Mechanics Of Deformation of the Earth's Lithosphere

Objective

The deformation of lithospheric plates result in a wide variety of geodynamical processes such as mountain belts, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.
Since most lithospheric processes occur on a million-year timescale and involve rocks which have a nonlinear rheology, they are difficult to reproduce with laboratory experiments. Moreover, the geological record yields an incomplete picture of such processes and geophysical techniques mainly give a snapshot of how the Earth looks like today. As a result, most geological reconstructions remain interpretations that are not always mechanically consistent.
Here, we will employ computer models that are capable of simulating lithospheric deformation under geological conditions, while employing realistic laboratory-derived creep laws of rocks. We propose to:
1) Constrain the present-day rheology and structure of the lithosphere in active mountain belts (European Alps and the Himalaya) by combining forward models with inverse techniques constrained with available geophysical datasets.
2) Develop mechanically consistent reconstructions of mountain belts by using the best-fit rheologies from step 1 as an input for 3D models that are performed on geological timescales, and which are constrained with geological datasets.
3) Obtain insights into the physics of processes related to the deformation of (i) fold and thrust-belts and (ii) salt-related structures in sedimentary basins.
The project will significantly advance our understanding of dynamics of the lithosphere and deliver models that satisfy both geophysical and geological constraints.
Therefore, the outcome of the proposed work will provide a solid framework for understanding most geological processes that are related to the deformation of the lithosphere and crust.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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• natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geology seismology
• social sciences law

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

• FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

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• ERC-SG-PE10 - ERC Starting Grant - Earth system science

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

ERC-2010-StG_20091028
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

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ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant

Host institution

Beneficiaries (2)