Active tectonics and Quaternary uplift of Rhodes, Greece

The evolution of fault systems above the Hellenic subduction in the the Aegean/Anatolian microplate has resulted in widespread uplift of the Hellenic Forearc since 1-2 Ma, possibly , by the dynamic interaction of the plate boundaries. Rhodes is an island located at the easternmost portion of the fragmented Hellenic Forearc that grows above the subduction. Quaternary marine sedimentary basins and marine terraces evidence >500 m of uplift, but the exact timing and main sources behind this uplift – local and/or regional– are not clear. To distinguish between sources of uplift, it is essential to constrain the large-scale geometry of the uplifted features in relation to the active fault systems. We have developed high-resolution topography, 2 m resolution Digital Surface Models (DSMs), which are especially promising to analyse the marine terraces that are present along most of the present-day coastline.

The main aims of the internship are to : 1) produce a detailed map of marine terraces onshore, and active faults both on- and offshore, using the newly available high-resolution DSMs, and 2) perform a detailed geometrical analysis of the marine terraces to characterise the 3D deformation pattern. Integrating results with the regional tectonic framework and available terrace/stratigraphic ages should help to constrain the timing and primary sources of the uplift of Rhodes.

For longer internships (M2), additional possibilities may include the analysis of nearby offshore seismic sections, river morphological analysis, fault modelling and/or landscape evolution modelling. This will depend on the interest/skills of the intern and the progress of the internship.

The project is grounded within a long-standing collaboration of French and foreign scientists working on the tectonic evolution of the Anatolian-Aegean system. It provides an opportunity to gain valuable skills in tectonic and geomorphologic analysis while using both GIS software and MATLAB. Depending on timing and funds, visits to Barcelona CSI and/or IPGP may be a possibility. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.