Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
Advances in groundwater storage monitoring are crucial for water resource management and hydrological processes understanding. The evaluation of water storage changes (WSC) often involve point measurements (observation wells, moisture probes, etc.), which may be inappropriate in heterogeneous media. Over the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in the use of gravimetry for hydrological studies. In the framework of the GHYRAF (Gravity and Hydrology inAfrica) project, 3 yr of repeated absolute gravity measurements using a FG5-type gravimeter have been undertaken at Nalohou, a Sudanian site in northern Benin. Hydrological data are collected within the long-term observing system AMMA-Catch. Once corrected for solid earth tides, ocean loading, air pressure effects, polar motion contribution and non-local hydrology, seasonal gravity variations reach up to 11 μGal, equivalent to a WSC of 260-mm thick infinite layer of water. Absolute temporal gravity data are compared to WSC deduced from neutron probe and water-table variations through a direct modelling approach. First, we use neutronic measurements available for the whole vertical profile where WSC occur (the vadose zone and a shallow unconfined aquifer). The RMSD between observed and modelled gravity variations is 1.61 μGal, which falls within the error bars of the absolute gravity data. Second, to acknowledge for the spatial variability of aquifer properties, we use a 2-D model for specific yield (Sy) derived from resistivity mapping and Magnetic Resonance Soundings (MRS). The latter provides a water content (θMRS) known to be higher than the specific yield. Hence, we scaled the 2-D model of θMRS with a single factor (α). WSC are calculated from water-table monitoring in the aquifer layer and neutronic measurements in the vadose layer. The value of α is obtained with aMonte-Carlo sampling approach, minimizing the RMSD between modelled and observed gravity variations. This leads to α = Sy/θMRS = 0.63 ± 0.15, close to what is found in the literature on the basis of pumping tests experiments, with a RMSD value of 0.94 μGal. This hydrogeophysical experiment is a first step towards the use of time-lapse gravity data as an integrative tool to monitor interannual WSC even in complicated subsurface distribution.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00821181
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00821181
DOI : 10.1093/gji/ggt146

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD IOP Publishing
Résumé : The 8th International Comparison of Absolute Gravimeters (ICAG2009) took place at the headquarters of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) from September to October 2009. It was the first ICAG organized as a key comparison in the framework of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement of the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM MRA) (CIPM 1999). ICAG2009 was composed of a Key Comparison (KC) as defined by the CIPM MRA, organized by the Consultative Committee for Mass and Related Quantities (CCM) and designated as CCM.G-K1. Participating gravimeters and their operators came from national metrology institutes (NMIs) or their designated institutes (DIs) as defined by the CIPM MRA. A Pilot Study (PS) was run in parallel in order to include gravimeters and their operators from other institutes which, while not signatories of the CIPM MRA, nevertheless play important roles in international gravimetry measurements. The aim of the CIPM MRA is to have international acceptance of the measurement capabilities of the participating institutes in various fields of metrology. The results of CCM.G-K1 thus constitute an accurate and consistent gravity reference traceable to the SI (International System of Units), which can be used as the global basis for geodetic, geophysical and metrological observations of gravity. The measurements performed afterwards by the KC participants can be referred to the international metrological reference, i.e. they are SI-traceable. The ICAG2009 was complemented by a number of associated measurements: the Relative Gravity Campaign (RGC2009), high-precision levelling and an accurate gravity survey in support of the BIPM watt balance project. The major measurements took place at the BIPM between July and October 2009. Altogether 24 institutes with 22 absolute gravimeters (one of the 22 AGs was ultimately withdrawn) and nine relative gravimeters participated in the ICAG/RGC campaign. This paper is focused on the absolute gravity campaign. We review the history of the ICAGs and present the organization, data processing and the final results of the ICAG2009. After almost thirty years of hosting eight successive ICAGs, the CIPM decided to transfer the responsibility for piloting the future ICAGs to NMIs, although maintaining a supervisory role through its Consultative Committee for Mass and Related Quantities.
ISSN: 0026-1394

hal-00795520
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00795520
DOI : 10.1088/0026-1394/49/6/666

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
We analyse temporal variations of gravity measured in southern Taiwan since November 2006 at 10 sites using absolute gravimeters and, since November 2008, at 70 sites using a relative gravimeter. We describe and apply methods to interpret the gravity changes in terms of local hydrological processes and vertical ground motions. The effect of land water is computed from local rainfall data and a model of rain accumulation and discharge in the ground. The effect of the vertical motions of the ground is estimated using time-series of permanent Global Positioning System (GPS) stations and the theoretical gravity to height ratio of −2 μGal cm−1. Unexpectedly, Morakot typhoon (2009 August), the strongest typhoon in Taiwan in 50 yr, was responsible for the highest gravity changes. Morakot triggered numerous large landslides and debris flow deposits. Their thicknesses are estimated from the gravity changes (up to ∼280 μGal) along with field observations and satellite images.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-00768216
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00768216
DOI : 10.1093/gji/ggs019

