Description of the thesis topic

Lithosphere-scale processes control the transfer of heat, fluids, and gases from the mantle to the crust, crustal deformation and the evolution of sedimentary basins through flexural isostasy in response. However, these large-scale processes are not fully integrated into the exploration of subsurface exploration workflows due to data resolution limitations and challenges in modeling. This knowledge gap limits our understanding of resource generation (natural hydrogen, geothermal energy, and minerals). The aim of the Post Doc project is to assess how the initial structure and thermal state of the continental lithosphere is influencing the stratigraphic and thermal evolution of foreland basins. The study area is the Aquitaine Basin, the retro-foreland of the Pyrenean Orogen whose sediment routing systems, stratigraphic architecture, and thermal history have been well constrained (geometries, paleo-geographies, wheeler diagrams, as well as, thermal, erosion and accumulation histories).
Using thermo-mechanical modelling coupled with surface process model the candidate will perform a set of numerical models of an orogen testing the impact of the inherited extensional deformation on (i) the sediment routing systems and associated sediment volumes transported from the range to the basin, (ii) the stratigraphic architecture of the retro-foreland from syn- to post-orogenic transition and (iii) the thermal evolution of the retro-foreland sedimentary basin and the spatial distribution of potential reservoirs.

Work Context

This PhD position is part of the PEPR « sous-sol, bien commun » project IDYLLE (Impact of Lithosphere Dynamics and Basin Evolution on the Exploration of Energy Resources and Geological Potential) which is organized in seven multidisciplinary tasks, involving 24 researchers and 7 postdocs, aimed at expanding our understanding of subsurface natural resources. Key questions addressed in the IDYLLE project are variations in heat flux, lithosphere density, and their impacts on vertical motions, stratigraphy, and H₂ production/storage. IDYLLE addresses these gaps by focusing on the Aquitaine Basin and surrounding regions through: 1) collecting data on heat, fluid, and mantle degassing fluxes, and modeling thermal evolution of the lithosphere (WP1); 2) analysis of thermal events, subsidence, as well as modelling and production of H₂ in high-temperature contexts (WP2); 3) development of 3D sedimentary basin models integrating these data, and restore sedimentary architectures as well as fluid migration pathways through time and model the resulting distributions of heat and H2 fluxes and reservoirs properties at basin scale.
The PhD candidate will be supervised by Delphine Rouby (Géosciences Environnement Toulouse) and Ritske Huismans (University of Bergen). The candidate will also collaborate with Eric Lasseur (BRGM) and Cécile Robin (Géosciences Rennes).
The PhD candidate 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.

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

This PhD position is part of the PEPR « sous-sol, bien commun » project IDYLLE (Impact of Lithosphere Dynamics and Basin Evolution on the Exploration of Energy Resources and Geological Potential) which is organized in seven multidisciplinary tasks, involving 24 researchers and 7 postdocs, aimed at expanding our understanding of subsurface natural resources. Key questions addressed in the IDYLLE project are variations in heat flux, lithosphere density, and their impacts on vertical motions, stratigraphy, and H₂ production/storage. IDYLLE addresses these gaps by focusing on the Aquitaine Basin and surrounding regions through: 1) collecting data on heat, fluid, and mantle degassing fluxes, and modeling thermal evolution of the lithosphere (WP1); 2) analysis of thermal events, subsidence, as well as modelling and production of H₂ in high-temperature contexts (WP2); 3) development of 3D sedimentary basin models integrating these data, and restore sedimentary architectures as well as fluid migration pathways through time and model the resulting distributions of heat and H2 fluxes and reservoirs properties at basin scale.
The PhD candidate will be supervised by Delphine Rouby (Géosciences Environnement Toulouse) and Ritske Huismans (University of Bergen). The candidate will also collaborate with Eric Lasseur (BRGM) and Cécile Robin (Géosciences Rennes).
The PhD candidate 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.

Extended professional trips in Norway.

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;
• The names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master's thesis ;
• CV;
• Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees.
• Relevant certificates/references;
• Approved documentation of proficiency in English (if required, cf. English language requirements for PhD admission)
• Your Master thesis;