Structures & Rheology

Discrete element modeling of fault rheology and flash heating effects during seismic events (Taboada and Renouf, 2023).
SEM image (scanning electron microscope) of a stylolite (stress-induced dissolution zone) affecting limestones north of Montpellier (Ballas et al., 2024).
Misorientation maps and associated pole figures obtained by EBSD in plagioclase from accreted oceanic gabbros (Allard et al., 2021).
Incipient subduction zone polarity as a function of the initial fault gouge structure (an oceanic transform fault) and the brittle-ductile transition in the mantle (D. Arcay).
Thermo-mechanical modeling of subduction zone dynamics (Garel et al., 2020).
Polygonal fault network detected from seismic data in the sediments of the Grenada Basin (Caribbean, Gay et al., 2021).
Fault affecting the carbonates of Pag Island (Bernier et al., 2025).
Fracture network mapping from satellite data in the sandstones of Niger (Jamet et al., 2024).
Cross-polarized light image of a thin section from a deformed gabbro (B. Ildefonse).
Analog modeling of fault network initiation and growth (Mayolle et al., 2023).

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The Structures and Rheology theme brings together all the tools, personnel, and research activities focused on Earth’s deformation structures—from thin-section scale to tectonic plates—including the understanding of their rheological behavior and their analog and numerical modeling.

The theme is organized around 3 main questions

Mechanisms and localization of deformation

Brittle-ductile transition and evolving rheology

Fault architecture and deformed structures

Tools

• Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility

• Rock Preparation Facility

• High-Pressure Laboratory

• Analog Modeling

• Imaging and Remote Sensing

• Fieldwork!

Our strong points

This theme relies on dedicated technical platforms (microscopy and microanalysis, high-pressure laboratory), cutting-edge tools, and multidisciplinary expertise, enabling us to address the wide range of temporal and spatial scales involved in geological structures and the understanding of their mechanisms.

Highlights

January 2026: Structures and Rheology Theme Day.
October 16, 2025: Seminar by Gabriel MEYER – “Strain and permeability partitioning at the brittle-to-ductile transition: implications for geothermal energy”.
June 18, 2025: Seminar by Manon AMIOT – “Fluid transfers in the deep continental crust: markers, sources, quantification, mechanisms, and implications”.
June 5, 2025: Seminar by Jérémy SOLNER – “Paleozoic tectono-thermal evolution of the Tarim–North China collision, based on high-grade metamorphic rock studies”.

Involved Persons

THEME ANIMATOR : Grégory Ballas & Alfredo Taboada

BAROU Fabrice, MINEAU Thomas, SAEZ LEIVA Felipe, RAYNAUD Suzanne, TOMMASI Andrea, ILDEFONSE Benoît, OLIOT Émilien, ASLANLI Ali, BOUDIER Françoise, PADRON NAVARTA José Alberto, BRUN Laurent, DASHTI Farzaneh, GUEYDAN Frédéric, SOLIVA Roger, VAN BROECK Etienne, PEYRET Michel, ROGER Françoise, THORAVAL Catherine, TIBERI Christel, VAUCHEZ Alain, ZELLER Lilou, CERPA Nestor, GAREL Fanny, PHLIPPON Mélody ,CADIO Cécilia, GOMEZ Quriaky, MAUDENS Olivier, VERGERON Xavier, GAUTIER Stéphanie, GIBERT Benoît, JAMET Maxime, GAY Aurélien, LOGGIA Didier, ARCAY Diane, CATTIN Rodolphe, DOMINGUEZ Stéphane, FERRY Matthieu, HEURET Arnaud, MALAVIEILLE Jacques, MAUGUIN Olivia, RITZ Jean-François, THILAC Romain.

Géosciences Montpellier
Université de Montpellier
Campus triolet cc060
Place eugène bataillon
34095 montpellier cedex05
FRANCE
Where to find us