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Karstic aquifers represent the most important fresh water reservoirs in many regions of the world like the Mediterranean Basin. However, because of complex processes of karstification, those aquifers are highly heterogeneous at all spatial scales and vulnerable to contamination. In this dissertation, we studied the potential of gravimetry and ambient seismic noise for hydrological modeling in karstic areas.The dolomitic area surrounding the “GEK” observatory in the Durzon catchment on the Larzac plateau, in France, is the preferred site for these studies. Inside the observatory, a superconducting gravimeter dedicated to hydrology has continuously measured gravity changes since 2011 with high precision, undertaken for the first time on a karst. From this gravity monitoring, we made conceptual hydrological models which laid the foundation of 1-D flow physical models. Indeed, gravimetry is an integrative hydro-geophysical method which allows 1) to consider the epikarst, locally heterogeneous as an equivalent tabular medium and 2) to define the types of transfer (fast & slow) occurring at the site. Especially, the lack of fast transfer through the GEK epikarst was precisely quantified for the first time at the field scale (~100m). Gravity-driven water mass balance with local meteorological data (evapotranspiration from a flux tower and precipitation) allowed setting the bottom outlet of the model to 1 mm.day-1. This flow has proved to be representative of the low-flow discharge at the only spring which represents all groundwater outflows from the catchment. This result supposes the homogeneity of the dolomitic epikarst almost at the basin scale. Model parameters were next calibrated using one year of ambient seismic noise monitored at two stations. Phase velocity changes obtained by cross-correlating the noise between 6 and 8 Hz were used as a ”timer” to follow the water infiltration between a depth of 30 and 60 meters. Thus, monitoring seismic velocity changes using ambient seismic noise demonstrates great potential for the study of deep and complex critical zones and could fill the instrumental gap currently existing in hydrology.Time-lapse gravity measurements with a spring-based portable gravimeter have also demonstrated the different behavior of two epikarsts and their variability at the scale of a few hundred meters. Monthly measurements around the observatory revealed the spatial homogeneity of this dolomitic epikarst: all the stations showed the same water storage changes. On the contrary, seasonal surface to depth gravity measurements along the underground passage of the Saint-Ferréol sinkhole, in limestone, have shown fast transfer and strong spatial variability of water storage. Lithology is then expected to play a part in the epikarst capacity to retain water. The precision needed to measure the weak hydrological induced signals during those surveys required robust methodology and an ambient temperature effect on measurements with spring-based gravimeter was observed in the field and quantified in the laboratory.
Les aquifères karstiques représentent des ressources en eau essentielles dans de nombreuses régions du monde comme le bassin Méditerranéen. Cependant, de par les processus complexes de karstification, ces aquifères sont hétérogènes à de nombreuses échelles et vulnérables. Dans cette thèse, nous étudions le potentiel de la gravimétrie et du bruit sismique ambiant pour la modélisation hydrologique en milieu karstique.Le site dolomitique de l’observatoire « GEK », sur le bassin du Durzon dans le Larzac, est le site d’étude privilégié de ces travaux. Dans l’observatoire, un gravimètre supraconducteur dédié à l’hydrologie mesure depuis 2011 les variations de gravité en continu et à une très haute précision, pour la première fois sur un karst. Des modèles hydrologiques conceptuels ont été réalisés à partir de cette surveillance gravimétrique et ont permis de poser les bases de modèles physiques d’écoulements 1-D. En effet la gravimétrie, intégratrice, permet 1) de considérer l’épikarst localement hétérogène comme un milieu tabulaire équivalent et 2) de définir les types de transfert à l’œuvre sur le site. En particulier, l’absence de transfert rapide dans l’épikarst a été quantifiée avec précision pour la première fois à l’échelle du terrain (~100m). A l’aide de données météorologiques locales, un bilan de masse précis a permis de définir le flux en limite inférieure du modèle à 1 mm.jour-1. Ce flux s’est montré représentatif du débit de basses-eaux de la source drainant l’ensemble du bassin. Ce résultat suppose une homogénéité de l’épikarst dolomitique quasiment à l’échelle du bassin. Les paramètres des modèles physiques ont ensuite pu être calibrés à l’aide d’un an d’intercorrélation du bruit sismique ambiant entre deux stations. Les variations de vitesses de phase obtenues entre 6 et 8Hz nous ont servi de « chronomètre » pour suivre l’infiltration entre 30 et 60m de profondeur. La surveillance passive des variations de vitesses sismiques par intercorrélation du bruit sismique ambiant montre ainsi un fort potentiel pour l’étude des zones critiques profondes et complexes à l’échelle du terrain et peut combler la lacune instrumentale qui existe actuellement en hydrologie.Des campagnes répétées de mesures avec un gravimètre portable à ressort ont également mis en évidence le fonctionnement différent de deux épikarsts et leur variabilité à l’échelle de la centaine de mètres. Des mesures mensuelles autour de l’observatoire ont mis en évidence l’homogénéité spatiale de cet épikarst dolomitique : toutes les stations ont les mêmes variations temporelles de stock d’eau. Au contraire, des mesures saisonnières en surface et en profondeur le long de la galerie souterraine calcaire de l’abîme de Saint-Ferréol ont montré une variabilité spatiale forte du stockage ainsi que du transfert rapide. La lithologie de l’épikarst est donc suspectée de jouer un rôle dans sa capacité de stockage. Lors de ces campagnes, la faiblesse du signal recherché a nécessité une méthodologie précautionneuse et un effet de température sur les mesures des gravimètres relatifs à ressort a été observé sur le terrain et quantifié en laboratoire.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01649606

