides, and then fluorite and carbonates at the end.From analysis of the shear-zone structure and superimposition of tourmalines and tin mineralization in the same structures, it is possible to suggest a structural control continuum. Such control is well expressed during metasomatism and deposition of hydrothermal tourmaline under the transpressive phase. Thereafter, under the extensive phase allowing open-space, tin-mineralization were trapped.This study has been supported by AI MA/09/210
24ème RST
Pau, France

insu-01546927
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01546927

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag
Résumé : International audience
Electrical resistivity soundings are used by geophysicists to determine the structure and composition of the Earth's crust and mantle and to explore natural resources (ore, oil, gas, water). Their interpretations in terms of composition and in-situ physical conditions depend mainly on laboratory measurements of electrical conductivity of rocks at simulated crustal conditions of temperature, pressure, saturation and pore pressures. These measurements present a numbers of limitations, in particular, in the case where conductive pore fluids are present, as in the case of deep reservoir conditions, where temperature exceeds 250 A degrees C. Here, we present a new cell capable of measuring electrical conductivity of large saturated samples at confining pressure up to 200 MPa, pore pressure up to 50 MPa, and temperature up to 500 A degrees C. The measurement cell has been developed in a commercial, internally heated, gas pressure apparatus (Paterson press). It is based on the concept of "guard ring" electrode, which is adapted to samples that are jacketed by a very conductive, metallic material. Numerical modeling of the current flow in the electrical cell allowed defining the optimal cell geometry. Calibration tests have been performed on Fontainebleau sandstones saturated with electrolytes of different conductivities, up to 350 A degrees C. The resulting electrical formation factor and temperature dependence of electrical conductivity are in very good agreement with previous studies. This new cell will improve the exploration and exploitation of deep fluid reservoirs, as in unconventional, high enthalpy geothermal fields. In particular, the investigations address possible effects of fluid-rock interactions on electrical resistivity of a reservoir host rock.
ISSN: 0169-3913

hal-00681997
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00681997
DOI : 10.1007/s11242-011-9846-2

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : The Restefond fault, located in the Late Eocene-Early Oligocene Alpine foreland basin, affects the well lithified and low porosity Grès d'Annot. The fault core zone is characterized by the occurrence of highly deformed sandstone lenses. Deformation inside the lenses corresponds to mm to sub-mm-spaced cleavage planes rich in phyllosilicates and up to cm-thick and dm-long quartz-calcite pure extensional veins. The cleavages are mostly composed of newly-formed synkinematic white mica and chlorite. By using thermodynamic thermometers based on the chemical composition of chlorite, a temperature of 200 ± 20 °C of fault activity was computed. This temperature shows that the Restefond fault was active at burial conditions comprised between 6.5 and 8 km, assuming a mean geothermal gradient between 25 and 30 °Ckm−1. The petrophysic properties of sandstones from the core zone and in the hanging and foot wall of the fault were determined on drilled plugs following three spacial directions. The permeability of the highly deformed sandstone from the core zone is about one order of magnitude higher than in the host rock. This increase in permeability occurs in the direction parallel to the S-C structures and is explained by the occurrence of well-connected micropores localized between platy phyllosilicates. This study shows that the fault petrophysic properties are mostly controlled by the precipitation of synkinematic phyllosilicates under deep burial conditions.
Swiss Journal of Geosciences

hal-00795551
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00795551
DOI : 10.1007/s00015-012-0099-z

