University Joseph Fourier
Grenoble, France
Description
The launch of two satellites, planned in 2013, ALOS-2 from JAXA and Sentinel from ESA, will allow to obtain large series of SAR data in ScanSAR mode, covering roughly N-S tracks of 400km width. It is here a unique opportunity to study intracontinental ground deformation. Until now, the very large majority of interferometric (InSAR) studies for sismo-tectonic applications were applied to the fault scale. Our team acquired in the last years a unique expertise in France to map by InSAR spatio-temporal variations of the deformation related to the seismic cycle in variable tectonic contexts (subduction and large continental fault). This approach could now be integrated in the study of lithospheric deformation at a larger scale, here over the tibetan plateau. Integration of GPS and InSAR constraints in kinematic block models of Tibet implies to include the effect of lateral variations of elastic coupling along the main faults, the fault velocity, their 3-D geometry and possible internal deformation within blocks. Studying the visco-elastic response of the lithosphere subjected to stress brings constraints to the lithosphere rheology. The latter controls fault interactions up to large distances and the relationship between observed surface interseismic deformation, long-term velocities and strain localization at depth. Up to now, only GPS data are available to tackle the open questions in the present-day Tibet deformation at large-scale. However, although very accurate, they cannot map continuously the deformation field. The debate thus continues between opposite end-member models of Tibet deformation, either localized and controlled mainly by large and deep lithospheric faults or driven by distributed ductile flow in the lower crust. The aim of this PhD is thus to tackle this problem by mapping at various scales the deformation rate in Tibet. We propose to exploit all archived and acquired ScanSAR (Envisat, Sentinel et ALOS-2) across Tibet, starting from its eastern margin. The student will start by exploiting the Scan-SAR archive of the Envisat satellite, then he will integrate the flux of data coming from Sentinel and ALOS-2, launched in 2013. The student will also develop a mechanical model of intracontinental deformation at the scale of Tibet. The student may spend six months in China for scientific exchanges and field work.
Requirements
Applications are welcomed from students holding a master degree (or equivalent) obtained in the past 2 years, with any relevant earth sciences, physics or signal processing backgrounds (geophysics, geology, teledetection, mechanics, image or signal processing, or geodesy). The student will have to develop programming skills in fortran or c or python, and will adapt to linux environment.
More information and applications
Conditions for recruitment are described on the "ecole doctorale" web site:
To apply, please send a motivation letter and a Curriculum Vitae, together with the names of two referees (recommendation letters preferred), at cecile.lasserre@ujf-grenoble.fr and at Marie-Pierre.Doin@ujf-grenoble.fr
Fellowship already granted by UJF, Sept2013 - Sept2016
Deadline for application: Mid-June 2013
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