A multidisciplinary study of a syntectonic pluton close to a major lithospheric-scale fault: relationships between the Montmarault granitic massif and the Sillon Houiller Fault in the Variscan French Massif Central. Part I: Geochronology, mineral fabrics and tectonic implications

International audienceDue to its location along one of the major faults, the Sillon Houiller Fault (SHF) of the French Massif Central (FMC), the Montmarault granitic pluton is well-suited to better understand the place of the late-orogenic magmatism in Variscan orogeny. Through a methodological approach, the close spatial association of the pluton with the lithospheric SHF is investigated in order to clarify the relationships between faulting and magmatic processes during the Late Carboniferous. Therefore, a multidisciplinary study has been carried out on the Montmarault massif. Combining geochronology, field and laboratory microstructural observations, Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) methods presented in Part I, and gravity and aeromagnetic modeling (Part II), as well as similar studies from other plutons in the FMC, allows us to draw the following conclusions: 1. The Montmarault pluton, dated by the chemical U-Th-Pb method on monazite at 321 ± 2 Ma, was emplaced in a NW-SE maximum stretching trend which is consistent with the regional extensional tectonic regime; 2. The Montmarault pluton is rooted in its eastern part along the SHF with a laccolite-like shape in its western part; 3. At ca 320 Ma, the “Proto-SHF” acted probably as a normal fault considered as the feeding channel for the magma emplacement, ; 4. Late Carboniferous NE-SW extensional tectonics reworked the Montmarault pluton in a brittle post-solidus stage

Characterization of geological boundaries using 1‐D wavelet transform on gravity data: Theory and application to the Himalayas

International audienceWe investigate the use of the continuous wavelet transform for gravity inversion. The wavelet transform operator has recently been introduced in the domain of potential fields both as a filtering and a source-analysis tool. Here we develop an inverse scheme in the wavelet domain , designed to recover the geometric characteristics of density heterogeneities described by simple-shaped sources. The 1-D analyzing wavelet we use associates the upward continuation operator and linear combinations of derivatives of any order. In the gravity case, we first demonstrate how to localize causative sources using simple geometric constructions. Both the upper part of the source and the whole source can be studied when considering low or high altitudes, respectively. The ho-mogeneity degree of the source is deduced without prior information and allows us to infer its shape. Introducing complex wavelets, we derive analytically the scaling behavior of the wavelet coefficients for the dyke and the step sources. The modulus term is used in an inversion procedure to recover the thickness of the source. The phase term provides its dip. This analysis is performed on gravity data we measured along a profile across the Himalayas in Nepal. Good agreement of our results with well-documented thrusting structures demonstrates the applicability of the method to real data. Also, deeper, less constrained structures are characterized

Les cellules dendritiques porcines comme modèle in vitro pour évaluer la réponse immunitaire des candidats vaccinaux chez Streptococcus suis

