I visited La Nerthe Massif in multiple occasions after I graduated from my MSc (in 2011), all in the same aim, characterising the stress fields of Cretaceous limestones.
I recorded sedimentary logs and collected samples in two main locations, Boumandariel and Gueule d'Enfer. Boumandariel is located on the southern limb of the La Nerthe Anticline and Gueule d'Enfer on its northern limb. The main aim was to characterise the Cretaceous limestones in terms of sedimentology and diagenesis coupled with structural analysis to characterise the timing of fracturing events and the controls on fracture densities.
I also performed a full structural analysis in the field, driving and walking around the massif to measure any fractures and faults I found in order to determine the stress fields.
All text and images are copyright Dr Arnaud Gallois