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Active tectonics, seismicity and geomorphology with special reference to Normandy (France)
Author(s) -
Lagarde JeanLouis,
Baize Stéphane,
Amorese Daniel,
Delcaillau Bernard,
Font Marianne,
Volant Philippe
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of quaternary science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.142
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1099-1417
pISSN - 0267-8179
DOI - 10.1002/1099-1417(200010)15:7<745::aid-jqs534>3.0.co;2-6
Subject(s) - induced seismicity , geology , tectonics , geomorphology , seismology
Integrated studies based on tectonic, seismotectonic and geomorphological analyses indicate that Normandy (northwest France) has been an active area during the Quaternary. Topography and landform discontinuities reflect the dislocation and differential uplift of a late Cenozoic platform. The tectonic activity is represented by (i) active faults, indicated by linear scarps and seismic activity, (ii) offsetting of pre‐existing surfaces, (iii) Plio‐Pleistocene sedimentation restricted within narrow subsiding zones, and (iv) morphometric properties of drainage basins that indicate zones of differential uplift. The inferred strain pattern involves (i) a shortening direction that strikes NW–SE as expected in the European context of Alpine compression, and (ii) a NE–SW trending extension accommodated by NW–SE normal faults. The geomorphological systems encountered in Normandy preferentially record differential vertical displacements. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.