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The Hengshan–Wutaishan area forms part of the Trans-North-China Belt developed in response to the final amalgamation of the North China Craton. The Hengshan–Wutaishan domain and the adjacent Fuping massif constitute the largest and the most representative rock exposure of the belt. A structural study allows us to redefine the lithological and tectonic units that compose the architecture of the Hengshan–Wutaishan domain and to propose that the Trans-North-China Belt was built up through a polyphase tectonic evolution within the period 1900–1800 Ma. The first event (D1) corresponds to the emplacement of lower and upper nappes herein called the Orthogneiss and Volcanites Unit (OVU) and the Low Grade Mafic Unit (LGMU), respectively. The OVU mainly consists of rocks formed in an arc system and metamorphosed under amphibolite facies conditions whereas the LGMU represents oceanic crust rocks with an arc component that underwent greenschist facies metamorphism. The syn-metamorphic D1 deformation is characterized by a NW–SE stretching and mineral lineation with a top-to-the SE sense of shear that corresponds to the sense of nappe motion. U–Th–Pb EPM chemical dating on monazite from three metapelites of the OVU gives isochron ages of 1884 ± 11 Ma, 1886 ± 5 Ma and 1887 ± 4 Ma interpreted as the age of the prograde amphibolite facies metamorphism coeval with nappe stacking during the D1 event. The D2 event corresponds to a widespread crustal melting of the OVU and underlying basement rocks in Hengshan related to the exhumation of deep structures about 20–30 Ma after nappe emplacement. The migmatite contains blocks of retrograded eclogite or HP-granulitic restites, and is characterized by the development of a pervasive foliation and lineation. A late D2 event represents the folding stage of the migmatitic foliation during the completion of a dome. The Orthogneiss and Volcanics Unit and the Low Grade Mafic Unit are unconformably covered by weakly metamorphosed to unmetamorphosed sediments belonging to the Hutuo Supergroup. These rocks were deformed by a ductile D3 event, characterized by a NW–SE trending stretching lineation, south verging folds associated with an axial planar slaty cleavage and an E–W crenulation lineation. Lastly, a left-lateral wrenching along the Zhujiafang Shear Zone separates the northern and southern parts of Hengshan. Our structural study shows that there is no significant difference between the southern part of Hengshan and the lower part of Wutaishan, both areas belong to OVU and show a structural continuity. We suggest that this polyphase deformation developed in response to a north-westward subduction of an old ocean, named the Lüliang Ocean, beneath the Western Block, followed by collision with a micro-continent named the Fuping Block at not, vert, similar1890–1880 Ma.
ISSN: 0301-9268

insu-00151594
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00151594
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00151594/document
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00151594/file/Trap-PrecambrainResearch-2007.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.precamres.2007.03.001

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier Science Bv
Résumé : In the South Gabon Basin, deep multi-channel seismic reflection and gravity modeling analysis have shed light on key features of the structure of the margin. The thinned continental crust beneath the Gabon Margin appears to be composed of two distinct layers, separated by a clear, strong and more or less continuous reflector running in the 7–10 s TWT window. The lower crust is characterized by a higher density, intermediate between the lower values of the upper crust and the denser values of the mantle. The lower crust is irregularly shaped and presents lateral thickness variations along the direction of thinning and along the coast. In the offshore thinned continental domain, the lower and upper crust form a 20–25 km thick body. Crustal thicknesses point to a relatively sharp and narrow transition, along a few tens of kilometers, between the unthinned and the thinned continental crust. The high density layer identified offshore Gabon presents similar characteristics in density, geometry and spatial distribution, as the underplated magmatic bodies observed along volcanic margins, e.g. along the South Atlantic Namibia Margin or the North Atlantic Vøring Margin. Although this lower crustal body could possibly represent ultra mafic serpentinized rocks or high grade metamorphic crustal rocks, we suggest that it could be composed of mafic rocks. Magmas resulting from partial melting during rifting may underplate the crust and/or be intruded in the lower crust through a system of dykes and sills. In this view, the present-day crustal thicknesses along rifted margins, characterized by magmatic underplating and/or intrusion, are not representative of the thinning that the crust experienced during rifting. Results of this study point to relatively shallow sedimentary basins along the South Gabon Margin. The deepest offshore depocenters located under the westernmost side of the continental platform appear to be associated with the deepest syn-rift basins These basins seem to extend along 20 to 40 km in the ~ NE–SW direction with a present-day average thickness of 7.3 km. Offshore Gabon, whereas the crustal thinning appears significant, the syn-rift deposit are not thick. We suggest that the area was anomalously uplifted during the rifting phase, due to an elevated thermal lithospheric gradient. The conclusions derived from our seismic and gravity analysis are consistent with the implications such a thermal anomaly would have on the tectonic evolution of a rifted margin with 1) an underplated high density lower crustal layer, 2) shallow depth syn-rift basins associated with a relatively thin crust and subsequently 3) elevated recorded subsidence rates in the initial post-rift stages. Research Highlights ► The Gabon Margin appears characterized by an underplated high density lower crustal layer. ► Shallow depth syn-rift basins are associated with a relatively thin crust. ► Seismic and gravity analysis points to an anomalous uplift of the Gabon Margin during the rifting phase. ► Crustal structure, syn-rift infill and post-rift subsidence are consistent an uplift of the Gabon Margin during the rifting phase. ► The uplift of the Gabon Margin is possibly due to an elevated thermal lithospheric gradient.
Tectonophysics (0040-1951) (Elsevier Science Bv), 2011-06 , Vol. 506 , N. 1-4 , P. 31-45

