The study of sediments present in sedimentary basins provides information on a complete sedimentary cycle, including sediment production, transit/recycling, and deposition. Characterizing the elements of this cycle makes it possible to define the driving parameters, including paleogeography, deformation, climate, surface morphology, deposition environments, and the space available for sedimentation. We are developing various methods to understand this cycle and thus better reconstruct surface evolution and define the primary controlling factors. Thus (1) erosion quantification is determined in source areas by low-temperature thermochronology (fission tracks on apatite) in geodynamic contexts of low deformation. (2) The nature of source areas and sedimentary tracing are reconstructed by studying heavy minerals (mineralogical characterization and U-Pb dating of detrital zircons). (3) The nature and diversity of minerals present in sediments at the time of deposition are fundamental to understanding subsequent diagenetic processes (special cases of clay minerals).

Permanent/Non-permanent list:

Jocelyn Barbarand, Benjamin Brigaud, Thomas Blaise, Thomas Munier