3 PhD positions in Volcanology at the University of Liverpool, UK
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3 PhD positions in Volcanology at the University of Liverpool, UK
The Volcanology Group at the University of Liverpool is currently offering 3 fully funded doctoral studentships on the study of volcanic eruptions and processes. The positions offer a remarkable opportunity to be part of a multidisciplinary group working at the forefront of Volcanology today. The Experimental Volcanology Laboratory consists of bespoke high temperature equipment, unique to Liverpool, and we seek the very best candidates to join our diverse and growing team.
The positions are part of a large research initiative on Strain Localisation in Magmas (SLiM) funded by the European Research Council and headed by Professor Yan Lavallée. SLiM aims to constrain the dynamics and mechanics of magma ascent in conduits across a wide range of volcanic systems using a joint field-geophysical-experimental approach. Case studies include Volcán de Colima and Ceborucco volcanoes in Mexico, Soufriere Hills volcano in Montserrat, Mount Unzen in Japan, Tarawera in New-Zealand, Santiaguito in Guatemala and Merapi in Indonesia. The projects are primarily experimental, and the successful applicants will employ range of novel experimental and analytical techniques available in the Experimental Volcanology Laboratory. All projects may contain aspects of fieldwork, petrology, petrography and numerical modelling, and so candidates with a range of skills are sought to join a truly multidisciplinary effort
Project 1. Dynamic rheology of ascending magma: Effusive-explosive transitions
Aim: Lava dome eruptions are some of the most unpredictable types of volcanic activity as they can shift from effusive to explosive eruption style with little precursory warning. In this project, the candidate will experimentally test the rheological response of magma in pressure- and temperature-disequilibrium. Effusive and explosive products of lava dome eruptions will be analysed structurally, chemically and petrographically. Natural processes will be replicated experimentally using high-T decompression tests to examine volatile exsolution and crystallisation, and rotary shear experiments (e.g. http://youtu.be/WGEjijr1brU) to examine super-heated foaming and mineral decomposition. The data gathered will provide insights into rheological changes that occur during magma ascent and help constrain extrusion rate in different systems. A range of dome lavas with different initial geochemical compositions will be tested to assess the decompression/viscosity path that drives different styles of volcanic eruptions. It is envisaged that collaboration with modellers will help refine rheological models of magma ascent in conduits.
Required skills: The candidate should have a background in petrology and/or geochemistry, and a reasonably strong basis in mathematics. The candidate should also be willing to conduct fieldwork as well as physically challenging sample preparation, and have a determination to carry out complex petrology/rheology experiments and analytical work (SEM, microprobe, XRF, EBSD). Prior experience with high-temperature or high-pressure experiments will be favoured.
Project 2. Dome building-eruptions: A competition between gas and magma
Aim: In this project, the candidate will investigate the development of permeable structures (e.g., shear zones, faults/fractures, tuffisites, porous networks, etc.) that physically (via buoyancy) and rheologically (via deformation mechanisms) drive different modes of lava dome extrusion. Lava dome structures will be mapped in the field and analysed and recreated in the laboratory. The permeability of dome structures will be measured at room and high temperature, and assessed structurally in thin-section. High-temperature experiments, including uniaxial compression (e.g. http://youtu.be/vR8wypTlogc), tension, and tri-axial, will be performed to assess the dynamics of the processes that produce the observed structures, constrain their role in the deformation, and correlate it to seismic data monitored at active volcanoes.
Required skills: The candidate should demonstrate strong mapping abilities and have a solid background in volcanology and/or structural geology. Prior knowledge in rock mechanics, magma rheology or high-temperature petrology would be an asset, as would knowledge of MatLab/ Python.
Project 3. Deformation mechanisms in magmas: A crystal constraint
Aim: In this project, the candidate will assess the controls of different deformation mechanisms (viscous, plastic & brittle) and petrological phenomena (hydration/dehydration reactions, melting/crystallisation) on magma ascent. In recent years, efforts have focused on the viscous and brittle contributions. Here, we wish to emphasise the contribution of crystals as they may act as geothermobarometer and/or a strain marker during magma ascent. This project will combine analytical, experimental and some field work to constrain crystal plasticity and crystal stability observed in lava domes and shallow conduit structures (e.g., shear zones and fault zones). Crystal plasticity and stability observed in the field and developed in experiments on natural crystalline magmas will be analysed via electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Novel high-temperature deformation tests in-situ in the SEM+EBSD system will be used to track the evolution of crystals in magma, while ex-situ tests using high-temperature deformation apparatus will extend the range of conditions to be studied. Physical observations will be complemented by careful analytical analyses including thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Required skills: This project requires a candidate with a strong background in crystallography or mineral physics. Prior utilisation of SEM is required, while knowledge of EBSD would be an asset. The candidate should be motivated to drive the development of EBSD as a tool in volcanology, and be interested in performing high-T experiments on magmas.
VOLCANOLOGY IN LIVERPOOL
The Volcanology Group at the University of Liverpool counts 12 members across a wide range of disciplines. The Experimental Volcanology laboratory is equipped with a unique rheological, mechanical and analytical facility for the study of volcanic material at high-temperature and/or pressure. The group fosters a strong synergy and harbours active collaboration with many volcanology / rock physics laboratories, research institutions and volcano observatories worldwide.
N.B. Unfortunately, because our group and facility is brand new and we are still currently building our website, which will be up and running in due course.
APPLICATION
Posts have a flexible start-date but must be filled by September 1st 2015. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
The positions are open to all EU applicants. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English.
To apply, please send a CV, academic transcript, contact information for 2 referees and a cover letter/ research statement to Prof. Yan Lavallée at: volcano@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The research statement should include (1) which project you wish to apply for and why (2) your research background including a description of previous independent projects/ Master studies and (3) your research interests for the future, and should not exceed 2 sides A4.
Prof. Yan Lavallée
Dr Jackie .E. Kendrick
Dr. Felix von Aulock
Volcanology Group
Earth, Ocean and Ecology
University of Liverpool
Liverpool
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