I am Postdoc at UiB since 2013 in the Geodynamics and Basin studies group of the Department of Earth Science.

My research investigates links between seismicity and thermo-mechanical evolution of tectonic plate boundaries using geodynamics modelling.​ I specifically study the interactions between tectonic, surface processes (erosion and sedimentation) and mantle processes during rifted passive margin formation from continental rifting to steady-state mid-ocean spreading center and the dynamics of convergent margins. My current research at UiB is based on highly paralell 2-D and 3-D coupled geodynamic-surface processes finite-element numerical modelling at lithospheric scale.

The aim of my current research is to understand long-term geodynamic processes responsible for continental rifted margin formation and their feedbacks with surface processes (erosion, sedimentation).
In the framework of the COLORS project (Funded by TOTAL) I use data and observations from the North, Equatorial and South Atlantic to calibrate thermo-mechanical processes during rifting. I investigate crustal tectonic, sedimentary, heat transfer and upper-mantle processes during rift evolution to understand rheological and thermal controls on extensional rift and passive margin geometry and to understand feedbacks with surface processes.

I also work in seismology (absolute earthquake location, seismic tomography, focal mechanisms) on previous projects to understand the geodynamics of the transition from subduction to collision at the southernmost part of the Ryukyu subduction (PhD work) and the geodynamics of the Pyrenean mountain range SW of France (1st Postdoc).

2024

• Theunissen, Thomas Louis Roger Dominique; Huismans, Ritske Sipke; Rouby, D. et al. (2024). 2-D Geodynamic Modeling of the Central South Atlantic Wide Rifted Margins, Implications for Evaporite Deposition. (external link)

2022

• Pichel, Leonardo Muniz; Huismans, Ritske Sipke; Gawthorpe, Rob et al. (2022). Late-syn- to post-rift salt tectonics on wide rifted margins—Insights from geodynamic modeling. (external link)
• Pichel, Leonardo Muniz; Huismans, Ritske Sipke; Gawthorpe, Rob et al. (2022). Coupling Crustal-Scale Rift Architecture With Passive Margin Salt Tectonics: A Geodynamic Modeling Approach. (external link)
• Theunissen, Thomas Louis Roger Dominique; Huismans, Ritske Sipke; Lu, Gang et al. (2022). Relative continent - mid-ocean ridge elevation: A reference case for isostasy in geodynamics. (external link)
• Theunissen, Thomas Louis Roger Dominique; Huismans, Ritske Sipke (2022). Mantle exhumation at magma-poor rifted margins controlled by frictional shear zones. (external link)

2020

• Steer, Philippe; Jeandet, Louise; Cubas, Nadaya et al. (2020). Earthquake statistics changed by typhoon-driven erosion. (external link)

2019

• Gautier, S; Tiberi, C; Lopez, M et al. (2019). Detailed lithospheric structure of an arc-continent collision beneath Taiwan revealed by joint inversion of seismological and gravity data. (external link)
• Theunissen, Thomas; Huismans, Ritske (2019). Long‐Term Coupling and Feedback Between Tectonics and Surface Processes During Non‐Volcanic Rifted Margin Formation. (external link)

2017

• Theunissen, Thomas; Chevrot, Sébastien; Sylvandeur, Matthieu et al. (2017). Absolute earthquake locations using 3-D versus 1-D velocity models below a local seismic network: example from the Pyrenees. (external link)

2016

• Gutscher, Marc-André; Klingelhoefer, Frauke; Theunissen, Thomas et al. (2016). Thermal modeling of the SW Ryukyu forearc (Taiwan) : Implications for the seismogenic zone and the age of the subducting Philippine Sea Plate (Huatung Basin). (external link)
• Bethoux, Nicole; Theunissen, Thomas; Beslier, Marie-Odile et al. (2016). Earthquake relocation using a 3D a-priori geological velocity model from the western Alps to Corsica: Implication for seismic hazard. (external link)

See a complete overview of publications in Cristin.

COLORS project