NNT : 2016MONTT128
tel-01649606
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01649606
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01649606/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01649606/file/2016_FORES_archivage.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : In this paper we present the potential of a new compact superconducting gravimeter (GWR iGrav) designed for groundwater monitoring. At first, 3 yr of continuous gravity data are evaluated and the performance of the instrument is investigated. With repeated absolute gravity measurements using a Micro-g Lacoste FG5, the calibration factor (−894.8 nm s−2 V−1) and the long-term drift of this instrument (45 nm s−2 yr−1) are estimated for the first time with a high precision and found to be respectively constant and linear for this particular iGrav. The low noise level performance is found similar to those of previous superconducting gravimeters and leads to gravity residuals coherent with local hydrology. The iGrav is located in a fully instrumented hydrogeophysical observatory on the Durzon karstic basin (Larzac plateau, south of France). Rain gauges and a flux tower (evapo-transpiration measurements) are used to evaluate the groundwater mass balance at the local scale. Water mass balance demonstrates that the karst is only capacitive: all the rainwater is temporarily stored in the matrix and fast transfers to the spring through fractures are insignificant in this area. Moreover, the upper part of the karst around the observatory appears to be representative of slow transfer of the whole catchment. Indeed, slow transfer estimated on the site fully supports the low-flow discharge at the only spring which represents all groundwater outflows from the catchment. In the last part of the paper, reservoir models are used to characterize the water transfer and storage processes. Particular highlights are done on the advantages of continuous gravity data (compared to repeated campaigns) and on the importance of local accurate meteorological data to limit misinterpretation of the gravity observations. The results are complementary with previous studies at the basin scale and show a clear potential for continuous gravity time-series assimilation in hydrological simulations, even on heterogeneous karstic systems.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-01526965
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526965
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526965/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526965/file/fores2016.pdf
DOI : 10.1093/gji/ggw396

Éditeur(s) : Institut de Ciències del Mar de Barcelona, CSIC
Résumé : Acoustic and core data have recently been collected on the shelf break and the upper part of the slope of the south Aquitaine continental margin. They reveal the major role played by mass-flow gravity processes in deposit erosion and redistribution, modelling of the sea-bed, and transfer of sediment toward the deep-sea. The study region is bounded in the south by the Capbreton canyon. The northern area, which shows a smooth morphology, is characterised by small-scale deformations due to sediment creep or low-amplitude slide processes. The deformations are associated with mini listric-like faults that bound packets of sediments in which the deposit geometry is typical of constructional sediment waves. These sediment waves result from the interaction of depositional and gravity deformation processes. In the southern area, closer to the canyon, wave-like structures are still present but mostly of smaller size. They only result from gravity deformation processes without any evidence of constructional processes. In the vicinity of the Capbreton canyon, the shelf break and upper slope have a much more uneven morphology with sedimentary reliefs, escarpments and depressions directed toward the canyon thalweg. The depressions look like slide scars, and could be the result of regressive slides initiated at the top of the canyon flank. The age of the sliding event responsible for the formation of the depression observed today could be middle to upper Quaternary. Since their formation, these depressions act as conduits that channel the transfer of shelf sediment into the canyon, as demonstrated by the occurrence of a meandering channel on the sea-floor of one depression.
Scientia Marina (0214-8358) (Institut de Ciències del Mar de Barcelona, CSIC), 2006-06 , Vol. 70 , N. 1 , P. 89-100

Droits : 2006 Institut de Ciències del Mar de Barcelona
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2006/publication-3960.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/3960/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer
Résumé : International audience
Thiswork examines the relevance of the inclusion of ground-based gravity data in the calibration process of a global rainfall-discharge reservoir model. The analysis is performed for the Durzon karst system (Larzac, France). The first part of the study focuses on the hydrological interpretation of the ground-based gravity measurements. The second part of the study investigates further the information content of the gravity data with respect to water storage dynamics modelling.The gravity-derived information is found unable to either reduce equifinality of the single-objective, dischargebased model calibration process or enhance model performance through assimilation.
ISSN: 1866-6280

hal-00812624
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00812624
DOI : 10.1007/s12665-012-1856-z

