Deformation in the Earth's Continental Crust. Theory, Experiment and Modelling
June 17, 2002 — June 21, 2002
Coordinators:
- Yves Leroy (Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France)
- Florian Lehner (Universitaet Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria)
The objective of this course is to introduce participants to modern modeling approaches in the study of crustal deformation. To achieve this objective, the course focusses on a selection of topics of a fundamental kind, that is likely to remain of interest for years to come, both to academic and applied researchers. These topics are: (i) fluid-assisted rock deformation mechanisms; (ii) the mechanics of folded structures; (iii) strain localization behaviour and thegenesis of shear zones and faults including an introduction to seismic faulting.
The lectures to be delivered in this course are divided into four sessions. Session 1 serves as an introduction and will review necessary background in mechanics, rocks physics, and (numerical as well as physical analogue) modeling techniques. Session 2 is devoted to the role of fluid in the rheology of crustal rocks and their transport properties. Session 3 will address the solution of boundary problems and focus in particular on the link between rheology and structural response. Session 4 maintains the same focus in dealing with the particular topic of strain localization and faulting. A total of 33 lectures are planned. Between session 1 and 2, participants will be invited to present their current research interests and problems (10 min presentation plus 5 min of discussion for a maximum of 6 subjects). A final discussion will take place during the last day.
This course is prepared for researchers interested in the application of mechanics to problems in the Earth Sciences and in particular in the modeling of physical/mechanical processes in the continental crust. Participants could be graduate students in Earth Sciences or Engineering Departments as well as members of technical and research staff in the petroleum industry.