Streptococcus suis est une bactérie encapsulée causant des pertes économiques majeures dans l’industrie porcine en provoquant la méningite et la septicémie chez le porc. C’est aussi un important agent zoonotique. Depuis de nombreuses années de recherche sur des vaccins, aucun n’est efficace et commercialement disponible. En effet, les bactérines (bactéries entières inactivées) autogènes sont les plus couramment utilisées sur le terrain, mais demeurent avec des résultats controversés. Pourtant, S. suis exprime de nombreux composants immunogéniques pouvant être potentiellement utilisés pour des vaccins sous-unitaires. Cependant, tester la capacité immunogénique de ces nombreux candidats vaccinaux ainsi qu’évaluer le meilleur adjuvant pour la formulation d’un vaccin contre S. suis est un processus long et onéreux qui requiert l’utilisation d’un nombre élevé d’animaux. En effet, les essais vaccinaux contre S. suis débutent par un premier dépistage chez la souris pour ensuite être testés chez le porc. Il est donc nécessaire de développer des stratégies permettant d’avancer et de faciliter la recherche. Dans cette optique, un système in vitro a été développé utilisant des cellules dendritiques (DC) différenciées à partir des cellules souches de la moelle osseuse de fémur de porc. Ce modèle permettra l’analyse des candidats vaccinaux et de leur potentiel immunogénique ainsi que l’évaluation préliminaire des adjuvants. Ce système in vitro pourrait réduire le nombre d’animaux utilisés pour les essais précliniques en délivrant des connaissances immunologiques fondamentales sur les formulations de vaccins testés, dont ceux retenus mériteront une étude approfondie chez l’animal. Pour développer ce modèle in vitro, l’utilisation de plusieurs cultures de DCs, dérivées des cellules souches de la moelle osseuse de 10 porcelets différents, ont été utilisées afin de tenir compte du polymorphisme génétique de chacun. Différents composants antigéniques de S. suis, dont leurs pouvoirs immunogéniques ont déjà été évalués lors des essais vaccinaux, ont été choisis. Parmi eux, une protéine de surface de S. suis a été sélectionnée : l’énolase. In vivo, elle a été reconnue comme ayant une forte immunogénicité, cependant la protection conférée par cette protéine dépend de l’adjuvant utilisé dans la formulation vaccinale. La capsule polysaccharidique (CPS) de S. suis, l’antigène le plus exposé en surface de la bactérie et en première ligne de contact avec le système immunitaire, est le deuxième antigène à être sélectionné pour cette étude. Étant donné la faible immunogénicité de la CPS, reliée à sa nature polysaccharidique, un prototype glycoconjugué a été précédemment développé dans notre laboratoire et son effet protecteur a été validé chez le porc. Le glycoconjugué et ses dérivées ont aussi fait l’objet de cette présente étude. Finalement, la capacité des DCs à répondre à des bactérines a aussi été évaluée. Différentes catégories d’adjuvants ont été sélectionnées (Poly I:C, Quil A, Alhydrogel 2%, TiterMax Gold et Stimune) et leurs effets ont été comparés. L’activation des DCs a été évaluée par la production de cytokines de type 1 (IL-12 et TNF-α) et de type 2 (IL-6). Il a été observé que les adjuvants intensifiaient l’activation des DCs par une augmentation de production des cytokines par rapport aux antigènes seuls. De plus, il a été constaté que les DCs distinguaient un adjuvant de type 1 ou de type 2 par l’observation d’un profil cytokinique spécifique à chaque type de réponse suite à leur activation par les adjuvants combinés aux différents antigènes. Il a aussi été constaté que l’ampleur de la production de cytokines variait selon la nature de l’antigène présent avec les adjuvants. Enfin, il a été noté que les DCs répondaient différemment selon la nature chimique des antigènes. En conclusion, ce système in vitro a permis d’évaluer la capacité immunogénique de candidats vaccinaux, mais aussi de présélectionner les meilleurs adjuvants favorisant la réponse immunitaire désirée contre S. suis. À cette fin, ce modèle pourrait permettre la réduction du nombre d’animaux utilisés en test préclinique, en permettant une présélection des candidats vaccinaux à tester in vivo ou en fournissant des connaissances scientifiques additionnelles sur des choix des candidats cibles. Sur le long terme, ce modèle facilitera la découverte des vaccins sous-unitaires contre S. suis.Streptococcus suis, an encapsulated bacterium, is a major swine pathogen and an important zoonotic agent mainly causing septicemia and meningitis. Despite decades of vaccine research, no effective vaccine is currently commercially available. Indeed, autogenous bacterins (whole inactivated bacteria) are the most commonly used vaccines in the field; however, their protective capacity remains controversial. Nevertheless, S. suis expresses many immunogenic constituents that may have potential as sub-unit vaccines. However, testing the immunogenic potential of the many S. suis candidates and appropriate adjuvants is a long and costly process requiring the use of many animals. Indeed, studies of vaccines against S. suis start with a first screening in mice prior to evaluation in pigs. Therefore, it is necessary to develop strategies to advance and facilitate the research. Hence, an in vitro porcine bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (DC) culture was developed as a model for screening vaccine candidates, evaluation of their immunogenicity, and assessment of the best(s) adjuvant(s) to be used. This model could reduce the number of animals used in pre-clinical trials by providing fundamental immunological knowledge on selected vaccine formulations that would deserve further analysis in animal trials. To develop this model, porcine bone marrow-derived DC cultures from 10 different pigs were used to take into account the genetic polymorphism of individual animals. Different antigenic components of S. suis, the immunogenic properties of which have already been evaluated in vaccine trials, were selected. Among them, a surface protein of S. suis was selected: enolase. In vivo, this protein has been recognized as having high immunogenicity; however, the protection conferred by this protein depends on the adjuvant used in the vaccine formulation. The S. suis capsular polysaccharide (CPS), the most exposed antigen on the surface of the bacterium and the first line of contact with the immune system, is the second antigen selected for this study. Given the low immunogenicity of CPS, linked to its polysaccharide nature, a prototype glycoconjugate vaccine was previously developed in our laboratory and its protective effect validated in pigs. This glycoconjugate and its derivatives have also been the subject of this study. Finally, the ability of DCs to respond to bacterins was also evaluated. Different categories of adjuvants (Poly I:C, Quil A, Alhydrogel 2%, TiterMax Gold, and Stimune) were compared. The activation of DCs was evaluated by the production of type 1 (IL-12 and TNF-α) and type 2 (IL-6) cytokines. It was observed that adjuvants amplify DC activation as demonstrated by an increase of cytokine production when compared to the antigen alone. Moreover, DCs distinguish type 1 or 2 adjuvants in combination with different S. suis antigens, according to the cytokine profile observed. It has also been found that the extent of cytokine production varies depending on the nature of the antigen present with the adjuvants. Finally, it was observed that DCs respond differently depending on the chemical nature of the antigens. In conclusion, this in vitro model allows the evaluation of the immunogenic potential of vaccine candidates while also screening for adjuvants favoring the desired immune response against S. suis. Therefore, this model could permit a reduction in the number of animals used in pre-clinical trials by allowing a preselection of candidates to be tested in vivo or by providing additional scientific knowledge as a basis for the target choices. As a result, the list of candidates to be screened in the natural host in vivo would be reduced, facilitating the discovery of a subunit vaccine against S. suis

