Evolution of carbonate systems

This theme includes the study of the relationships between carbonate sedimentary systems and palaeoclimatic and geodynamic changes on a global scale, the reconstruction of architectures and palaeoenvironments on a platform scale, and an understanding of the evolution of reservoir rock properties since their deposition, taking into account diagenesis and karstogenesis.

It is based on a geological approach to these systems (sedimentology, stratigraphy, palaeontology, mineralogy), supported by physical measurements, geochemical analyses (including stable isotopes and radiochronology) and modelling.
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A flagship project is the "global carbonates" project, which aims to link the characteristics of carbonate systems ("carbonate factories") to local conditions (e.g. temperature, salinity, productivity) and to global changes in climate, ocean circulation and ecosystems (e.g. types of builder organisms). This synthesis work is based on an examination of existing databases and publications (thousands...).

The study of specific cases of less well known systems is being continued. In addition, the case of the Urgonian platform in Provence remains an important project for understanding the evolution of a model system from its deposition to its current state. Absolute dating of mineral phases (joint AMU-Total laboratory project for U/Pb dating by laser ablation) will make it possible to precisely link the diagenetic history with emersion and burial episodes and the geodynamic context.