A Bacia do Tucano Central, localizada no estado da Bahia, consiste em um meio-gráben alongado norte, cuja assimetria é gerada por uma falha de borda principal. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo a caracterização sedimentológica e estratigráfica detalhada dos depósitos deltaicos do Grupo Ilhas, acumulados durante a fase rifte. A partir de levantamentos de perfis colunares, elaboração de fotomosaicos e a análise de paleocorrentes, foram identificadas para o intervalo estudado doze litofácies, que podem ser agrupadas em quatro associações de fácies: prodelta, frente deltaica distal, frente deltaica proximal e planície deltaica. A partir do estudo do empilhamento estratigráfico dos afloramentos estudados, associados à análise de poços, foi possível determinar diferentes padrões de empilhamento. É possível dizer que a base do Grupo Ilhas apresenta padrão retrogradacional, indicando um trato de sistema tectônico de clímax de rifte. A porção superior, por sua vez, é caracterizada por um padrão progradacional, configurando o trato de sistemas tectônico de final de rifte. Através da interpretação do diagrama de paleocorrentes é possível identificar dois padrões distintos de alimentação fluvial dos deltas do Grupo Ilhas: um principal para S-SE, proveniente da borda axial, e outro secundário para E-SE, oriundo da borda flexural. A distribuição regional das paleocorrentes e o mapa de razão arenito/pelito sugerem um amplo meio-graben com depocentro a sul. / Depositional Model, Facies Architecture and Stratigraphic Evolution of the Deltaic Systems of Ilhas Group, Tucano Central Basin – BA. The Tucano Central Basin, located in the northeastern portion of the Bahia State, consists in an S-N elongated half-graben, which asymmetry is generated by a main border fault. The present work aims to a detailed sedimentological and stratigraphic characterization of the deltaic deposits of the Ilhas Group, accumulated during the rift phase. From sedimentary logs, preparation of photomosaics and paleocurrent analysis were identified twelve lithofacies, which can be grouped into four facies associations: pro-delta, distal deltaic front, proximal deltaic front and deltaic plain. Through the investigation of the stratigraphic succession of the studied outcrops associated with the analysis of wells, was possible to define distinctive stacking pattern. It is possible to consider that the base of the Ilhas Group presents a retrogradational pattern, indicating a rift climax tectonic system tract. The upper portion, on its turn, is characterized by a progradational pattern, configuring the rift ending tectonic system tract. By the interpretation of the paleocurrent diagram it’s possible to identify two distinct fluvial feeding patterns of the deltaic systems of the Ilhas Group: a main one with S-SE vector indication, which sediments are from axial border, and another one with E-SE vector indication, which sediments are from the flexural margin. The regional distribution of paleocurrent and the map of the sandstone/mudstone ration suggest a wide half graben basin with depocenter in the south part.

Dans le bassin d’avant-pays sud-pyrénéen, la continuité exceptionnelle des environnements de dépôts du complexe deltaïque éocène moyen du Sobrarbe permet d’observer l’architecture stratigraphique et sédimentaire d’un système fluvio-deltaïque syntectonique à différents échelles. L’objectif principal de cette étude est de déterminer l’origine des facteurs allogéniques et/ou autogéniques contrôlant la géométrie et la répartition des dépôts d’un tel système sédimentaire en contexte compressif, dans le but de pouvoir le comparer à d’autres systèmes deltaïques accumulés dans des contextes géologiques différents. Cette étude est basée sur l’acquisition d’une cartographie géologique détaillée et d’une soixantaine de logs sédimentologiques. La base de données est complétée par une actualisation de données chronostratigraphiques issues de la littérature, l’acquisition de données magnétostratigraphiques. L’analyse sédimentologique et stratigraphique du système sédimentaire aboutit à une description précise des géométries, des faciès et des processus physiques caractérisant les différents environnements de dépôt répartis au sein de deux modèles sédimentaires : un système fluvio-deltaïque de forte énergie développé pendant les phases progradantes, un système mixte gréso-carbonaté de basse énergie caractérisant les phases aggrado-progradantes et transgressives. L’analyse de trois transects de corrélation, d’orientation proximale-distale, a permis la distinction de trois ordres de séquence imbriqués : les séquences de cinquième ordre, les séquences de quatrième ordre et les séquences de troisième ordre. L’organisation complexe des différents cortèges de dépôts des séquences de quatrième et de troisième ordre reflète des variations d’accommodation provoquées principalement par les déformations structurales de différentes longueurs d’onde, secondairement par les variations eustatiques. Une analyse poussée des cortèges de dépôts permet une discussion sur les interrelations entre les trois paramètres majeurs qui contrôlent la dynamique du système sédimentaire dans le temps et dans l’espace: les variations du taux d’accommodation, du flux sédimentaire et l’influence des processus sédimentaires. Ces éléments fournissent des informations semi-quantitatives sur l’accumulation sédimentaire au sein des différents environnements de dépôt (source to sink). La synthèse des résultats aboutit à la reconstruction séquentielle de la paléogéographique du complexe deltaïque du Sobrarbe. Enfin; l’analyse de la subsidence du bassin d’Ainsa a permis de reconstituer l’évolution de la sédimentation et du bassin sédimentaire entre le Lutétien et l’Oligocène. Une étude intégrée affleurement-modélisation sismique synthétique-analogue réel de subsurface fournit une combinaison de données architecturales et dimensionnelles, qui est utilisée pour améliorer les interprétations sismiques des systèmes réservoirs fluvio-deltaïques. De telles études réduisent considérablement les incertitudes associées à la résolution des données de subsurface, ce qui permet une meilleure évaluation économique des réservoirs. / In the South-Pyrenean foreland basin, the exceptional continuity of middle Eocene Sobrarbe deltaic complex deposit environments allows to observe the stratigraphic and sedimentary architecture of a syntectonic river-dominated delta system at different scales. The main objective of this study is to determine the origin of allogenic and/or autogenic factors that control the distribution of deposits of such sedimentary system in a compressive setting, in order to compare it to other deltaic systems that accumulate in different geological contexts. This study is based on the acquisition of detailed geological mapping and about sixty measured sections. The database is complemented by updating chronostratigraphic data from the literature and additional magnetostratigraphic data. Sedimentological and stratigraphic analysis of the sedimentary system leads to an accurate description of geometry, facies and physical processes of different depositional environments distributed along two sedimentary models: a high energy river-delta system developed during progradational phases, a low energy mixed siliciclastic-carbonate system characterizing the aggrado-progradational and transgressive phases. Three dip sections analysis allows the identification of three nested order sequence: fifth-order sequences, fourth-order sequences and third-order sequences. The complex organization of fourth and third-order sequences systems tracts reflects accommodation variations caused mainly by structural deformation at different scales, secondary by eustatic changes. An advanced systems tract analysis leads a discussion of interrelationships between three main parameters that control the dynamics in time and space of sedimentary system: changes in the accommodation rate, sediment input and the influence of sedimentary processes. These elements provide semi-quantitative information regarding to the sediment accumulation within the different depositional environments (source to sink). Summary of results leads to the sequential reconstruction of the Sobrarbe deltaic complex paleogeography. Subsidence analysis of the Ainsa basin permits to reconstruct the sedimentation and sedimentary basin evolution from Lutetian to Oligocene times. An integrated study of outcrop-forward seismic modelling-real seismic analog provides an architectural and dimensional data combination used to improve seismic interpretation of river-deltaic reservoir systems. Such studies greatly reduce the uncertainties associated with the resolution of subsurface data, enabling better economic assessment of reservoirs. / En la cuenca de antepais surpirenaica, la continuidad extraordinaria de los ambientes de deposito del complejo deltaico eoceno medio del Sobrarbe permite la observacion de la arquitectura estratigrafica y sedimentaria de un sistema fluvio-deltaico sintectonico a diferentes escalas. El objetivo principal del estudio presentado es la determinacion del origen de los factores alogenicos y/o autogenicos que controlan la distribucion de