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Abstract
We illustrate physical properties and deformation mechanisms of rocks, to determined flow laws from experiments and to compare the microstructures produced in lab with natural rocks. The fundamental techniques for the determination in laboratory of a few physical properties and of deformation will be tested on natural rock samples. The extrapolation to nature will be discussed.
Objective
The objective of this course is to introduce rock physics and rock deformation as a laboratory and interpretive tool. Rock Physics provides the understanding to connect geomechanical and geophysical data to the intrinsic properties of rocks, such as mineral composition and texture. Rock Physics is a key component in geo-resources exploration and exploitation, and in geo-hazard assessment. For rock deformation we will illustrate how to determined flow-laws of rocks from experiments and how to extrapolate to natural conditions. Since the time scale of laboratory experiments is several orders of magnitude faster than nature, we will compare the microstructure of natural rocks with that produced during the experiments to prove that the same mechanisms are operating. For this purpose, the fundamental techniques of experimental rock deformation will be both illustrated and tested on natural rock samples in the plastic deformation regime (high temperature) as well in the brittle regime ( room temerature). We will perform tests in the lab, to acquire the data, to correct for calibration and to process the data and finally to interpret the data. The course is at Master student level, but will be useful for PhDs students who want to begin to work in experimental deformation or who want to know the meaning and the limitation of laboratory flow-laws for geodynamic modelling
Content
The course will focus on research-based term project, lectures will alternate with laboratory demonstrations. We will illustrate how intrinsic properties of rocks (mineral composition, porosity, pore fluids, crystallographic orientation, microstructures) are connected to the following physical properties: - permeability; - thermal properties; - elastic properties for seismic interpretations; - anisotropy of the above physical properties. We will measure some of those parameters in laboratory and discuss real case studies and applications. Principles of deformation mechanisms, flow laws, and deformation mechanism maps will be presented in lectures. In laboratory we will show: - Experimental deformation rigs (gas, fluid and solid confining media); - Main part of the apparatus (mechanical, hydraulic, heating system, data logging); - Calibration of an apparatus (distortion of the rig; transducers calibration); - Various types of tests (axial deformation; diagonal cut and torsion; deformation; constant strain rate tests; creep tests; stepping tests); - Testing on natural rocks, such as marble( brittle failure at room temperature; plastic deformation and high temperature; data processing) We will then analyze experimental microstructure and compare with natural samples.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Every two years
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Experimental Rock Physics and Deformation
Does not take place this semester.
Lecture, practical exercises, research-based term project
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Restricted Choice Modules Geology (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed for the major Geology.)
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