PhD Research Opportunities - The School of Earth,
Environmental and
Biological Sciences
The School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences (EEBS),
Science and Engineering Faculty (SEF) at Queensland University of Technology
(QUT) in Brisbane, Australia is seeking highly motivated students with strong
field-based research interests to be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary
research program.
PhD opportunities are available in the following areas:
1. Volcanology, igneous petrology & geochronology of
Miocene Volcanism related to the opening of the Gulf of
California
Investigating the Early-Mid Miocene igneous record of the Gulf of California (Mexico). The Gulf of California is a young example of a continental rift developed close to an active continental margin. Most continental-scale rifts that proceed to sea floor spreading develop in association with large volume igneous activity, however, the role of magmatism and the igneous record are commonly overlooked in understanding rift evolution. It has been widely presumed that Gulf of California rift developed rapidly beginning ~12 Ma, but new studies are challenging these previous models and suggesting a much earlier history to rifting and volcanism. Importantly, volcanism across the region may provide important records on the timing of the switch from wide to narrow rift modes. This PhD project will reinvestigate the mid-Miocene igneous record around the Gulf of California, but principally in Baja California to test this new conceptual model. The Project will involve field studies (stratigraphy, physical volcanology) and sampling for analytical research (petrology, whole-rock geochemistry, geochronology) to understand the origin, timing and evolution of magmas during this apparent switch in rift modes.
Investigating the Early-Mid Miocene igneous record of the Gulf of California (Mexico). The Gulf of California is a young example of a continental rift developed close to an active continental margin. Most continental-scale rifts that proceed to sea floor spreading develop in association with large volume igneous activity, however, the role of magmatism and the igneous record are commonly overlooked in understanding rift evolution. It has been widely presumed that Gulf of California rift developed rapidly beginning ~12 Ma, but new studies are challenging these previous models and suggesting a much earlier history to rifting and volcanism. Importantly, volcanism across the region may provide important records on the timing of the switch from wide to narrow rift modes. This PhD project will reinvestigate the mid-Miocene igneous record around the Gulf of California, but principally in Baja California to test this new conceptual model. The Project will involve field studies (stratigraphy, physical volcanology) and sampling for analytical research (petrology, whole-rock geochemistry, geochronology) to understand the origin, timing and evolution of magmas during this apparent switch in rift modes.
We are looking for a student with previous experience in field mapping,
volcanology, igneous petrology and/or geochronology. NB - an ability to speak
Spanish is highly desirable
For further information, please contact: Dr Scott Bryan (scott.bryan@qut.edu.au)
2. Sedimentology and Sedimentary Provenance studies of
intraplate orogenic-related sedimentation
Sedimentary rocks are a key recorder of tectonic events. This fundamental Australia-based research will take new approaches to establish a finely tuned record of orogenic processes deforming the continental interior and how sediment loading from this mountain building event may have affected extension and magmatism at the continental margin. This project will examine the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous (~380-320 Ma) continental sedimentary record across central and eastern Australia as this time slice records widespread rift basin development in northeastern Australia, intraplate orogenic events in central Australia (Alice Springs Orogeny), the progradation of a major sheet of cratonic-derived quartz-rich sand spreading outwards across Australia, and the initiation of Late Paleozoic glaciation. Mutliple dating techniques applied to the detrital minerals will be a key component of this project, revealing both the igneous and high-grade metamorphic history (from U/Pb zircon and rutile ages), and the recent tectonic and exhumation history (using lower temperature thermochronometers) of the source region. These new data will provide new insights into the relationship and timing of sedimentation and deformation. We are looking for a student with previous experience in field mapping, stratigraphy/sedimentology, sedimentary petrology and/or geochronology.
Sedimentary rocks are a key recorder of tectonic events. This fundamental Australia-based research will take new approaches to establish a finely tuned record of orogenic processes deforming the continental interior and how sediment loading from this mountain building event may have affected extension and magmatism at the continental margin. This project will examine the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous (~380-320 Ma) continental sedimentary record across central and eastern Australia as this time slice records widespread rift basin development in northeastern Australia, intraplate orogenic events in central Australia (Alice Springs Orogeny), the progradation of a major sheet of cratonic-derived quartz-rich sand spreading outwards across Australia, and the initiation of Late Paleozoic glaciation. Mutliple dating techniques applied to the detrital minerals will be a key component of this project, revealing both the igneous and high-grade metamorphic history (from U/Pb zircon and rutile ages), and the recent tectonic and exhumation history (using lower temperature thermochronometers) of the source region. These new data will provide new insights into the relationship and timing of sedimentation and deformation. We are looking for a student with previous experience in field mapping, stratigraphy/sedimentology, sedimentary petrology and/or geochronology.
For further information, please contact: Dr Scott Bryan (scott.bryan@qut.edu.au)
3. Formation, preservation and environmental significance
of magnetic Fe pisoliths
Iron nodules (pisoliths) are a common feature of many soils and weathering pro?les in the tropics and subtropics of Australia and around the world. Magnetic and non-magnetic soil Fe nodules commonly occur together in the same soils, where the magnetic nodules are distinguished by their high maghemite and hematite content. Previous research suggests that magnetic nodules form by intense heating of non-magnetic Fe nodules in topsoils during high-intensity bushfires. However magnetic nodules commonly occur deep within the soil or weathering profile, leading some authors dismiss thermal transformation of other Fe oxides. Alternative explanations which have been proposed include slow oxidation of ferrous solutions or formation via ferrihydrite in the presence of high concentrations of P, citrate or other organic ligands. This project will undertake a detailed geochemical, mineralogical and morphological comparison of magnetic and non-magnetic nodules in order to determine the mode of formation of magnetic Fe nodules in various environmental settings.
