Academic catalogue

Degrees incorporating this pedagocial element :

• Master in Earth, planetary and environmental sciences

Description

The objective of this course module is to familiarise the students with current notions on the structure and mechanical behaviour of the lithosphere, linked to its thermal structure and rheology. The courses also addresses the dynamics of plate motion, as well as orogenic dynamics, numerical modelling of lithosphere deformation et its coupling with mantle dynamics on the one hand and surface processes on the other.

The module is taught for both M1 and M2 students, in English, and opens in even-numbered years (2018, 2020...)

Subjects covered:

Thermal Structure of the Lithosphere

Thermochronology – measuring cooling and exhumation

Rheology of the Lithosphere

Lithospheric flexure

Orogenic Wedges

Thermomechanical models of Lithosphere deformation

Kinematics and Dynamics of Plate motion

Mantle convection and Dynamic topography

Deep structure of orogenic belts

Continental collision processes

Recommended prerequisite

Geomechanics and Physics and Chemistry of the Earth courses

Bibliography

C.M.R. Fowler, The Solid Earth - An Introduction to Global Geophysics (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press (https://www.cambridge.org/sj/titles/solid-earth-introduction-global-geophysics-2nd-edition).

D. Turcotte, G. Schubert, Geodynamics (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press (https://www.cambridge.org/sj/academic/subjects/earth-and-environmental-science/structural-geology-tectonics-and-geodynamics/geodynamics-3rd-edition?format=PB&isbn=9780521186230)