los depositos de dicho sistema sedimentario en contexto compresivo, para poder compararlo con otros sistemas deltaicos acumulados en contextos geologicos diferentes. Este estudio se basa en la adquisicion de una cartografia geologica detallada y de una sesentena de columnas sedimentarias. La base de datos se completa mediante la actualizacion de los datos cronoestratigraficos originarios de la literatura y la adquisicion puntual de datos magnetoestratigraficos. El analisis sedimentologico y estratigrafico del sistema sedimentario ha dado lugar a una descripcion exacta de las geometrias, las facies, y de los procesos fisicos que caracterizan los diferentes ambientes de depositos dentro de dos modelos sedimentarios: un sistema fluvio-deltaico de alta energia desarrollado durante fases progradantes, un sistema mixto detritico-carbonatado caracterizando fases agrado-progradantes y transgresivas. El analisis de tres paneles de correlacion, de orientacion proximal-distal, ha permitido la distincion de tres ordenes de secuencialidad: secuencias de quinto orden, de cuarto orden y de tercer orden. La organizacion compleja de diferentes cortejos de deposito de secuencias de cuarto y tercer orden refleja variaciones de acomodacion provocadas principalmente por la deformacion estructural a diferentes escalas y por variaciones eustaticas. Un analisis detallado de los cortejos sedimentarios permite una discusion sobre interrelaciones entre los tres parametros mayores que controlan la dinamica del sistema sedimentario en el espacio y en el tiempo: las variaciones de la tasa de acomodacion, del flujo sedimentario y la influencia de procesos sedimentarios. Dichos elementos proporcionan informacion semicuantitativa sobre la acumulacion sedimentaria en los ambientes de deposito (source to sink). La sintesis de los resultados llega a la reconstruccion de la paleogeografia del complejo deltaico del Sobrarbe. Finalmente, el analisis de la subsidencia de la cuenca de Ainsa ha permitido de reconstruir la evolucion de la sedimentacion y de la cuenca sedimentaria entre el Luteciense y el Oligoceno. Un estudio integrado afloramiento-modelizacion sismica sintetica-analogo real de subsuelo proporciona una combinacion de datos arquitecturales y dimensionales util para mejorar interpretaciones sismicas de sistemas reservorios fluvio-deltaicos. Dichos estudios reducen de manera considerable incertidumbres asociadas a la resolucion de los datos de subsuelo, lo que permite una mejor evaluacion economica de los reservorios.

Four modern shoals on the Louisiana continental shelf are proposed to have formed through transgression, marine reworking, and submergence of Mississippi River deltaic lobes. However, one of these shoals, the St. Bernard Shoals, is dissimilar to the other shoals in morphology and stratigraphy. Understanding the processes that lead to these differences resulted in the development of a wholly new model for subaqueous shoal evolution. The results of this study suggest that the St. Bernard Shoals are transgressive remnants of a near shelf-edge delta lobe that was transgressed and truncated by marine processes after fluvial abandonment. Subsequent to truncation, the shoals formed through subaqueous excavation and reworking of coarse grained sediment contained within underlying distributary channels by hurricane related marine currents. As a result the shoals are bound at their base by a ravinement surface and lie directly upon progradational facies associated with previously unrecognized southern progradation of the La Loutre distributary network.

This study aims to establish a depositional framework for an area of the Louisiana shelf, north-central Gulf of Mexico. The depositional history of the study area is poorly understood, especially within the last cycle of major eustatic fluctuation (~18, 000 yrs BP – present). Data sets used in this study include pre-existing and previously unanalyzed two-dimensional, highresolution seismic profile records (Acadiana 86 and Acadiana 89), geotechnical foundation boring data (Coleman and Roberts, 1988a), and an industry lease block survey report (Cole, 1983). Seismic sequence stratigraphic methods are employed in this study to analyze seismic profile data. Seismic sequence analysis results indicate the presence of five unconformable surfaces and five seismic facies units. Through correlation of seismic profile data with lithologic and chronologic data, it is possible to conclude that these seismic facies units represent shelf-margin deltaic deposition during the last lowstand of sea level (~18, 000 yrs BP), sourced by the Pearl River. .