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The Betic-Rif orocline surrounding the Alboran Sea, the westernmost tip of the Mediterranean Sea, accommodates the NW–SE convergence between the Nubia and Eurasia plates. Recent GPS observations indicate a ∼4 mm/yr SW motion of the Rif Mountains, relative to stable Nubia, incompatible with a simple two-plate model. New gravity data acquired in this study define a pronounced negative Bouguer anomaly south of the Rif, interpreted as a ∼40 km-thick crust in a state of non-isostatic equilibrium. We study the correlation between these present-day kinematic and geodynamic processes using a finite-element code to model in 2-D the first-order behavior of a lithosphere affected by a downward normal traction (representing the pull of a high-density body in the upper mantle). We show that intermediate viscosities for the lower crust and uppermost mantle (View the MathML source1021–1022Pas) allow an efficient coupling between the mantle and the base of the brittle crust, thus enabling (1) the conversion of vertical movement, resulting from the downward traction, to horizontal movement and (2) shortening in the brittle upper crust. Our results show that incipient delamination of the Nubian continental lithosphere, linked to slab pull, can explain the present-day abnormal tectonics, contribute to the gravity anomaly observed in northern Morocco, and give insight into recent tectonics in the Western Mediterranean region.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-01467130
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01467130
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2016.08.041

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We present GravProcess, a set of MATLAB routines to process gravity data from complex campaign surveys and calculate the associated gravity field. Data reduction, analysis, and representation are done using the MATLAB Graphical User Interface Tool, which can be installed on most systems and platforms. Data processing is divided into several steps: (1) Integration of gravity data, station location, and gravity line connection input files; (2) Gravity data reduction applying solid-Earth tide and instrumental drift corrections and, depending on the required processing level, air pressure and oceanic tidal corrections; (3) Automatic network adjustment and alignment to absolute base stations; (4) Free air and terrain corrections to calculate gravity values and anomalies, and to estimate the associated errors. The final step is dedicated to post-processing and includes graphical representations of data and an output text file, which can be used by Geographic Information System software. An example of this processing chain applied to a recent survey in northern Morocco is given and compared with previous available results.
ISSN: 0098-3004

hal-01217120
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01217120
DOI : 10.1016/j.cageo.2015.04.005

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Guadeloupe Island (West French Indies) is one of the twenty islands that compose the Lesser Antilles Arc, which results from the subduction of the Atlantic Ocean plate beneath the Caribbean one. The island lies in a complex volcano-tectonic system and the need to understand its geological context has led to numerous on- and offshore geophysical investigations. This work presents the compilation and processing of available, on-land, airborne and marine, gravity and magnetic data acquired during the last 40 years on Guadeloupe Islands and at the scale of the Lesser Antilles Arc. The overall dataset provides new Bouguer and reduced to the pole magnetic anomaly maps at the highest achievable resolution. Regionally, the main central negative gravity trend of the arc allows defining two subsident areas. The first one is parallel to the arc direction (~N160°E) to the north, whereas the second unexpected southern one is oriented parallel to oceanic ridges (N130°E). Along the Outer Arc, the long wavelength positive anomaly is interpreted, at least along the Karukera Spur, as an up-rise of the volcanic basement in agreement with the seismic studies. To the NE of Guadeloupe, the detailed analysis of the geophysical anomalies outlines a series of structural discontinuities consistent with the main bathymetric morphologies, and in continuity of the main fault systems already reported in this area. Based on geophysical evidences, this large scale deformation and faulting of the Outer Arc presumably primarily affects the Atlantic subducting plate and secondarily deforms the upper Caribbean plate and the accretion prism. At the scale of Guadeloupe Island, joined gravity and magnetic modeling has been initiated based on existing interpretation of old seismic refraction profiles, with a general structure in three main layers. According to our geophysical anomalies, additional local structures are also modeled in agreement with geological observations: i) the gravity and magnetic signals confirm an up-rise of the volcanic basement below the limestone platforms outcropping on Grande-Terre Island ; ii) the ancient volcanic complexes of Basse-Terre Island are modeled with high density and reverse magnetized formations; iii) the recent volcanic centre is associated with formations consistent with the low measured density and the underlying hydrothermal system. The EW models coherently image a NNW-SSE depression structure in half-graben beneath Basse-Terre Island, its western scarp following the arc direction in agreement with bathymetric and seismic studies to the north of the island. The so-defined depressed area, and particularly its opening in half-graben toward the SW, is interpreted as the present-day front of deformation of the upper plate associated with the recent volcanic activity on and around Guadeloupe. Based on this regional deformation model, perspectives are given for further integrated investigation of key targets to address the internal structure and evolution of the Lesser Antilles Arc and Guadeloupe volcanic system.
Colloque 2012 du Comité National Français de Géodésie et Géophysique (CNFGG)
Clermont-Ferrand, France

