Understanding the coupled evolution of orogens, sedimentary basins and their fluid-rock interactions

Abstract

Studying orogens-basins interaction requires a multi-scale approach that combines multi-methodological field studies with basin-wide observations and integration with the dynamics of the lithosphere, the evolution of sedimentary sequences, kinematics of neighbouring mountain chains and fluid-rock interaction processes. This special issue developed out of the Sedimentary Basins Workshop (Task Force VI) of the International Lithosphere Program that took place at IFP Energies Nouvelles, France, in November 2021. It comprises 14 contributions that focus on the interactions between deep and shallow tectonic and sedimentary dynamics with fluid-flow and fluid rock interaction processes. Findings are based on field observations and associated laboratory methodologies, together with numerical modelling, that allow analysis across varied temporal and spatial scales for some of the world's best available analogues. These analogues include the orogenic systems of the Pannonian - Carpathians - Alps - Dinarides, the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean region, the Precaspian Basin and the Tibetan Plateau amongst other areas. The associated multi-scale processes that are addressed are of major societal importance, in terms of geohazards (e.g., earthquakes), geo-resources (e.g., geothermal energy, groundwater) and environmental / climatic changes (e.g., dynamic topography). Investigation of these processes in such natural laboratories and through the various applied multi-disciplinary approaches improves our understanding of the dynamic evolution of sedimentary basins and guides the future sustainable exploitation of geo-resources in the context of climate change mitigation. Throughout this special issue, fluids and their interaction with host-rocks are highlighted because most of the future usages of the subsurface will involve injecting fluids and gases underground (e.g., geothermal energy, hydrogen, or CO2 storage), and the dynamics and impacts of these applications still need to be properly understood.