Every thousand years or so, when the Mississippi River's sediment load lengthened and blocked the River’s route to the Gulf of Mexico, the mother stream changed course completely, finding a shorter route to the sea. Then, it built a new delta, thus spreading the gift of land creation along a wide coastline and creating the bayou region of Louisiana. However, this ancient, natural process was gradually halted by the arrival of man who settled across the River's natural floodplain (delta) and constructed levees and other structures to control the great Mississippi River. Since the 1930s, the Mississippi River Delta Basin and the coast of Louisiana have been literally losing ground. The decline of this environment is now affecting, and will continue to affect, our nation's economy, infrastructure, culture, and safety. Moreover, efforts to fix this problem are not working. My research and this thesis will address the issue of how plans without action have appeased Louisianans while the nation looses vital wetlands daily.

L’anticipation et l’adaptation de nos sociétés aux bouleversements résultants du changement climatique sont aujourd’hui des questions majeures guidant les activités humaines et l’action publique. Néanmoins, la prévision reste un défi essentiel en raison des fortes incertitudes existantes et il est primordial de continuer à progresser dans la compréhension des mécanismes à l’origine de ces bouleversements. Au sein du cycle hydrologique, le réservoir de surface (incluant les lacs, les rivières et les plaines d’inondation) occupe une place importante car il est l’une des principales ressources en eau des écosystèmes et des populations. Or, la dynamique des stocks d’eau de surface est toujours mal connue aux échelles régionale et globale, du fait de l’absence de mesures pluriannuelles d’extension et de hauteur d’eau des zones inondées, et de la prise en compte limitée de ces variables dans les modèles hydrologiques et hydrodynamiques. La télédétection spatiale offre désormais la possibilité d’effectuer un suivi des stocks d’eau de surface en utilisant la complémentarité entre l’imagerie multi-spectrale, permettant de cartographier les étendues inondées, et l’altimétrie radar fournissant des séries temporelles de hauteur d’eau des hydro-systèmes continentaux. L’objectif de ma thèse est de tirer le meilleur parti de la complémentarité entre les différents types d’observations spatiales pour évaluer les ressources en eau du réservoir de surface et mesurer la dynamique des transferts d’eau des continents aux océans, et son impact sur la zone côtière en utilisant les concentrations de matières en suspension comme traceur des masses d’eau. Depuis le milieu des années 1990, la multiplication des missions multi-spectrales à moyenne résolution (< 1 km de résolution spatiale) et des altimètres radars à haute précision (comprise entre 10 et 30 cm) permet de réaliser un suivi hebdomadaire à mensuel des volumes d’eau de surface dans les grands bassins fluviaux. / The anticipation and adaptation of our societies to the upheavals resulting from climate change are today major issues guiding human activities and public action. Nevertheless, the forecast remains a key challenge because of the strong uncertainties that exist and it is essential to continue to progress in understanding the mechanisms behind these upheavals. Within the hydrological cycle, the surface reservoir (including lakes, rivers and floodplains) occupies an important place as it is one of the main water resources of ecosystems and populations. However, the dynamics of surface water stocks are still poorly known at the regional and global scales, due to the absence of multi-year measures of extension and water depth of the flooded areas, and the limited consideration of these variables in hydrological and hydrodynamic models. Satellite remote sensing now offers the possibility of monitoring surface water stocks by using the complementarity between multispectral imagery, allowing to map flooded areas, and the radar altimetry providing time series of water depths of continental hydro systems. The aim of my thesis is to make the most of the complementarity between the different types of spatial observations to evaluate the water resources of the surface reservoir and to measure the dynamics of water transfers between land and ocean, and its impact on the coastal zone using suspended particulate matter as tracer of water bodies. Since the mid-1990s, the multiplication of multispectral missions with medium resolution (<1 km of spatial resolution) and high-precision radar altimeters (between 10 and 30 cm) makes it possible to carry out weekly-to-monthly monitoring of volumes surface water in large river basins.