hal-00742653
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00742653
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00742653/document
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00742653/file/CNFGG_Caraibes.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Société géologique de France
Résumé : International audience
Guadeloupe island (West French Indies) is one of the twenty islands that compose the Lesser Antilles arc, which results from the subduction of the Atlantic ocean plate beneath the Caribbean one. The island lies in a complex volcano-tectonic system and the need to understand its geological context has led to numerous on- and offshore geophysical investigations. This work presents a compilation and the processing of available, on-land, airborne and marine, gravity and magnetic data acquired during the last 40 years on Guadeloupe islands and at the scale of the Lesser Antilles arc. The overall dataset provides new Bouguer and reduced to the pole magnetic anomaly maps at the highest achievable resolution. Regionally, the main central negative gravity trend of the arc allows defining two subsident areas. The first one is parallel to the arc direction (~N160°E) to the north, whereas the second unexpected southern one is oriented parallel to oceanic ridges (N130°E). Along the Outer arc, the long wavelength positive anomaly is interpreted, at least along the Karukera spur, as an up-rise of the volcanic basement in agreement with the seismic studies. To the NE of Guadeloupe, the detailed analysis of the geophysical anomalies outlines a series of structural discontinuities consistent with the main bathymetric morphologies, and in continuity of the main fault systems already reported in this area. Based on geophysical evidences, this large scale deformation and faulting of the Outer arc presumably primarily affects the Atlantic subducting plate and secondarily deforms the upper Caribbean plate and the accretion prism, as evidenced in bathymetry as well as on the islands. At the scale of Guadeloupe island, combined gravity and magnetic modeling has been initiated based on existing interpretation of old seismic refraction profiles, with a general structure in three main layers. According to our geophysical anomalies, additional local structures are also modeled in agreement with geological observations: i) the gravity and magnetic signals confirm an up-rise of the volcanic basement below the limestone platforms outcropping on Grande-Terre island ; ii) the ancient volcanic complexes of Basse-Terre island are modeled with high density and reverse magnetized formations; iii) the recent volcanic centre is associated with formations consistent with the low measured density and the underlying hydrothermal system. The E-W models coherently image a NNW-SSE depression structure in half-graben beneath Basse-Terre island, its western scarp following the arc direction in agreement with bathymetric and seismic studies to the north of the island. The so-defined depressed area, and particularly its opening in half-graben toward the SW, is interpreted as the present-day front of deformation of the upper plate, associated with the recent volcanic activity on and around Guadeloupe. Based on this regional deformation model, perspectives are given for further integrated investigation of key targets to address the internal structure and evolution of the Lesser Antilles arc and Guadeloupe volcanic system.
EISSN: 1777-5817

hal-00853352
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00853352
DOI : 10.2113/gssgfbull.184.1-2.77

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : We report on a multidisciplinary study of cold seeps explored in the Central Nile deep-sea fan of the Egyptian margin. Our approach combines in situ seafloor observation, geophysics, sedimentological data, measurement of bottom-water methane anomalies, pore-water and sediment geochemistry, and Th-230/U dating of authigenic carbonates. Two areas were investigated, which correspond to different sedimentary provinces. The lower slope, at similar to 2100 m water depth, indicates deformation of sediments by gravitational processes, exhibiting slope-parallel elongated ridges and seafloor depressions. In contrast, the middle slope, at similar to 1650 m water depth, exhibits a series of debris-flow deposits not remobilized by post-depositional gravity processes. Significant differences exist between fluid-escape structures from the two studied areas. At the lower slope, methane anomalies were detected in bottom-waters above the depressions, whereas the adjacent ridges show a frequent coverage of fractured carbonate pavements associated with chemosynthetic vent communities. Carbonate U/Th age dates (similar to 8 kyr BP), pore-water sulphate and solid phase sediment data suggest that seepage activity at those carbonate ridges has decreased over the recent past. In contrast, large (similar to 1 km(2)) carbonate-paved areas were discovered in the middle slope, with U/Th isotope evidence for ongoing carbonate precipitation during the Late Holocene (since similar to 5 kyr BP at least). Our results suggest that fluid venting is closely related to sediment deformation in the Central Nile margin. It is proposed that slope instability leads to focused fluid flow in the lower slope and exposure of 'fossil' carbonate ridges, whereas pervasive diffuse flow prevails at the unfailed middle slope.
Marine Geology (0025-3227) (Elsevier), 2009-06 , Vol. 261 , N. 1-4 , P. 92-104