Droits : 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00039/15020/12347.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.tecto.2011.04.009
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00039/15020/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Synthetic hydroxylated titanium-bearing and undoped MgO-buffered forsterite crystals were heated at atmospheric pressure in air at temperatures from 800 to 1200 °C to determine hydrogen diffusion as a function of the type of point-defect mechanism by which the hydroxyl is incorporated. OH-stretching bands, measured by infrared spectroscopy, were assigned to the four substitution mechanisms: Ti-clinohumite point defects, silicon and magnesium vacancies, and point defects associated with trivalent cations. In the experiments at 800 to 1000 °C, hydrous defects related to trivalent cations and Mg-vacancies disappear first in the Ti-doped forsterite, followed by the hydrous defects related to Ti and a fraction of the hydrated Si-vacancies. Measured bulk diffusion coefficients for hydrogen exchange related to the latter process are one order of magnitude slower than previously reported and with higher activation energy (View the MathML source296±14 kJmol−1). After the elimination of the defects related to Ti, the hydroxyl concentration related to Si-vacancies remained constant for the duration of the experiments. This observation is in agreement with the very slow diffusivity of hydrogen in Si-vacancies measured in the undoped MgO-buffered dehydroxylation experiments at higher temperatures (from 1000 to 1200 °C), which were ∼3 orders of magnitude slower than previously reported at 1000 °C, and with an activation energy of View the MathML source461±11 kJmol−1. Hydrogen diffusion in forsterite is far more complex than previously assumed. This complexity can be used to gain more information on the timescales of the processes causing olivine to lose its structural “water”, but quantitative modeling will require not only the knowledge of the intrinsic diffusivities of the different hydrous defects but also their relative proportions and the possible reactions between them.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-01172253
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01172253
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2014.01.055

Éditeur(s) : Wiley / Blackwell
Résumé : For the first time, a deep seismic data set acquired in the frame of the Algerian-French SPIRAL program provides new insights regarding the origin of the westernmost Algerian margin and basin. We performed a tomographic inversion of traveltimes along a 100-km-long wide-angle seismic profile shot over 40 ocean bottom seismometers offshore Mostaganem (Northwestern Algeria). The resulting velocity model and multichannel seismic reflection profiles show a thin (3-4 km thick) oceanic crust. The narrow ocean-continent transition (less than 10 km wide) is bounded by vertical faults and surmounted by a narrow almost continuous basin filled with Miocene to Quaternary sediments. This fault system, as well as the faults organized in a negative-flower structure on the continent side, marks a major strike-slip fault system. The extremely sharp variation of the Moho depth (up to 45 +/- 3 degrees) beneath the continental border underscores the absence of continental extension in this area. All these features support the hypothesis that this part of the margin from Oran to Tenes, trending N65-N70 degrees E, is a fossil subduction-transform edge propagator fault, vestige of the propagation of the edge of the Gibraltar subduction zone during the westward migration of the Alboran domain.
Geophysical Journal International (0956-540X) (Wiley / Blackwell), 2015-02 , Vol. 200 , N. 2 , P. 1027-1043

