Presentation
The Strasbourg Institute of Earth and Environment (Institut terre et environnement de Strasbourg – ITES, UMR 7063) was launched on 1 January 2021, under the supervision of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (Centre national pour la recherche scientifique – CNRS), the University of Strasbourg and the National School for Water and Environmental Engineering of Strasbourg (École nationale du génie de l'eau et de l'environnement de Strasbourg – ENGEES). It has around 210 members: researchers and teacher-researchers, engineers and technicians, and doctoral and post-doctoral students. The ITES has established itself as a centre of expertise in the geosciences, at the heart of national and international research, and carries out research into fundamental challenges in the Earth sciences and the environmental issues at the forefront of current societal concerns. The laboratory boasts state-of-the-art scientific equipment and cutting-edge expertise in geophysics, hydrology, geochemistry, geodesy, petrology, sedimentology and mineralogy. This expertise is supported by integrated clusters and platforms within the Network of Scientific Core Facilities for Research and Service Delivery (Réseau des plateformes scientifiques de recherche et de service – CoRTecS), the CNRS and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale – Inserm), serving the public research community and the socio-economic world. This new joint research unit (UMR) is based on the four disciplinary pillars of study of the Earth and its surface environment: hydrology, geochemistry, geology and geophysics.
Research topics
Knowledge and understanding of complex interactions
This concerns the in-depth understanding of complex interactions both in continental ecosystems and in the depths of the Earth. We explore the physical, chemical and biological processes that influence the transfer of matter, as well as the impact of mechanical, thermal and chemical forces on hydrosystems. Phenomena such as tectonic deformation, erosion and climatic forces shape the critical zone. In parallel, our research focuses on the interactions between the solid inner Earth and continental surfaces and interfaces, examining couplings between rocks and fluids, mechanisms of continental margin formation, and the dynamics of mass redistribution.
Earth structure, from local to global scales
We use techniques such as global tomography to map large-scale density variations. At more local scales, we use geophysical and geological imaging to study the subsurface, aquifers and reservoirs. In addition, imaging through the study of seismic noise, whether natural or anthropogenic in origin, provides us with valuable information on the structure and composition of the Earth.
Knowledge and understanding of natural phenomena
This theme explores the physics and chemistry of magmatic and metamorphic processes, including melting, crystallisation and mineral phase transitions. We also examine erosional processes, orogenesis and tectonics, and sedimentary deposition in continental and marine environments, such as turbiditic, lacustrine and glacial systems. In addition, we study various aspects of hydrology, volcanism and seismicity to better understand the natural dynamics of our planet.
Earth in motion, from millions of years to seconds
Earth is a captivating field of study that explores dynamics at different scales of time and space. We examine the evolution and reactivation of rifted margins, as well as the formation of orogenic systems that shape Earth's landforms. Mantle exhumation, and its implications for fluids and heat transfer, is also at the heart of our research. We study the evolution of landforms, influenced by processes of erosion and destruction. We are also interested in the transfer of pollutants and the flow and storage of groundwater. The Earth's rotation, the seismic cycle, tides and the dynamics of ice masses are also objects of study that complete our understanding of the complex movements driving our planet.
Measurements, observations and experiments
We conduct experiments in controlled environments, while using natural sites to collect data concerning hydrology, geochemistry, seismology and ground deformation. We also use geophysical techniques such as gravimetry, magnetism, seismics, radar, proton magnetic resonance and electromagnetism to perform observations at different scales, from local to global. We have considerable experimental characterisation facilities for analysing the structures, chemical compositions and physical properties of the rocks and soils we study.
Numerical modelling
We develop software for data acquisition, processing and analysis, as well as models of flow, transport, ductile or brittle deformation and geophysical modelling. We are also exploring artificial intelligence to improve our predictions. Our models are backed up by field observations and experimental activities.
Societal issues
Our research focuses, amongst other things, on environmental issues such as water and soil quality, the impact of climate change on the critical zone (Earth's surface environment) and the biosphere (agricultural or urban micropollutants, their breakdown and monitoring, and water quality). They are also linked to energy transition, with the exploration of subsoil, including reservoirs and their use for low-carbon energies (geothermal energy, energy storage, and solid or dissolved mineral resources). They are associated with the assessment of natural hazards (earthquakes, avalanches, floods, volcanism, etc.) and their development (anthropogenic factors, linked to climate change).
Major events and works
- 2021-2028 : Institut thématique interdisciplinaire Géosciences pour la transition énergétique (ITI GeoT)
- 2021-2024 : Fédération de recherche en environnement et durabilité (Fered)
- 2021-2027 : Projet CPER RENETE (Recherche Environnementale d’excellence pour le chaNgEment global et la Transition Écologique)
- 2021 : lancement du programme OneWater (PEPR exploratoire du PIA4)
- 2023 : 13e colloque Geofcan (approche GEOphysique et structurale de l'organisation spatiale et du Fonctionnement des Couvertures pédologiques Anthropisées et Naturelles)
- 2023 : Journée Scientifique et Technique du CFMS (Comité Français de Mécanique des Sols et de Géotechnique), Congélation des sols
- 2021 : Journées d'études des Milieux Poreux (JEMP)
- 2021 : Advancing Critical Zone science, First OZCAR TERENO International Conference
- Depuis 2021 : Equipex+ du PIA3, Marmor (Marine Advanced geophysical Research equipment and Mayotte multidisciplinary Observatory for research and Response)
- Depuis 2021 : Equipex+ du PIA3 Imagine² (IMAGINg and analytical national platform for the Environmental and Energy transition)
- Depuis 2021 : Equipex+ du PIA3, Gaiadata/Data Terra EPOS-FR (anciennement RESIF) depuis 2023