Droits : 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2009/publication-6586.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.margeo.2008.10.008
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/6586/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
The base of the Faro contouritic drift (IODP Site U1386) on the northern margin of the Gulf of Cádiz (Algarve margin) is characterized by two sequences of frequent gravity deposits with different ages and compositions. Among these gravity deposits, several relatively thick debrites (up to 12 m) have been observed and studied in detail.Sedimentological analyses have been performed and because of non-turbulent behavior of debris flows, detailed micropaleontological studies could be realized. Planktonic foraminifera thus allowed establishing a detailed biostratigraphy of these deposits. Benthic foraminifer and ostracod assemblages were used to evaluate the origin of the sediment composing these debris flows and estimate their run-out distance.These debrites are dated from Early Pliocene and early Pleistocene, and were deposited in a mesobathyal environment. They comprise silty mud clasts and matrixes with sand content up to 34%. The Early Pliocene debrites are bioclast-rich whereas the Early Pleistocene debrite is enriched in terrigenous particles. The data indicates that these debrites were triggered on the continental shelf and traveled less than 100 km, eroding the seafloor all along their path for the Early Pliocene debrites and only the first part of their path for the early Pleistocene debrite. Matrixes originate from failure areas whereas eroded sediments along the flow pathway are incorporated into the flow as clasts.High abundance of shelf fauna during the Early Pliocene and great supply of terrigenous particles from rivers during the early Pleistocene in the south-western Iberian margin have favored gravity flows from the continental shelf to the slope. The contouritic paleo-moat of the Faro drift has been a determining channeling feature for gravity flows along the Algarve margin during the early Pleistocene, testifying of the strong interaction between MOW circulation and down-slope processes. Tectonic and diapiric activities were significant during Early Pliocene and early Pleistocene on the Algarve margin and could have been triggering parameters of failures related to these debris flows.
ISSN: 0025-3227

hal-01356172
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01356172
DOI : 10.1016/j.margeo.2015.08.018

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Résumé : International audience
The basis of this study is a new bathymetric map of the northeast Atlantic compiled from previously published maps made from conventional echosounder data, plus all Sea Beam data acquired on board the R/V JEAN CHARCOT since 1977. As most of the Sea Beam data have been obtained on the continental margin from Porcupine Seabight to the south of the Iberian Peninsula, a precise picture of the continental slope is given. A statistical analysis of the canyons, based on 750 measurements, reveals that many of the canyons present sharp changes in their direction, indicating a structural control mainly linked to the late Hercynian trends, especially around the Iberian Peninsula. Nevertheless, the paths of canyons may merely reflect recent gravity processes, as in the Porcupine Seabight. Canyons locally follow the directions of listric and associated transecting faults (Permian to Triassic and upper Jurassic to lower Cretaceous), as on the Celtic
ISSN: 0278-7407

hal-01261558
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01261558
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01261558/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01261558/file/Lallemand1986-Tectonics.pdf
DOI : 10.1029/TC005i007p01125

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD IOP Publishing
Résumé : The Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Sevres, France, hosted the 7th International Comparison of Absolute Gravimeters (ICAG) and the associated Relative Gravity Campaign (RGC) from August to September 2005.;ICAG 2005 was prepared and performed as a metrological pilot study, which aimed:;(1) To determine the gravity comparison reference values;;(2) To determine the offsets of the absolute gravimeters; and;(3) As a pilot study to accumulate experience for the CIPM Key Comparisons.;This document presents a complete and extensive review of the technical protocol and data processing procedures. The 1st ICAG-RGC comparison was held at the BIPM in 1980-1981 and since then meetings have been organized every 4 years.;In this paper, we present an overview of how the meeting was organized, the conditions of BIPM gravimetric sites, technical specifications, data processing strategy and an analysis of the final results. This 7th ICAG final report supersedes all previously published reports.;Readings were obtained from participating instruments, 19 absolute gravimeters and 15 relative gravimeters. Precise levelling measurements were carried out and all measurements were performed on the BIPM micro-gravity network which was specifically designed for the comparison.
ISSN: 0026-1394

hal-00644529
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00644529
DOI : 10.1088/0026-1394/48/5/003

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Joint inversions are now commonly used in the earth sciences. They have been developed to better understand the structure of the earth, since they provide more constraints on the inverted parameters. We propose a new process to simultaneously invert several data sets in order to better image 3D crustal and upper mantle structures. Our inversion uses three kinds of data that present good complementarity: (1) P-wave receiver functions to provide Moho depth variations, (2) teleseismic delay times of P-waves to retrieve velocity anomalies in the crust and the upper mantle, and (3) gravity anomalies to image density variations at the lithospheric scale. We use a stochastic scheme, where receiver functions are first inverted. The interpolated resulting Moho depths are incorporated as a priori information into the joint inversion of teleseismic delay times and gravity anomalies process. Moreover, velocity and density can be linked by empirical relationships, which justifies the joint inversion of those parameters. In our stochastic approach, we perform a model space search for Moho variations, P-velocity, and density structure to find an acceptable fit to the three data sets. In order to preferentially sample the good data fit regions, we chose the neighborhood algorithm of Sambridge to optimistically survey the model space. We model the delay times with 3D raytracing using evenly spaced velocity-density nodes. We present here the first results given by this method on synthetic tests. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
ISSN: 0098-3004

hal-00643158
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00643158
DOI : 10.1016/j.cageo.2010.11.017

