PhD in geosciences (M/F) – Quantitative Geomorphology of Tectonics/Erosion interactions in a Stable Continental Domain: Application to Northwestern France

Active fault detection in stable continental regions remains challenging due to very low deformation rates and rare surface-rupturing earthquakes. Northwestern France, although considered as a low-to-moderate seismicity region, has experienced several significant historical and recent earthquakes, indicating the reactivation of inherited crustal structures.

This PhD project aims to quantify geomorphic signatures of tectonic activity using high-resolution topographic data (nationwide LiDAR coverage at 50 cm resolution). The candidate will perform quantitative morphometric analyses of landscapes and river networks near suspected active faults using GIS tools, Python-based workflows, and TopoToolbox.

The objective is to distinguish subtle tectonic signals from other landscape processes (erosion, sedimentation, sea-level change) and to compare geomorphic indicators with independent constraints, including instrumental seismicity, historical and archaeological earthquake records, long-term erosion rates, and regional deformation estimates.

Depending on the candidate’s interests, the project may include field investigations (e.g., paleoseismological trenching, sediment core analysis) and/or numerical modeling of tectonic–erosion–sedimentation interactions.

• Master’s degree in Earth Sciences (or equivalent)

• Strong background in geomorphology and/or tectonics

• Experience with GIS and quantitative topographic analysis

• Programming skills (Python preferred)

• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team