Droits : The Authors 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Royal Astronomical Society
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00255/36670/35278.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00255/36670/35279.pdf
DOI:10.1093/gji/ggu454
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00255/36670/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Fault zones are major discontinuities in sedimentary basins. Understanding their role on fluid migrations is an essential issue to (i) characterize the mechanisms and kinematics of deformation and (ii) to determine the parameters which control the distribution of energetic or mineral resources. This work applies to faulting under a temperature range of 200-250°C, corresponding to that of deeply buried reservoirs as well as potentially seismogenic fault zones. The studied faults are normal faults affecting the “Grès d’Annot” Formation, a Priabonian-Rupelian siliclastic turbidite succession of the Alpine foreland basin. They are located in two distinct areas: the Moutière-Restefond area in the eastern part of the basin and the Estrop area in the western part. Vitrinite reflectance outside fault zones indicates maximal temperatures of 240-260°C at Moutière-Restefond and 170-200°C at Estrop, i.e. burial depths around 8 km and 6 km, respectively, assuming a mean geothermal gradient of 30°C/km. Burial was due to underthrusting below the Embrunais-Ubaye Alpine nappes, the difference in burial between the two areas traducing the westward taper of the nappe front.The studied faults affect alternating arkosic sandstone beds and pelite layers with offsets from centimeters to decameters. Two types of core zones are recognized: (1) the foliated core zones of the Moutière-Restefond area, where deformation dominated by pressure solution and synkinematic phyllosilicate neoformation resulted in a foliated fabric, and (2) the core zones of the Estrop area, characterized by dilatant quartz-mineralized veins and breccia. Fault and host rock petrophysical properties were measured on drill plugs, using the water porosity technique and nitrogen permeability technique under 2 Mpa of confining pressure. In the Moutière-Restefond fault zones, plug axes were oriented in three orthogonal directions corresponding to the main deformation axes (X, Y, Z) of the foliated arkose to characterize the effect of structural anisotropy. In the Estrop fault zones, where deformation does not show equivalent anisotropy, the plug axes were oriented according to the main fault plane orientation (i.e., parallel to azimuth, parallel to dip and normal). In each fault zone, the porosity of fault rocks is equivalent to that of host rocks. In the Moutière-Restefond fault zones, the plugs parallel to the X and Z axes of deformation have a permeability similar to that of the host rocks, whereas permeability parallel to the Y axis (i.e. parallel to the foliation and the main fault plane) is one order of magnitude higher. By contrast, the permeability values in the Estrop fault zones are isotropic and equivalent to the host rock values. This study highlights the importance of various types of deformation mechanisms and related fluid-rock interactions in determining different fault rock types within a similar protolith, ultimately controlling distinct petrophysical properties of fault zones.
Les zones de failles constituent des discontinuités majeures dans la croûte supérieure. Ce mémoire s’intéresse aux failles actives à des profondeurs de 5-8 km, i.e. dans des conditions pouvant jouer un rôle important (i) sur le comportement mécanique de de la croûte, en particulier sur son potentiel sismogénique et (ii) sur la compartimentation des réservoirs géologiques profondément enfouis.Les failles étudiées sont des failles normales (rejet jusqu’à 50 mètres) affectant des alternances de bancs de grès arkosiques et de pélites dans les Grès d’Annot, une formation turbiditique d’âge priabonien-rupélien du bassin d’avant-chaine alpin. Les Grès d’Annot ont été enfouis sous les nappes de l’Embrunais-Ubaye peu de temps après leur dépôt et exhumés au Miocène moyen-supérieur. L’étude a été réalisée dans deux secteurs des Alpes de Haute-Provence, (1) le secteur de l’Estrop (chaine des Trois Evéchés, dans la partie occidentale du bassin) et (2) le secteur de Point Vert-Restefond (alentours du col de la Bonette, dans la partie orientale du bassin). La réflectance de la vitrinite dans les Grès d’Annot indique des températures maximales de 160-190°C dans le secteur (1) et de 240-260 °C dans le secteur (2) , soit des profondeurs d’enfouissement de 5-6 km et 8-10 km, respectivement, dans l’hypothèse d’un gradient géothermique moyen de 25-30°C/km. A partir des observations microstructurales, de données d’inclusions de fluides, de modélisations thermodynamiques sur chlorites syncinématiques et des indices de cristallinité de l’illite, on a établi que les failles du secteur (1) ont fonctionné à une température d’environ 200°C pour une pression de 0.6Kbar et celles du secteur (2) dans une gamme de température de 200-220°C et de pression comprise entre 0.6 et 1.1 Kba. L’activité de la faille de Point-Vert a été datée par la méthode 40Ar/39Ar au Miocène inférieur (21 Ma). Ces failles sont interprétées comme associées aux premiers stades du soulèvement résultant de l’activité des chevauchements dans le socle sous-jacent.Deux types principaux de roches de failles caractérisent les failles étudiées. Les brèches dilatantes sont majoritaires dans les zones de failles du secteur (1) alors que les arkoses foliées sont majoritaires dans les zones de failles du secteur (2). Les brèches dilatantes témoignent de mécanismes de déformation dominés par la fracturation transgranulaire et la pression-solution des silicates. Ce dernier mécanisme se manifeste principalement par d’abondantes précipitations cycliques de quartz, les stylolites restant peu développés. Les géométries structurales sont associées à l’activation de plans T de Riedel déterminant l’ouverture de relais extensifs et un régime localement dilatant. Nous associons ce type de roche de faille à une faible pression effective au cours de la déformation.La déformation cisaillante exprimée dans les arkoses foliées témoigne de mécanismes de déformation dominés par (i) la fracturation intragranulaire et transgranulaire, (ii) la pressionsolution/ précipitation des silicates, principalement le quartz, (iii) la néoformation de micas blancs liée à l’altération des feldspaths et (iv) la précipitation de chlorite. Ce travail montre également que les transformations minéralogiques liées aux interactions fluide-roche dans la zone de faille (forte augmentation de la proportion des phyllosilicates au dépend des feldspaths) changent radicalementla composition minéralogique de la roche. Nous associons ce type de roche de faille à une forte pression effective au cours de la déformation.La pétrophysique montre que les brèches de failles (secteur 1) ont une perméabilité isotrope et équivalente à celle du protolithe (10-3mD sous 2 MPa de confinement) tandis que les roches foliées (secteur 2) montrent une augmentation de perméabilité (10-2mD) selon l’axe Y de la déformation, d’un ordre de grandeur supérieure aux perméabilités suivant les axes X et Z et dans la roche hôte (10-3mD). Ce drain préférentiel potentiel est associé à l’orientation des phyllosilicates dans la foliation.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382