Regolith lithology mapping in sedimentary environment using airborne gamma-ray, morphology and borehole data

International audienceKnowledge of the regolith, i.e. surface geology, is increasingly demanded to serve societal needs. As a response to this demand, the reference information published worldwide in soil and regolith maps is the lithology. However, acquisition of this information in the field (and at the laboratory) is expensive and time consuming. Natural gamma-ray signals are influenced by lithological as well as physico-chemical properties of the first meter of the ground. In order to accelerate the mapping process, we investigate a predictive lithology mapping method at a regional to semi-local scale. In a siliciclastic-carbonated sedimentary environment, we combine airborne gamma-ray data with morphological information, as well as shallow lithology in boreholes. The proposed method allows 1/ " calibrating " airborne gamma-ray data in terms of dominant lithology, 2/ deriving geologically realistic cartographic polygons based on morphology and gamma-ray maps. The dominant lithology is attributed to each cartographic polygon resulting in a realistic predictive lithological map. A quick validation of this map is presented in comparison with an independent soil map and several other tests of the method in other parts of the Paris Basin, tend to accredit the robustness of the method

Pluton-dyke relationships in a Variscan granitic complex from AMS and gravity modelling. Inception of the extensional tectonics in the South Armorican Domain (France)

International audienceThe Carnac granitic Complex (South Armorican Domain, Western France) was emplaced during Late Carboniferous times in the deepest Variscan unit, roofed by two major extensional shear zones. Through the acquisition and interpretation of field data, Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility and gravity data, emphasized by petrological and structural observations, we address the emplacement model and possible magmatic processes involved between dyking to massive plutonism in a synkinematic context. Gravity modelling highlights an overall eastward thinning of the pluton, and several deep zones in the western part of the complex, interpreted as the pluton feeder zones. The internal granitic fabric, developed in a sub-solidus state, shows marked planar-linear anisotropy, consistent with a vertical shortening in the WNW-ESE regional stretching regime and eastward magma spreading. This study documents the occurrence of numerous NNE-SSW trending dykes within the eastern part of the pluton, suggesting that this granitic Complex formed by the coalescence of dykes oriented perpendicular to the regional stretching direction, and thus interpreted as large-scale "tension gashes". The synkinematic character of the Carnac Complex intrusion, recently dated at ca. 319 ± 6 Ma, thus times the inception of the late-orogenic extensional deformation experienced in the whole South Armorican Domain

Emplacement in an extensional setting of the Mont Lozère-Borne granitic complex (SE France) inferred from comprehensive AMS, structural and gravity studies.

The emplacement mode and setting of the Late Hercynian Mont Lozère–Borne granitic complex (French Massif Central), which consists of several plutons, is investigated. Structural and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) studies have been carried out to characterize the internal fabrics of the granitic plutons. Throughout the Pont-de-Montvert–Borne pluton, an E–W-trending magnetic lineation is well developed. In the host rock and the thermal aureole, a conspicuous E–W-trending lineation is interpreted as an evidence of a late-orogenic extensional event. To the east of the pluton, the AMS fabric is characterized by values of anisotropy degree (P′) around 4–5% with a prolate ellipsoid and subsolidus structures, whereas, to the west, the P′ parameter is weaker with an oblate ellipsoid and purely magmatic microstructures. A gravity investigation allows determination of the 3D shape of the pluton. The western part of the granitic complex is thicker than the eastern one and is interpreted as the feeder zone. This suggests an eastward spreading of the magma. The consistency between regional stretching and directions of AMS lineations in the pluton and the shape of the complex deduced from gravity strongly argues that the emplacement mode of the complex was influenced by the regional extensional tectonic setting during the collapse of the Hercynian belt

