PhD Studentship: From the mantle to the seafloor: How do oceanic core complexes form at mid-ocean ridges?

DoS: Dr Andy Parsons (andy.parsons@plymouth.ac.uk)

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Michelle Harris

3^rd Supervisor: Professor Sandra Piazolo, University of Leeds

4^th Supervisor: Dr Jeremy Deans, University of Southern Mississippi

Applications are invited for a 3.5 years PhD studentship.

The studentship will start on 01 October 2025

Project Description

At slow-spreading mid-ocean ridges, fault systems known as Oceanic Core Complexes [1] (OCCs) exhume mantle rocks to the seafloor, creating hydrothermal systems that directly impact ocean chemistry, seafloor mineralization, lithospheric rheology, and microbial ecosystems [1-2]. Despite their importance, the formation of OCCs is a poorly understood process which must be constrained to fully understand the how OCCs and mantle exhumation impact our oceans [1-5]. This project will address this fundamental tectonic and marine geoscience problem with a new understanding of how OCCs form.

In 2023, International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 399 collected 1.2km of rock core (U1601C) from the Atlantis Massif OCC on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge [1]. This PhD project investigates the deformation processes that control OCC formation through analyses of U1601C, focusing on the roles of ductile deformation and magmatism as drivers of strain localization during OCC formation [3-4].

Methodology & Training

• Microstructural analyses will constrain deformation process recorded in U1601C using state-of-the-art facilities at the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre.
• The candidate will be trained in cutting-edge techniques including Electron Backscatter Diffraction, Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy, and Element Mapping to constrain deformation kinematics, temperatures, and extent of magmatic deformation [3-4]. 
• The candidate will integrate their microscale analyses with borehole geophysics [5] from Site U1601, using industry-standard software to constrain the km-scale structural evolution of Atlantis Massif.
• The candidate will test hypotheses and constrain new models for the roles of magmatism and ductile deformation during OCC formation [1, 3-5].

The PhD candidate will develop expertise in electron microscopy, petrophysics, and deformation processes. They will join a world-leading international network of >25 IODP researchers conducting multi-disciplinary research on Atlantis Massif [1], with opportunities to participate in IODP workshops, training, and applications to sail on future IODP expeditions. They will receive support and training to present their work at international conferences and through peer-reviewed publications. These opportunities will provide a strong foundation of transferable skills and expertise for a career in geoscience research.

Person specification

We seek enthusiastic candidates with an Earth Sciences related degree and interests including structural/microstructural geology, plate tectonics/marine geoscience and big-picture Earth Science questions.

For information on Eligibility and Funding, please click on the links below: 

• Eligibility 
• Funding

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button above.  

Please clearly state the name of the DoS and the studentship that you are applying for at the top of your personal statement. 

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.  

For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

The closing date for applications on 8^th January 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview after the deadline. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications.  Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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