tel-01310382
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382/file/Th%C3%A8seCAVAILHES2012.pdf

Éditeur(s) : Oxford Univ Press
Résumé : This study presents the results of a deep seismic survey across the north Algerian margin, based on the combination of 2-D multichannel and wide-angle seismic data simultaneously recorded by 41 ocean bottom seismometers deployed along a north-south line extending 180 km off Jijel into the Algerian offshore basin, and 25 land stations deployed along a 100-km-long line, cutting through the Lesser Kabylia and the Tellian thrust-belt. The final model obtained using forward modelling of the wide-angle data and pre-stack depth migration of the seismic reflection data provides an unprecedented view of the sedimentary and crustal structure of the margin. The sedimentary layers in the Algerian basin are 3.75 km thick to the north and up to 4.5-5 km thick at the foot of the margin. They are characterized by seismic velocities from 1.9 to 3.8 km s(-1). Messinian salt formations are about 1 km thick in the study area, and are modelled and imaged using a velocity between 3.7 and 3.8 km s(-1). The crust in the deep sea basin is about 4.5 km thick and of oceanic origin, presenting two distinct layers with a high gradient upper crust (4.7-6.1 km s(-1)) and a low gradient lower crust (6.2-7.1 km s(-1)). The upper-mantle velocity is constrained to 7.9 km s(-1). The ocean-continent transition zone is very narrow between 15 and 20 km wide. The continental crust reaches 25 km thickness as imaged from the most landward station and thins to 5 km over a less than 70 km distance. The continental crust presents steep and asymmetric upper- and lower-crustal geometry, possibly due to either asymmetric rifting of the margin, an underplated body, or flow of lower crustal material towards the ocean basin. Present-time deformation, as imaged from three additional seismic profiles, is characterized by an interplay of gravity-driven mobile-salt creep and active thrusting at the foot of the tectonically inverted Algerian margin.
Geophysical Journal International (0956-540X) (Oxford Univ Press), 2014-09 , Vol. 198 , N. 3 , P. 1486-1503

Droits : 2014 The Royal Astronomical Society
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00217/32836/32150.pdf
DOI:10.1093/gji/ggu179
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00217/32836/

