Vincent Regard: Synthesis and Exploration of Rock’s Alterations due to Thermal Stress Under the

Superficial alteration of rocks caused by thermal stresses is often overlooked to the benefit of other mechanism such as frost shattering, rain or earthquakes. However its effect can be significant especially in dry hot places where other mechanisms are rare. This project investigated the impact of insolation and wildfires on six different types of rocks: Limestone, sandstone, gypsum, marble, granite and gneiss. Samples were subjected on one face to heat-cool cycles under infrared lamp reaching up to 90°C and in an oven up to 230°C. Investigation of alterations were made with laser scanning, thermal conductivity, spectral imagery and thermal imagery. Results shows the limitation and possibilities of that methodology and those instrument when applied to tracking sub millimeter alterations. It also suggest that small samples might be ill suited as thermal gradient doesn’t raise enough.