Description of the thesis topic

Stratigraphic architecture of sedimentary basin records Earth surface evolution, especially in high accommodation high sediment supply basin, such as rift systems. How climate modulates erosional processes (speed, timing, rate) and longer-term processes such as tectonic is key to understand and spatialize future landscape evolution. Significant advances, made in the 1990's in the understanding of the stratigraphic signature of crustal deformation and climate do not include the “state-of-the-art” understanding of lithosphere deformation gained in the last 20 years nor the implications of the coupling with surface processes (erosion/sedimentation). We aim to modernize our understanding of the stratigraphic architecture of continental rifts by including the contribution of lithosphere deformation, its coupling with surface processes, as well as the evolution of climate evolution controlling their efficiency.
To do this, the doctoral candidate will use the HR basin dataset of the Suez Rift of the IFPEN to map in 4D this continental surface undergoing rifting as well as the associated depositional environments and reliefs (i.e., paleo-geological mapping method, Year 1). the doctoral candidate will then perform a numerical parametric analysis of rift systems to establish the respective contribution of tectonics and climate on the stratigraphic architecture its associated basins (Year 2). the doctoral candidate will evaluate the geodynamic implications of the observed evolution of the Suez Rift and other well documented rift systems (Year 3). Finally, the impact of the climate will be isolated from the tectonics one to define its impact on the timing and amplitude of erosional processes (Year 3).
L'objectif de ce doctorat est de moderniser notre compréhension de l'architecture stratigraphique des rifts continentaux en incluant la contribution de la déformation de la lithosphère, son couplage avec les processus de surface, et l'évolution du climat qui contrôle leur efficacité. Pour ce faire, le.la doctorant.e utilisera la base de données de bassin à haute-résolution du Rift de Suez de l'IFPEN pour cartographier en 4D en cours de rifting la surface continentale, les paysages, les environnements de dépôt et les reliefs associés (i.e., méthode de cartographie paléo-géologique, Année 1). Le.la doctorant.e effectuera ensuite une analyse numérique paramétrique des systèmes de rift afin d'établir la contribution théorique respective de la tectonique et du climat sur l'architecture stratigraphique de ses bassins associés (Année 2). Le.la doctorant.e évaluera enfin les implications géodynamiques de l'évolution du Rift de Suez et d'autres systèmes de rifts bien documentés (Année 3). Enfin, le.la doctorant.e séparera l'impact du climat de celui de la tectonique afin de définir dans la chronologie et l'amplitude des processus érosifs (Année 3).

Work Context

This PhD is part of the MSCA DN INITIATE (CLIMATE-TECTONICS INTERACTIONS USING BIG DATA-INFORMED MODELS) whose aim is to study the interactions between tectonics and climate at different spatial (1 - 1000 km) and temporal (1 year -10 Ma) scales and how they control sediment distribution at the Earth's surface, landscape stability and associated geohazards, using numerical models informed by "big data". The aim is also to train, on a European scale, a generation of scientists capable of linking large data sets, machine learning and deterministic models in Earth Sciences. The integration of entrepreneurial skills into the curriculum will also prepare the 13 doctoral candidates recruited to set up their own companies at the end of the program. INITIATE brings together 5 academic beneficiaries: CNRS, the Universities of Bergen, Barcelona and Potsdam, and GFZ. It also includes 13 partners from the academic world (Université Paul Sabatier, IFPEN, University of Athens), the public sector (Institut of Cartography of Catalogna, Tremp-Montsec UNESCO Geopark, The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate), the energy industry (TotalEnergie, Repsol, AkerBP, Equinor, Vulcan) and satellite data (GAF AG, Delphi IMM).
The doctoral candidate will be supervised by Delphine Rouby (GET) and Sébastien Rohais (IFPEN, https://www.ifpenergiesnouvelles.fr/).
The doctoral student will report to the SDU2E "Sciences de l'Univers, de l'Environnement et de l'Espace" doctoral school (https://sdu2e.obs-mip.fr/). The PhD student will be assigned to GET (https://www.get.omp.eu/), a joint research unit of CNRS, IRD, Toulouse 3 University and CNES, a multi-disciplinary research laboratory in Earth and Environmental Sciences attached to the Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées (https://www.omp.eu/), which brings together laboratories working in the sciences of the universe, the planet and the environment in the Midi-Pyrénées.
This projects include 2 secondments of 3 months at the University of Bergen and 2 secondments of 1 months at the iFPEN

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

• Professional trips in Europe and a field trip in South America.
• Candidates will also need to have an entrepreneurial ambition, as the course includes the development of a service start-up in the fields of energy, storage, risk or water resources.
• Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the starting date of the contract
• The DCs will be trained in the development and use of scientific numerical models. Each project will be associated with at least one “type” of models, such as a thermo-mechanical model of the lithosphere, a landscape evolution model, a hydrological model of the sub-surface, etc. Key is that the DCs are not only familiar but are able to adapt or improve the models so that they can use this expertise in their future career. This objective combined with the data handling and understanding means that we should aim for DCs that are interested in this dual competency and are, at minima, well trained in either model use and development or quantitative approach to geological data handling. All DCs will be expected to join the network with basic programming skills.
• The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Additional Information

The candidate must have a training in general geology and geology of sedimentary basin in particular with some numerical modeling of geological processes (i.e, Master 2 in Earth Sciences or equivalent). The candidate must include a single pdf file including the following documents.
• A cover letter containing a brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position (use template on https://www.initiate-dn.eu/projects.html webpage).
• Mobility declaration, where you confirm that you satisfy the mobility requirements, cf. Mobility rule above (including documentation of country of residence last 3 years, e.g., work contract, rental contract, tax slips (use template on https://www.initiate-dn.eu/projects.htmlwebpage)
• The names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis (use template on https://www.initiate-dn.eu/projects.html webpage).
• CV (use template on https://www.initiate-dn.eu/projects.htmlwebpage).
• Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees. If you have not yet completed your master's degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming the expected date of award of your master's degree. Your master's degree must be documented with transcripts and/or diploma, alternatively a confirmation from your institution on completed degree and your grade, by the application deadline (15th August 2024).
• Relevant certificates/references.
• Approved documentation of proficiency in English
• Your Master's thesis.
• A list of any works of a scientific nature/publication list (do not include entire scientific paper/book chapters etc.).