Éditeur(s) : The American Asscoiation of Petroleum Geologists
Résumé : Several marine geophysical profiles off the southern part of the Niger delta reveal the presence of diapiric structures beneath the continental slope and rise. The origin of the diapiric material appears to be deep in the sedimentary section and is believed to be of Aptian-Albian age. If this hypothesis is correct, the presence of evaporite basins, known between angola and Gabon, can be extended as far north as the Niger delta. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]
The American Asscoiation of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin (The American Asscoiation of Petroleum Geologists), 1973-09 , Vol. 57 , N. 9 , P. 1672-1678

Droits : The American Asscoiation of Petroleum Geologists
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1973/publication-5119.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/5119/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Several major earthquakes have struck the 2500 km long Himalayan range during the past century. However, both the maximum size of such earthquakes and the probability of occurrence of a magnitude 9 megaquake are still a mater of debate. In this framework it is of key importance to investigate the lateral segmentation of the Himalayan arc in order to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms that control such events as well as their extents. Besides the remarkably uniform tectonic set-up and the fact that most studies on the Himalayas have focused on Central Nepal, several indications of along strike changes can be gathered.This thesis brings new constraints on lateral variations of crustal structure and of deformation between western Nepal (~80°E) and eastern Bhutan (~92°E).The first part of this thesis focuses on the lateral variations of crustal structure. In the past three years we have carried out four land gravity campaigns. We have established 366 new gravity measurement points to fill the data gaps in central and western Nepal as well as in Bhutan. This new dataset, together with available seismological data, is used to constrain thermo-mechanical models of the bending of the India plate underneath the Himalayas. While the inferred crustal geometry does not exhibit major along-strike variations over central and eastern Nepal, the shorter wavelength flexure of the lithosphere in Bhutan is associated with a weaker upper mantle rheology.The second part focuses on the lateral variations of recent deformation in the Himalayas. Fifteen years of paleoseismological investigations have extended the catalogue of major Himalayan events over the last millennium. Combining these information with secular loading, we assess the spatial and temporal stress changes on the Main Himalayan Thrust along the orogen over the last nine centuries. Our calculations indicate that inter-seismic loading has now nearly overcome the Coulomb stress decrease caused by the great ~1100 medieval earthquake. Our results also point out that the 1897 Shillong plateau earthquake does not have a major influence on the stress accumulated on the Main Himalayan Thrust since then. In order to better characterize active tectonics in the Bhutan Himalayas where no studies were done so far, we carried out a morphotectonic analysis in the south-central part of the kingdom. We show that the same amount of Holocene deformation is accommodated on the frontal thrust in Bhutan as on the neighbouring portions of the Himalayan arc. We also find evidences for two major (M>8) earthquakes on this thrust in the Bhutan Himalayas during the last millennium. Our results therefore show that Bhutan cannot be considered as a seismic gap. They also challenge the interpretation of one single ~1100 medieval mega-event that would have ruptured the Main Frontal Thrust from central Nepal to eastern Bhutan.
Au cours du dernier siècle, plusieurs séismes majeurs ont affecté l'Himalaya. Cependant, la taille maximale de ces événements et la probabilité d'occurrence de méga-séismes avec des magnitudes proches de 9 sont toujours matière à débat. L'étude de la segmentation de l'arc Himalayen est donc primordiale afin de comprendre les mécanismes qui contrôlent ces séismes ainsi que leur extension spatiale. La compréhension du cycle sismique en Himalaya est aujourd'hui essentiellement basée sur des études menées au Népal central, ce qui limite notre connaissance de son fonctionnement tri-dimensionnel. Ce travail de thèse permet d'apporter de nouvelles contraintes sur les variations latérales de la déformation crustale dans la zone comprise entre l'ouest Népal (~80°E) et l'est Bhoutan (~92°E). La première partie de cette thèse est consacrée à l'étude des variations latérales de la structure lithosphérique. Quatre campagnes gravimétriques ont été réalisées entre 2010 et 2012. Elles ont permis d'étendre le réseau gravimétrique Népalais jusqu'à l'ouest Népal et d'établir le premier réseau gravimétrique Bhoutanais. Ce nouveau jeu de données, combiné avec les données sismologiques disponibles, permet de contraindre des modèles thermo-mécaniques de la flexure de la plaque Indienne sous l'Himalaya. Les résultats suggèrent qu'il n'existe pas de variations latérales majeures du comportement mécanique de la lithosphère Indienne entre le centre et l'est Népal contrairement au Bhoutan où une rigidité flexurale plus faible est nécessaire pour expliquer les données.La deuxième partie de cette thèse est consacrée à l'étude des variations latérales des déformations récentes dans le prisme Himalayen. Les études paléosismologiques menées depuis 15 ans en Himalaya ont permis d'étendre le catalogue des événements majeurs sur le dernier millénaire. En intégrant à la fois les contraintes disponibles sur ces séismes majeurs et le chargement séculaire, nous étudions les variations spatiales et temporelles de l'état de contrainte du chevauchemlent Himalayen principal le long de l'arc. Nos calculs montrent que même dans la cas où un méga-séisme se serait produit en ~1100 en Himalaya, le chargement séculaire a quasiment compensé la chute de contrainte associée. Les modèles montrent aussi que le séisme du Shillong ne joue pas un rôle majeur sur les contraintes accumulées sur le chevauchement Himalayen depuis 1897 au niveau du Bhoutan. Enfin, nous présentons les premières contraintes sur la tectonique active au Bhoutan. L'étude morphotectonique réalisée au centre du Sud-Bhoutan a permis de montrer que la majeure partie de la déformation Holocène est accommodée au niveau du front Himalayen, comme au Népal. Nous montrons aussi des évidences de ruptures de surface avec des décalages verticaux de plusieurs mètres associés à deux séismes majeurs sur le dernier millénaire. Ces évidences remettent en cause l'interprétation d'un méga-séisme en ~1100.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01002381

