Presentation

The scientific challenge of Block 3 is to understand  early, syn- and post orogenic tectonic and sedimentary processes.

Three major stages are investigated:

1. Pre-collisional convergence and the onset of orogenesis affecting former oceans  (i.e.  steady state subduction with arc and back arc dynamics), former passive margins and rifts,
2. Syn-collisional dynamics dealing with lithospheric subduction and thickening, the dynamics of foreland basins with specific emphasis on pro- Vs retro-wedge settings, the evolution of source areas and sedimentation patterns in foreland basins,
3. Late to post-collisional  dynamics and processes affecting erosion and sediment flux in orogens.

Methods

Block 3 uses a multi-disciplinary approach:

• Field approach,
• Subsurface data analysis and interpretation,
• Plate kinematic modelling,
• Low-temperature thermochronology (in-situ and detrital, both along outcrops and wells),
• Magneto and isotopic stratigraphy (to correlate marine and continental deposits),
• Numerical modelling.

Study cases

Most of the research of this block is focussing on the Alpine and Pyrenean orogens and their forelands.

View the results presented by Pr. Mary Ford.