3-D Magnetotelluric Investigations for geothermal exploration in Martinique (Lesser Antilles). Characteristic Deep Resistivity Structures, and Shallow Resistivity Distribution Matching Heliborne TEM Results

Within the framework of a global French program oriented towards the development of renewable energies, Martinique Island (Lesser Antilles, France) has been extensively investigated (from 2012 to 2013) through an integrated multi-methods approach, with the aim to define precisely the potential geothermal ressources, previously highlighted (Sanjuan et al., 2003). Amongst the common investigation methods deployed, we carried out three magnetotelluric (MT) surveys located above three of the most promising geothermal fields of Martinique, namely the Anses d'Arlet, the Montagne Pel{\'e}e and the Pitons du Carbet prospects. A total of about 100 MT stations were acquired showing single or multi-dimensional behaviors and static shift effects. After processing data with remote reference, 3-D MT inversions of the four complex elements of MT impedance tensor without pre-static-shift correction, have been performed for each sector, providing three 3-D resistivity models down to about 12 to 30 km depth. The sea coast effect has been taken into account in the 3-D inversion through generation of a 3-D resistivity model including the bathymetry around Martinique from the coast up to a distance of 200 km. The forward response of the model is used to calculate coast effect coefficients that are applied to the calculated MT response during the 3-D inversion process for comparison with the observed data. 3-D resistivity models of each sector, which are inherited from different geological history, show 3-D resistivity distribution and specificities related to its volcanological history. In particular, the geothermal field related to the Montagne Pel{\'e}e strato-volcano, is characterized by a quasi ubiquitous conductive layer and quite monotonic typical resistivity distribution making interpretation difficult in terms of geothermal targets. At the opposite, the resistivity distribution of Anse d'Arlet area is radically different and geothermal target is thought to be connected to a not so deep resistive intrusion elongated along a main structural axis. Beside these interesting deep structures, we demonstrate, after analyzing the results of the recent heliborne TEM survey covering the whole Martinique, that surface resistivity distribution obtained from 3-D inversion reproduce faithfully the resistivity distribution observed by TEM. In spite of a very different sampling scale, this comparison illustrates the ability of 3-D MT inversion to take into account and reproduce static shift effects in the sub-surface resistivity distribution.Comment: Wordl Geothermal Congress 2015, Apr 2015, Melbourne, Australi

Singular value decomposition as a denoising tool for airborne time domain electromagnetic data

International audienceAirborne Time Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM) surveys are increasingly carried out in anthropized areas as part of environmental studies. In such areas, noise arises mainly from either natural sources, such as spherics, or cultural sources, such as couplings with man-made installations. This results in various distortions on the measured decays, which make the EM noise spectrum complex and may lead to erroneous inversion and subsequent misinterpretations. Thresholding and stacking standard techniques, commonly used to filter TDEM data, are less efficient in such environment, requiring a time-consuming and subjective manual editing. The aim of this study was therefore to propose an alternative fast and efficient user-assisted filtering approach. This was achieved using the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). The SVD method uses the principal component analysis to extract into components the dominant shapes from a series of raw input curves. EM decays can then be reconstructed with particular components only. To do so, we had to adapt and implement the SVD, firstly, to separate clearly and so identify easily the components containing the geological signal, and then to denoise properly TDEM data. The reconstructed decays were used to detect noisy gates on their corresponding measured decays. This denoising step allowed rejecting efficiently mainly spikes and oscillations. Then, we focused on couplings with man-made installations, which may result in artifacts on the inverted models. An analysis of the map of weights of the selected "noisy components" highlighted high correlations with man-made installations localized by the flight video. We had therefore a tool to cull most likely decays biased by capacitive coupling noises. Finally, rejection of decays affected by galvanic coupling noises was also possible locating them through the analysis of specific SVD components. This SVD procedure was applied on airborne TDEM data surveyed by SkyTEM Aps. over an anthropized area, on behalf of the French geological survey (BRGM), near Courtenay in Région Centre, France. The established denoising procedure provides accurate denoising tools and makes, at least, the manual cleaning less time consuming and less subjective

Crustal structure of Guadeloupe Islands and the Lesser Antilles Arc from a new gravity and magnetic synthesis