NNT : 2013MON20074
tel-01002381
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01002381
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01002381/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01002381/file/35970_BERTHET_2013_archivage_cor.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Three-dimensional P-wave velocity structure of the mantle beneath the South Pacific Superswell is determined through passive broadband seismic experiments on the ocean floor and islands between 2003 and 2005. We collected approximately 1500 relative times of long-period teleseismic P-waves by using a waveform cross-correlation. We analyzed this data set with relative time tomography to depths of 2000 km. The resultant structure shows lateral heterogeneity of approximately +/- 2%, in which a distinct low velocity region is found beneath the center of the Superswell at a depth of 1600 km. At 1200km depth, an elongated low velocity region is found beneath the Society to Pitcairn hotspots. At 800 km depth, two linear low velocity regions are located beneath Tuamotu and Austral islands. Isolated low velocity regions are identified beneath the Society, Marquesas, and Macdonald hotspots at 400 km depth. Our new tomographic images reveal that the large low velocity region rooted in the deep lower mantle is split into two sheets at 1200 km depth and these terminate at approximately 800 km depth. This feature appears to be consistent with the characteristics of a thermo-chemical pile or dome.
ISSN: 0031-9201

hal-00413036
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00413036
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00413036/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00413036/file/Tanaka_tomo_PLUME_PEPI2009_hal.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.pepi.2008.10.016

