PhD Studentship: Magma Emplacement and Its Evolution: Deciphering Between Magmatic and Tectonic Processes

Primary Supervisor - Dr Zoja Vukmanovic 

Layered intrusions are deep-seated magma chambers that never erupted, offering a unique opportunity to study how magma cools and differentiates in a plutonic environment (Holness et al., 2017; Vukmanovic et al., 2019). These formations also serve as significant repositories for precious metals such as platinum group elements, titanium, and vanadium. 

As natural laboratories for investigating deep magmatic processes, layered intrusions can provide valuable insights. However, many are often affected by tectonic events, which can alter their primary rock microstructure and geochemistry.  

The Bjerkreim-Sokndal (BKS) layered intrusion in Southern Norway (Duchesne, 1987) offers abundant evidence of post-magmatic deformation, making it an ideal site to study both magmatic and tectonic processes. 

This project aims to distinguish between magmatic and post-emplacement microstructures (Vukmanovic et al., 2019) to gain a deeper understanding of the formation and evolution of the BKS intrusion. Furthermore, it will explore how tectonic deformation has influenced ore mineralization, specifically in terms of the microstructure and geochemistry of the metals hosted within BKS. These metals are critical for the societal transition toward greener energy sources, essential for achieving a carbon-zero future. 

The key analytical objectives of this project are to 1) differentiate between magmatic and post-emplacement microstructure, and 2) identify the effect of deformation on the geochemistry of the main rock-forming minerals. The completion of both objectives will entail a combination of 1) fieldwork and petrography; 2) electron backscatter diffraction analyses (EBSD at UEA); 3) QEMSCAN elemental mapping (University of Cambridge) and 4) microprobe analyses (University of Cambridge). The field trip will be carried out in year 1 (two weeks) and year two (two weeks) in Bjerkeim Lobe of the BKS intrusion.  

Training 

You will gain training in the field geology where they learn how to record magmatic texture and mineralogical variations. You will be trained to analyse samples by EBSD and electron microprobe whereas QEMSCAN maps will be analysed by the Lab manager at the University of Cambridge. 

For further information, please visit www.aries-dtp.ac.uk

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

ARIES is awaiting confirmation of funding under the BBSRC-NERC DLA award scheme, which is expected shortly. Funding for this studentship is subject to this confirmation and UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded ARIES studentship of fees, maintenance stipend (£19,237 p.a. for 2024/25) and research costs.

A limited number of ARIES studentships are available to International applicants. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK.

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