DOMES · Exhumation mechanisms of deep crust and formation of metamorphic domes in orogens: a Synergy between naturalistic and numerical approaches
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2019-02-01 → 2021-07-31
- EU contribution
- €226,323
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-GF
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Results in brief
Exhumation mechanisms of deep crust and formation of metamorphic domes in orogens: a Synergybetween naturalistic and numerical approaches
• What is the problem/issue being addressed? The main issue addressed by this project is i) to understand the geology and exhumation history of metamorphic domes in order to give fundamental insights on the thermo- mechanical behavior of the deep crust and its relationship with the upper crust, and ii) decipher the behavior of this partially molten crust as it is fundamental to understand the concentration of incompatible elements in the accessible crust, including critical minerals, whose significance to our modern economies is growing. • Why is it important for society? As the world shifts away from fossil fuels, we will need to produce enormous numbers of wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles and batteries. Demand for the raw materials needed to build them will skyrocket. This includes common industrial metals such as steel and copper, but also less familiar minerals such as the lithium used in rechargeable batteries and the rare earth elements used in the powerful magnets required by wind turbines and electric cars. Production of many of these critical minerals has grow enormously over the past decade with no sign of slowing down. Understanding the thermal and mechanical behavior of the continental crust, the large-scale geodynamic processes that make the crust accessible and the mineral-scale processes that concentrate metals is essential to locate and explore for the key mineral resources that will fuel our emerging low-carbon societies. • What are the overall objectives? Objectives 1 and 2 of the project are dedicated to improving the knowledge of natural metamorphic domes in which the deep crust is brought to the Earth’s surface. We explore the geometries of metamorphic domes (for example the Entia dome in Centra Australia) as well as the pressure-temperature-time history of particles that prone to record the tectono-metamorphic evolution of domes. Objectives 3 and 4 of the project give fundamental insights on the thermo- mechanical behaviour of the deep crust through inversion of field data and thermo-mechanical 2D numerical modelling. The main conclusion of the numerical experiments performed highlights the role of metamorphic reactions (like granulitisation and partial melting) in controlling the long-term stability of crustal roots as well as the formation and preservation of high to ultra-high temperature terranes. In addition, the economic potential in Rare Earth Elements that may be located in these pegmatite-bearing terranes is reinforced as well.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
This study focuses on the genesis of metamorphic domes and gives fundamental insights on the thermo-mechanical behavior of the deep crust and its relationship with the upper crust. This understanding is essential in order to decipher transfers of mass and heat within the crust and related economic issues and seismic hazards. This project is original as it establishes a strong multidisciplinary synergy between field studies, quantitative petrochronology and numerical modelling. The candidate will spend the outgoing phase at the School of Geosciences in Sydney (Australia) and the return phase at Géosciences Montpellier (GM), University of Montpellier (UM, France). Dr Cenki-Tok is associate professor, well versed into naturalistic approaches. Benefiting from an intensive training in numerical modelling by A/Prof P. Rey at U Sydney will allow her to gather a unique combination of competences both naturalistic and numerical. Sydney is internationally recognised for geodata synthesis assimilating the wealth of geological and geophysical big data into a 4D Earth model. The return phase and knowledge transfer to GM will be supervised by Dr. D. Arcay. The complementary skills acquired during this GF will make her an ideal candidate for a Professorship in Europe. A special attention will be paid to disseminate our results to a large audience, using the various means well established at UM. A scientific workshop will be organised in the Montagne Noire dome (France) in order to bring together a multidisciplinary group of geoscientists. This highlight will significantly contribute to the international recognition of UM. Finally, UM has a long-standing experience in the management of European projects, funded research and training grants. The assistance of the academic, technical and administrative staff of the host institutions will assure a complete support of the applicant to successfully carry out her training and research.
Original text from CORDIS.
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Data: CORDIS, © European Union