Probing connections between deep earth and surface processes in a land-locked ocean basin transformed into a giant saline basin: the Mediterranean GOLD project

During the last decade, the interaction of deep processes in the lithosphere and mantle with surface processes (erosion, climate, sea-level, subsidence, glacio-isostatic readjustment) has been the subject of heated discussion. The use of a multidisciplinary approach linking geology, geophysics, geodesy, modelling, and geotechnology has led to the awareness of coupled deep and surface processes. Deep earth dynamics (topography, erosion, tectonics) are strongly connected to natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis; sedimentary mass transfers have important consequences on isostatic movements and on georesources, geothermal energy repartitions. The ability to read and understand the link between deep Earth dynamics and surface processes has therefore important societal impacts. Ground-truthing at carefully-selected sites of investigation is imperative to better understand these connections. Due to its youth (
The work in the Gulf of Lion and long-term drilling project, including offshore cruises, has been supported by CNRS, IFREMER, IFPEN, BRGM, EDROME, IUEM, the french alliance (Allenvi and Ancre), CNFH (Commission National de la Flotte Hauturi ere Française) and different national and international Programs: Actions Marges, MISTRALS-Termex, Labex Mer (ANR-10-LABX-19), CNRS-INSU SYSTER, CNRS-INSU INTERRVIE, ARTEMIS, MAGELLAN þ European Program, TOPO-EUROPE and ILP (International Lithosphere Program), TECLA CGL2011-26670, RCMNS, IODP-France, ECORD, JSPS, JAMSTEC and CDEX and IODP