Stretching the Peloponnese : Unravelling the dynamics between active tectonic plate boundaries

Why this project matters : The Peloponnese peninsula, in Greece, is a natural laboratory to understand the dynamic interaction between the most seismically active tectonic plate boundaries in Europe. Earthquakes currently affecting millions of people reshape the Peloponnese peninsula in real time, raising marine rocks to form mountains while rapidly uplifting coastal landscapes as rivers carve deep gorges. You will use cutting-edge digital tools and state-of-the-art datasets to decode how the Peloponnesian crust is stretching and unravel what tectonic forces controls this deformation.

Scientific challenge : Something dramatic happened 2 million years ago in the Mediterranean. The stress field suddenly changed, creating extension systems that shouldn’t exist together according to classical tectonics theory. This paradox has puzzled scientists for decades. Recent advances in high-resolution satellite imagery and computational geomorphology now allow us to tackle this mystery with unprecedented detail. 

Research questions : Your M1 will focus on delivering a solid, geomorphic characterization of the Peloponnese peninsula to help answer some of the following questions. How do the main active normal fault systems organize relief and drainages in the Peloponnese ? What causes the different styles of deformation ? How do they interact ? And what are the main causes : Is it the African plate that dives beneath Europe ; the North Anatolian plate boundary ; Mantle dynamics ; All the above ?

Why this project matters to you : This M1 positions you at the intersection of classical geology, process-based geomorphology and digital Earth sciences. You’ll develop a unique skillset combining a physical understanding of tectonic processes, advanced computational skills and international research collaboration. This experience will open doors, whether in industry (natural hazards, GIS, remote sensing) or academia (PhD), allowing you to master, depending on your interest and skill-set, one or several of the following cutting-edge morphotectonic methods :

• High-resolution digital terrain analysis : Work with Pléiades tri-stereo DEMs (2m resolution) - technology used by space agencies.
• Quantitative geomorphology : Apply and understand algorithms for automated landscape analysis of digital relief, marine terraces and river networks.
• MATLAB programming : Use codes with practical applications for industry and research.
• Machine Learning applications : Explore AI-based fault detection and river profile analysis.
• Quantification & 3D visualization : Create immersive, real-world visualizations of active tectonics using relief mapping.

What we can provide :

• Technical skills explosion : From satellite image processing to scientific programming
• Publication potential : Join an international research team actively publishing in the subject matter
• Fieldwork opportunity : Possible field in Greece to validate or refine results (funding-dependent)
• Bridge to M2, PhD : Strong performers may choose to continue to M2 and even PhD projects

What we are looking for :

• Essential : Curiosity about Earth processes, basic GIS knowledge, motivation to learn
• Beneficial : Morphotectonic and structural geology background, programming experience
• We value : Critical thinking, creativity, and ability to work independently
  

  Recent team achievements related to this research :

Fernández-Blanco, D., de Gelder, G., Aiden-Lee Jackson, C., 2025. Is the Suez Rift in its post‐rift phase ? Geophys. Res. Lett. 52, e2025GL117313. 



de Gelder, G., Hedjazian, N., Husson, L., Bodin, T., Pastier, A. M., ... & Cahyarini, S. Y., 2025. Bayesian reconstruction of sea level and hydroclimates from coastal landform inversion : application to Santa Cruz (US) and Gulf of Corinth. Earth Surface Dynamics, 13(5), 941-958.

de Gelder, G., Husson, L., Pastier, A.-M., Fernández‐Blanco, D., Pico, T., Chauveau, D., Authemayou, C., Pedoja, K., 2022. High interstadial sea levels over the past 420ka from the Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea. Commun. Earth Environ. 3, 256. 



de Gelder, G., Fernández‐Blanco, D., Öğretmen, N., Liakopoulos, S., Papanastassiou, D., Faranda, C., Armijo, R., Lacassin, R., 2022. Quaternary E‐W extension uplifts Kythira Island and segments the Hellenic Arc. Tectonics 41, e2022TC007231. 



Gallen, S.F., Fernández‐Blanco, D., 2021. A new data‐driven Bayesian inversion of fluvial topography clarifies the tectonic history of the Corinth rift and reveals a channel steepness threshold. J. Geophys. Res. Earth Surf. doi:10.1029/2020jf005651