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier Science Bv
Résumé : The Danube River Basin–Black Sea area represents a unique natural laboratory for studying the interplay between lithosphere and surface as well as source to sink relationships and their impact on global change. This paper addresses some information on the “active sink” of the system; i.e. the Danube deep sea fan and the Black Sea basin. The present study focuses on the distal sedimentary processes and the evolution of sedimentation since the Last Glacial Maximum. This is investigated through recently acquired long piston coring and shallow seismic data recovered at the boundary of influence of the distal part of the Danube turbidite system (to the north-west) and the Turkish margin (to the south). This dataset provides a good record of the recent changes in the sedimentary supply and climato-eustasy in the Black Sea region during the last 25 ka. This study demonstrates that the deep basin deposits bear the record of the Late Quaternary paleoenvironmental changes and that the western Black Sea constitutes an asymmetric subsident basin bordered by a northern passive margin with confined, mid-size, mud-rich turbidite systems mainly controlled by sea-level, and a southern turbidite ramp margin, tectonically active. Highlights ► Oceanographic results from survey carried out in the western Black Sea are presented. ► The Danube fan distal part: the Black Sea main depositional feature is described. ► This study is on the morphology and gravity sedimentation in the Black Sea deep basin. ► Data were collected at the boundary between the Danube fan and the Turkish margin. ► The dataset provide a good record of sedimentary supply and climato-eustatic changes.
Global And Planetary Change (0921-8181) (Elsevier Science Bv), 2013-04 , Vol. 103 , P. 232-247

Droits : 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00095/20637/18272.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.gloplacha.2012.05.002
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00095/20637/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Joint inversions are now commonly used in Earth Sciences. They have been developed to better understand Earth structure since they provide more constraints on the inverted parameters. We propose a new process to simultaneously invert several data sets in order to better image 3-D crustal and upper mantle structures. Our inversion uses 3 kind of data which present a good complementarity : (1) P receiver functions to provide Moho depth variations, (2) teleseismic delay times of P waves to retrieve velocity anomalies in the crust and upper mantle, (3) gravity anomalies to image density variations at lithospheric scale. In our scheme, receiver functions are first inverted. The resulting Moho depths are then interpolated and incorporated as a priori information into the joint inversion of teleseismic delay times and gravity anomalies process. In our new approach, we perform a model space search for Moho variations, P-velocity and density structure to find acceptable fit to the three data sets. In order to preferentially sample the good data fit region, we chose the Neighborhood algorithm of Sambridge to optimistically survey the model space. We model the delay times with a 3-D raytracing using velocity nodes evenly spaced and linked with density nodes via a linear relationship. This relationship can evolve through depth, simulating its pressure dependance. We test our scheme on synthetic examples, and apply the method in a continental rifting region where deformation processes are complex and badly known. This joint inversion thus provides more constraints on the inverted parameters, and allows us to better image crust - mantle interactions in the case of the Hangai dome (Central Mongolia). Indeed, in this area, we expect an asthenospheric upwelling to dynamically support the topography, but we image a density - velocity anomaly in the lower crust. The effects on topography and the origin (composition vs. thermal) of this anomaly are still under debate.
Les inversions conjointes sont maintenant communément utilisées en Sciences de la Terre. Elles ont été développées afin d'améliorer notre connaissance et compréhension de la structure interne de la Terre puisqu'elles apportent de plus en plus de contraintes sur les paramètres inversés. Dans cette thèse, nous proposons un nouveau processus d'inversion conjointe qui prend en compte trois paramètres différents et qui mène à l'obtention d'un modèle lithosphérique tridimensionnel. Notre méthode utilise trois types de données gravimétriques et sismologiques qui présentent une bonne complémentarité : (1) Les fonctions récepteur P afin d'obtenir les variations de profondeur du Moho, (2) les délais de temps d'arrivées P des téléséismes pour retrouver les anomalies de vitesse dans la croûte et le manteau supérieur, (3) les anomalies gravimétriques qui donnent accès aux variations de densité à l'échelle lithosphérique. Dans le schéma d'inversion proposé, nous inversons d'abord les fonctions récepteur. Les variations de profondeur du Moho qui en résultent sont alors interpolées puis incorporées comme information a priori dans le processus d'inversion conjointe gravimétrie - tomographie télésismique. Que ce soit pour les fonctions récepteur ou pour la partie conjointe, notre méthode d'inversion se base sur un algorithme de recherche afin de trouver la structure qui minimise l'écart aux trois types de données. Nous avons opté pour l'algorithme de voisinage qui présente l'avantage de concentrer sa recherche dans les régions qui minimisent l'écart aux données sans toutefois abandonner les autres régions afin de limiter les risques de convergence vers un minimum local. Nous utilisons un modèle 3-D constitué de noeuds de vitesse afin de modéliser les délais de temps. Ces noeuds de vitesse sont liés aux noeuds de densité grâce à une relation linéaire entre vitesse et densité. Cette relation peut évoluer avec la profondeur de manière à simuler les effets dus aux variations de pression. Nous avons réalisé plusieurs tests synthétiques afin d'évaluer le comportement de notre nouvelle méthode. Ils ont permis de montrer que les variations du Moho ainsi que les anomalies de vitesse et densité sont bien retrouvées. Ils ont également montré l'importance de la prise en compte de ces trois types de données dans un même schéma d'inversion, notamment en ce qui concerne la faculté de discerner les variations d'interfaces des anomalies volumiques. Nous avons ensuite appliqué la méthode dans une région continentale en phase de rifting où les processus de déformation sont complexes et mal connus. Notre nouvelle méthode a apporté davantage de contraintes sur les paramètres inversés et a permis d'obtenir un modèle correctement résolu de la croûte et du manteau supérieur sous le dôme de Hangai (Mongolie Centrale). Une anomalie asthénosphérique sous le dôme est souvent invoquée pour expliquer sa topographie élevée mais c'est une anomalie (en vitesse et densité) crustale (croûte inférieure) qui s'exprime dans nos modèles. Ses effets sur la topographie et son origine (compositionnelle et/ou thermique) sont encore débattus et nécessiteraient des études plus poussées (paramétriques, VP =VS, ...).
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00783524