Guadeloupe Island (West French Indies) is one of the twenty islands that compose the Lesser Antilles Arc, which results from the subduction of the Atlantic Ocean plate beneath the Caribbean one. The island lies in a complex volcano-tectonic system and the need to understand its geological context has led to numerous on- and offshore geophysical investigations. This work presents the compilation and processing of available, on-land, airborne and marine, gravity and magnetic data acquired during the last 40 years on Guadeloupe Islands and at the scale of the Lesser Antilles Arc. The overall dataset provides new Bouguer and reduced to the pole magnetic anomaly maps at the highest achievable resolution. Regionally, the main central negative gravity trend of the arc allows defining two subsident areas. The first one is parallel to the arc direction (~N160°E) to the north, whereas the second unexpected southern one is oriented parallel to oceanic ridges (N130°E). Along the Outer Arc, the long wavelength positive anomaly is interpreted, at least along the Karukera Spur, as an up-rise of the volcanic basement in agreement with the seismic studies. To the NE of Guadeloupe, the detailed analysis of the geophysical anomalies outlines a series of structural discontinuities consistent with the main bathymetric morphologies, and in continuity of the main fault systems already reported in this area. Based on geophysical evidences, this large scale deformation and faulting of the Outer Arc presumably primarily affects the Atlantic subducting plate and secondarily deforms the upper Caribbean plate and the accretion prism. At the scale of Guadeloupe Island, joined gravity and magnetic modeling has been initiated based on existing interpretation of old seismic refraction profiles, with a general structure in three main layers. According to our geophysical anomalies, additional local structures are also modeled in agreement with geological observations: i) the gravity and magnetic signals confirm an up-rise of the volcanic basement below the limestone platforms outcropping on Grande-Terre Island ; ii) the ancient volcanic complexes of Basse-Terre Island are modeled with high density and reverse magnetized formations; iii) the recent volcanic centre is associated with formations consistent with the low measured density and the underlying hydrothermal system. The EW models coherently image a NNW-SSE depression structure in half-graben beneath Basse-Terre Island, its western scarp following the arc direction in agreement with bathymetric and seismic studies to the north of the island. The so-defined depressed area, and particularly its opening in half-graben toward the SW, is interpreted as the present-day front of deformation of the upper plate associated with the recent volcanic activity on and around Guadeloupe. Based on this regional deformation model, perspectives are given for further integrated investigation of key targets to address the internal structure and evolution of the Lesser Antilles Arc and Guadeloupe volcanic system

3-D magnetotelluric inversion with coast effect modeling to assess the geothermal potential of Anses d'Arlet (Martinique, Lesser Antilles)

2pWithin the framework of a global French program towards development of renewable energies, Martinique Island (Lesser Antilles, France) has been extensively investigated (from 2012 to 2013) through an integrated multi-disciplinary approach, with the aim to identify precisely the potential geothermal resources previously highlighted (Gadalia et al., 2014). Among the investigation methods deployed (geological, geochemical and hydrogeological), we carried out three magnetotelluric (MT) surve ys at three of the four most promising areas of Martinique, namely the Anses d'Arlet, the Montagne Pelée and the Pitons du Carbet prospects. A total of 32 MT tensors were collected in the Anses d'Arlet area in the frequency range 1000 Hz to 10-2-10-3Hz togetherwith TEM soundings for potential static shift correction. A 3-D MT inversion of the full tensor was carried out including the coast effect. The 3-D resistivity model reveals a major resistive body elongated in the NNO -SSE direction, corresponding to the main structural volcanic axis of the area, and interpreted as a deep intrusion almost reaching the surface. Based on geological observations -an alteration zone located between Anses d'Arlet and Petite Anse-the shallow conductive layer identified eastward is interpreted as the remaining of an old cap-rock partly eroded that becomes thicker southwards. The latter could be related with the altered core of the Morne Larcher. Other studies allowed the reconstructing of the geothermal system evolution to its present and moderate apparent activi ty mainly located south of the resistive anomaly. This intrusion could act as heat source for the geothermal system. This sector is identified as the most interesting for further exploration wells. In order to better understand structures highlighted by the real data distribution and test the strategy to integrate correction coefficients for the coast effect (modeled separately) during the inversion, we designed a forward model using the s ame bathymetry, topography and MT sounding distribution of the survey. Impedance tensors were calculated for the 32 sites. The geometry of the 3-D structure has been designed quasi-independently of the data distribution to assess the impact of un-appropriate acquisition grid. The 3-D inversion was run with these synthetic data (Hautot et al, 2000, 2007). The results indicate that the general structure is recovered for the first 1000 m. Deeper, and southward, the absence of MT soundings surrounding the resistive body prevented a good lateral constraint, causing its disappearance. To the north, the conductive body "pseudo caprock" is well defined, especially on layer 5 (Figure 2), were the apex of a supposed geothermal reservoir could be identified (sites 3 and 6). Deeper the eastern border remains very well constrained by the eastern MT synthetic soundings