Les deltas fluviaux sont des écosystèmes riches et vulnérables. Les apports de sédiments fluviaux assurent leur développement face à la subsidence et l’érosion induite par les agents marins. Les deltas sont principalement exposés à des crues et des submersions marines. Pourtant, ils restent des lieux stratégiques de peuplement, de production économique et d’enjeux géopolitiques, les rendant d’autant plus vulnérables et exposés aux risques. Cette thèse a pour objectif de cerner le fonctionnement passé et actuel de ces systèmes à partir de l’analyse de soixante deltas et d’une approche holistique systémique, à l’aide de données spatiales, environnementales et sociétales. Après l’étude de l’évolution côtière récente montrant une tendance à la diminution de la progradation de nombreux deltas, une classification conceptuelle et qualitative de la morphologie des deltas axée sur les influences fluviomarines a été conduite. La mise à jour de cette classification et la proposition de nouvelles approches, en termes de morphologie, de dynamique et de vulnérabilité, ont nécessité une revue des acquis antérieurs, une quantification de l’influence du fleuve, de la houle et de la marée, et une approche quantitative qui a mis en évidence la complexité des interactions. Le travail débouche sur une nouvelle classification quantitative et objective. La thèse compare aussi les réponses deltaïques à des perturbations exceptionnelles, montrant les limites de la résilience deltaïque. Elle renseigne sur l'impact anthropique sur ces espaces fragiles fortement dépendants de l’apport sédimentaire. Cet équilibre est d’autant plus fragilisé aujourd’hui par les impacts du changement climatique. / River deltas are rich and fragile ecosystems. Deltas depend on fluvial sediment supply to balance natural subsidence and erosion caused by waves and currents. Deltas are mainly affected by river flooding, marine submersion. However, deltas are strategic sites of human settlement, economic hotspots, and geopolitical issues. This attraction increases the pressure, rendering these deltas more and more exposed to risks and vulnerable.The main objective of this thesis is to analyze the past and present functional dynamics of delta shorelines based on 60 of the world’s deltas and a holistic and systemic approach with spatial, environmental, and societal data. After the study of recent coastal evolution showing a tendency to decreasing progradation of many deltas, a conceptual and qualitative classification of deltaic morphology based on fluviomarine influences was conducted. Updating of this classification and the proposal of new approaches, in terms of morphology, dynamics, and vulnerability, have necessitated revisiting these older schemes, and the adoption of a methodological and interpretative approach aimed at quantification of the weight of each of these three parameters showing the complexity of the interactions. The thesis proposes a new quantitative and objective classificatory framework, including the human dimension. Finally, the thesis highlights the responses of deltaic shorelines to exceptional perturbations, and highlights the limits of resilience. The thesis advises over the impact of humans on these fragile coastal environments, the equilibrium of which strongly depends on sediment supply. This fragility is further exacerbated by the impacts of climate change.

The Aptian-Santonian(?) Bisbee Group in the Whetstone Mountains comprises 2375 m of clastic sedimentary rocks and limestones. The basal Glance Conglomerate unconformably overlies the Pennsylvanian-Permian Naco Group. It consists of limestone conglomerates which were deposited in proximal alluvial fan environments. The superadjacent Willow Canyon Formation contains finer grained rocks which were deposited in the distal portions of alluvial fans. The lacustrine limestones in the Apache Canyon Formation interfinger with and overlie these alluvial fan facies. The overlying Shellenberger Canyon Formation is composed mostly of terrigenous rocks derived from westerly terranes. This formation contains thick sequences of fluvio-deltaic facies as well as a thin interval of estuarine deposits which mark a northwestern extension of the marine transgression in the Bisbee -Chihuahua Embayment. The youngest formation (Upper Cretaceous?) in the Bisbee Group, the Turney Ranch Formation, consists of interbedded sandstones and marls which were deposited by fluvial and marine(?) processes.