tel-00783524
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00783524
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00783524/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00783524/file/Basuyau2011.pdf

Éditeur(s) : American Geophysical Union
Résumé : The Fairway Ridge is a buried continental structure that separates the Fairway Basin from the New Caledonia Basin. The proposed Cretaceous age of the Fairway Basin has remained highly hypothetical to date. Deep offshore petroleum exploration wells revealed well-dated Mesozoic carbonaceous sedimentary rocks in the Taranaki Basin at the southern end of the Aotea Basin. In this paper we use geophysical data to confirm the continuity of the 2000 km long Fairway-Aotea Basin connecting New Caledonia to New Zealand and prove its early Late Cretaceous age. Analysis of seismic reflection profiles together with newly compiled gravity and magnetic maps reveals Late Cretaceous NE–SW trending lineaments projecting northeastward from major Tasman Sea fracture zones and the Bellona Trough, which demonstrate that the opening of the Fairway-Aotea Basin predates the opening of the Tasman Sea. This result combined with observations of the Mesozoic regional geology suggests that the Lord Howe, Fairway, and Norfolk ridges are part of a remnant late Early Cretaceous continental arc, which was fragmented into three pieces by the late Early to early Late Cretaceous. This event might be contemporaneous with a plate motion change between the Gondwana and Pacific plates and/or the arrival of the Hikurangi plateau in the subduction zone around 105 Ma, which caused the cessation of subduction along this plate boundary. We interpret either of those two events as being possible trigger events for the post–Early Cretaceous fragmentation of the eastern Gondwana margin in a slab retreat process.
Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems - G3 (1525-2027) (American Geophysical Union), 2009-12 , Vol. 10 , N. 12 , P. 1-24

Droits : 2009 American Geophysical Union
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2009/publication-7322.pdf
DOI:10.1029/2009GC002612
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/7322/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Gravitropism is a major process in vertical growth as it allows the positioning of plant in the gravity field and thus, for trees, it takes part in the light foraging strategies. Without any gravitropism, trees would adopt a weeping habit or fall on the ground due to the increasing with growth supported weight, especially at the advance regeneration stage (sapling stage) in the understorey, where tree are very slender and poorly stiff. Most of the gravitropic studies are made by physiologists in order to understand the process and thus are associated to complex laboratory methods (genetic engineering, anatomical studies, accurate 2D ou 3D measurements of form changes with time). In order to study the ecological relevance and the specific diversity of gravitropic performances in natural forests, we developed a framework that uses different kinds of datas. Synchronical analysis has been done i) at the population level in large sample of trees and ii) at the tree level from destructive measurement of the dissymmetry maturation strains known to be the main motor of the posture control reaction of trees. In both cases, biomechanical models allows to estimate some aspects of the dynamic gravitropic process. Diachronical analysis has been done in natural conditions on permanent plots, or in a more traditional way, by observing in greenhouse experiments the righting movements of plants artificially tilted. In the first case, the problem is the high variability of natural disturbances and the slowness of growth and movements in the dark understorey. The second choice allows a measurement of a capacity (i.e. the ability of the species to react in quite extreme conditions of verticality disturbance but good for growth light and nutrient conditions) that is more easy to analyse, but is maybe not so relevant for estimating the ecological strategy (some species could have developed a high efficience of gravitropic reaction in natural conditions by avoiding the mechanical disturbance or adapting the reaction to slow growth and changing environments in natural conditions). All approaches use the same basic biomechanical modelling, i) to analyse simultaneously the reaction and the disturbance (due to the weight increase) during growth, or ii) to combine different parameters (geometry, growth, weight, maturation strains) involved in shape changes and posture control. They give a classification of the species according to their gravitropic performances. Results on 15 species are discussed, with relation to shade-tolerance or avoidance.
6th Plant Biomechanics Conference
Cayenne, France

hal-00565956
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00565956