Iron nodules (pisoliths) are a common feature of many soils and weathering pro?les in the tropics and subtropics of Australia and around the world. Magnetic and non-magnetic soil Fe nodules commonly occur together in the same soils, where the magnetic nodules are distinguished by their high maghemite and hematite content. Previous research suggests that magnetic nodules form by intense heating of non-magnetic Fe nodules in topsoils during high-intensity bushfires. However magnetic nodules commonly occur deep within the soil or weathering profile, leading some authors dismiss thermal transformation of other Fe oxides. Alternative explanations which have been proposed include slow oxidation of ferrous solutions or formation via ferrihydrite in the presence of high concentrations of P, citrate or other organic ligands. This project will undertake a detailed geochemical, mineralogical and morphological comparison of magnetic and non-magnetic nodules in order to determine the mode of formation of magnetic Fe nodules in various environmental settings.
We are looking for a student with previous experience in environmental
chemistry / geochemistry
For further information, please contact: Dr David Murphy (david.murphy@qut.edu.au)
4. The role of stored energy in rock deformation up to
large strain and rotation
The project investigates the impact of stored energy on the deformation of rocks up to large strains and rotations. The successful candidate will employ numerical and physical modelling to examine the energy budget and mechanics of two-phase deformation (inclusions in a matrix) to large strains and rotations. She/he will explore the relevance of stored energy for fault formation and rock rheology.
The project investigates the impact of stored energy on the deformation of rocks up to large strains and rotations. The successful candidate will employ numerical and physical modelling to examine the energy budget and mechanics of two-phase deformation (inclusions in a matrix) to large strains and rotations. She/he will explore the relevance of stored energy for fault formation and rock rheology.
We are looking for student with previous experience in at least one of
these fields - structural geology, geomechanics, computational modelling,
mechanical engineering, and analogue modelling
For further information, please contact: Dr Christoph Schrank (christoph.schrank@qut.edu.au)
5. Investigate diagenetic processes and histories of the
Holocene reef and upper Pleistocene material
The project will recover cores through the Holocene reef sequence (0-10 ka) in two reefs (Heron and One Tree) in the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and reconstruct reef growth (i.e. geomorphological development), sea level and palaeoclimate histories. The applicant will participate in both phases of the coring campaigns in the southern Great Barrier Reef, and work closely with the other national and international partners in the project We are looking for a student with previous experience in carbonate sedimentology, coral reef biology, geochemistry and geology.
The project will recover cores through the Holocene reef sequence (0-10 ka) in two reefs (Heron and One Tree) in the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and reconstruct reef growth (i.e. geomorphological development), sea level and palaeoclimate histories. The applicant will participate in both phases of the coring campaigns in the southern Great Barrier Reef, and work closely with the other national and international partners in the project We are looking for a student with previous experience in carbonate sedimentology, coral reef biology, geochemistry and geology.
For further information, please contact: Dr Luke Nothdurft (l.nothdurft@qut.edu.au)
6. Searching for pre 3.7Ga greenstone domains within the
East Pilbara Craton
Study of Eoarchean terranes (4.0 Ga-3.6 Ga) has provided invaluable information on the early Earth including; the requirement for early formed proto crust and complementary depleted mantle. Nevertheless, all presently recognised localities that contain lithologies older than ~3.6 Ga have been subjected to at least amphibolites facies metamorphism. Geochemical evidence indicates that it is highly likely that pre 3.7 Ga crust is present in the Pilbara, but as of yet none have been definitively recognised. Furthermore, the Pilbara Craton contains abundant basaltic sequences that have been subjected to no more than lower greenschist facies metamorphism.
Study of Eoarchean terranes (4.0 Ga-3.6 Ga) has provided invaluable information on the early Earth including; the requirement for early formed proto crust and complementary depleted mantle. Nevertheless, all presently recognised localities that contain lithologies older than ~3.6 Ga have been subjected to at least amphibolites facies metamorphism. Geochemical evidence indicates that it is highly likely that pre 3.7 Ga crust is present in the Pilbara, but as of yet none have been definitively recognised. Furthermore, the Pilbara Craton contains abundant basaltic sequences that have been subjected to no more than lower greenschist facies metamorphism.
This proposal seeks to acquire samples from localities identified to have
potential of pre 3.7 Ga rocks for geochemical characterisation and dating.
We are looking for a student with previous experience in igneous or
metamorphic geology
For further information, please contact: Dr David Murphy (david.murphy@qut.edu.au)
Selection Criteria for a suitable candidate include:
- a MSc degree in Earth Systems (or equivalent); or a relevant First Class or Second Class Division A Honours degree; or a Professional Doctorate from a recognised institution with a grade point average of at least 5.0 on a 7 point scale
- Excellent communication skills
- Research and Field experience - such as publications
- A full driver's licence and the ability to do field work in remote locations
- Sufficient command of English to complete the proposed course of study
The annual scholarship round is now open, with applications
closing October 12, 2012.
Information on PhD scholarships available and how to apply can be found
at:
http://www.qut.edu.au/research/scholarships-and-funding/research-scholarships
http://www.qut.edu.au/research/scholarships-and-funding/research-scholarships
Queensland University of Technology has one of Australia's fastest
growing research profiles, and aims to become research-intensive in selected
areas of strength and priority. QUT's focus is to undertake high-impact research
that is both of the highest academic quality and also aimed at making a real and
practical difference to the world around us.