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Land-use changes have deep consequences on species diversity, community structure and ecosystem functioning. Consequently, many works have tried to understand the effects of such changes on the diversity and functional properties of organisms. It has been demonstrated that species traits are oftenly more important than the identity of species per se in order to account understand the ecological roles of species. Besides, while the majority of assessments about land-use change effects on ecosystem functioning have focused on primary producers, the contribution of other organisms is essential to maintain the functioning and resilience of ecosystems.Ants are interesting organisms to track land-use changes due to their abundance, ubiquity and ecological dominance. Ants are present in most of terrestrial biomes and participate in several ecosystem processes through their consumption of food resources. They are also easy to sample and standard methods exist to provide accurate comparisons between studies. While a number of studies have demonstrated abrupt changes in ant species composition along environmental gradients, only a reduced number of such studies have tried to understand how ant community changes affect ecosystem processes. Moreover, the traits responsible for the stability of ant communities in response to land-use changes are little known. It is therefore necessary to develop a methodology that enables a proper identification of ant participation to different ecosystem processes and their contribution to ecosystems’ resistance and resilience.In this thesis I aim to bring some light about i) how land-use changes affect ant community structure? ii) what traits are responsible of the ecological success of a species or it’s extinction from a given environment? iii) how changes in the species or trait composition affect the participation intensity of ants in different ecosystem processes ?
Les perturbations d’origine anthropique sont à l’origine de l’érosion de la biodiversité avec des conséquences sur la structure des communautés et pour le fonctionnement des écosystèmes. La vitesse de ces changements a stimulé de nombreuses recherches portant sur les effets de ces modifications sur la biodiversité des organismes et leurs propriétés fonctionnelles. En effet il a été montré que les traits des espèces sont plus importants que leur identité elle-même pour tenir compte de leurs rôles écologiques. Même si la majorité de ces travaux ont étudié la réponse des producteurs primaires sur les écosystèmes terrestres, la contribution d’autres organismes est toutefois essentielle pour maintenir un fonctionnement et une résilience des écosystèmes corrects.Les fourmis sont des organismes cibles intéressants pour étudier de telles modifications du fait de leur abondance et de leur dominance écologique. En effet elles ont une distribution cosmopolite et participent à de nombreuses fonctions dans l’écosystème terrestre. Elles sont également faciles à étudier et des méthodes d’échantillonnage standard existent. Bien que de nombreuses recherches aient démontré des modifications dans la composition spécifique des fourmis dans des gradients environnementaux, un nombre réduit d’entre elles ont étudié la contribution de ces organismes sur le fonctionnement des écosystèmes. De plus, les traits responsables de la stabilité des communautés de fourmis en réponse à ces modifications sont encore peu connus. Il est donc nécessaire de développer une méthodologie capable d‘identifier la participation des fourmis dans des processus écosystémiques permettant également de quantifier leur activité afin de comprendre comment ces organismes agissent sur les capacités de résistance et résilience des écosystèmes.Ainsi, cette thèse vise mettre en lumière i) en quoi la simplification des habitats liée aux activités humaines a des répercussions sur les communautés de fourmis, ii) quels sont les traits responsables du succès écologique d’une espèce ou de son déclin au sein d’un environnement donné, et iii) comment ces variations en composition spécifique impactent l’intensité de participation des fourmis aux processus écosystémiques.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01389102

NNT : 2016YANE0004
tel-01389102
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01389102
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01389102v2/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01389102/file/these.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The deep structure and deformation mechanisms of the Longmen Shan thrust belt (Sichuan, China), at the eastern border of the Tibetan plateau, were largely debated after the devastating Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake (2008). Recent geophysical studies and field investigations have been focused on the active motion of the major Beichuan fault, which ruptured during the earthquake. However, the total exhumation across the fault still remains unclear. In the hanging wall of the Beichuan fault, the South China block is exhumed in the Pengguan massif. Close to the Beichuan fault, the rocks of the Pengguan massif underwent greenschist facies metamorphism associated with brittle-ductile deformation. No metamorphism is observed in the footwall of the fault. In this study, we characterize and date the metamorphic history recorded in the hanging wall of the Beichuan fault in order to constrain the depth and timing of exhumation of the rocks of the Pengguan massif along the fault. A high-resolution petrological approach involving chemical analyses and X-ray maps was used to analyze the micrometric metamorphic minerals. The P-T conditions of the greenschist facies metamorphic event were estimated by an inverse multi-equilibrium thermodynamic approach. The results, 280 ± 30 °C and 7 ± 1 kbar, suggest that the rocks of the Pengguan massif were exhumed from ca. 20 km depth. Our results underline the importance of the thrusting component in the long-term behavior of the Beichuan fault and provide a minimal depth at which the fault is rooted. In situ laser ablation 40Ar/39Ar dating of metamorphic white mica revealed that the greenschist overprint occurred at 135–140 Ma.The Pengguan massif was therefore partially thrusted along the Beichuan fault during the Lower Cretaceous, long before the Eocene-Miocene exhumation phase which is well-constrained by low-temperature thermochronology. Our results provide the first independent depth information for the exhumation history of the Pengguan massif and reveal a previously undocumented Lower Cretaceous tectonic event that marks the onset of the thick-skinned deformation in the external domain of the Longmen Shan (East of the Wenchuan Fault).
ISSN: 0743-9547

hal-01685556
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01685556
DOI : 10.1016/j.jseaes.2017.04.003