PhD Studentship: Exploring the Magmatic Plumbing System of the Eastern Caribbean Volcanic Arc

Primary supervisor - Dr Lidong Bie 

One of the key challenges in volcanology is understanding changes in volcanic activities during crises, such as transitions from effusive to eruptive activity. These transitions pose significant challenges to hazard management (1). Physical parameters, such as the location, geometry, and size of the volcanic system, and their changes over time, are vital for understanding the transitions. These parameters are crucial for modelling volcanic processes and are critical for efficiently forecasting potential eruptions. Geophysical monitoring provides essential information to constrain these parameters and inform decision-makers. A recent example is the successful forecasting and evacuation during the 2021 La Soufrière eruption in Saint Vincent (1). Despite this success, the physics of the magmatic plumbing system in the shallow crust, and how it evolves, remain elusive.  

This project will explore the crustal properties of the island arc, starting with Saint Vincent Island. Using seismic recordings from the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies (1), the candidate will apply noise tomographic technique to reveal the seismic velocity model for the shallow upper crust (2) and the velocity changes (3) leading up to the 2021 eruption. The candidate will also explore the use of local earthquake tomography (4) to obtain a seismic velocity model that reaches the lower crust. A combined tomographic model will identify velocity anomalies and provide key information about the magma reservoir and plumbing system. Seismic velocity models will be compared with other geophysical observations, such as density and resistivity, and petrological constraints on the magma source. The candidate can also explore the use of upcoming satellite data to constrain the depth of the magmatic pressurization source (5).  

The candidate will gain skills in seismic data processing, numerical modelling, and preparing scientific results for publication and presentation. Travel opportunities include visiting SRC for data processing and participating in seismometer installation, which may benefit the project with additional observations. The project focus can be shaped by the candidate’s research interests.  

We seek an enthusiastic individual with a degree in geoscience, physical sciences, or computer science. Numerical literacy and experience with coding tools (Matlab or Python) and Unix-based operating systems are desirable.

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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