School of Earth and Environment

Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics (IGT) PhD Projects

Characterising the deep crustal structure of an exhumed ductile shear zone via EBSD: The Uludag Massif, Turkey

Fully-funded NERC studentship available from 3rd February 2012.
For eligibility visit www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/available/postgrad/eligibility.asp.

Applications are invited for a fully-funded NERC PhD studentship, part of a £1.1M collaborative NERC project between geophysicists and geologists, based at the School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds.

Supervisors: Dr Richard Phillips & Dr Geoff Lloyd

Project Overview: Geophysical models that explore the deep rheology of continental-scale fault zones often lack realistic physical parameters that define the actual geological behaviour expected for a specific fault. This PhD studentship aims to bridge the gap between geophysical- and geological- derived seismic models of continental scale fault zones by providing lithology and deformation state specific elastic properties for the Eskisehir Fault Zone (Uludag Massif), a field-based analogue of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ), Turkey. The elastic and seismic properties will be estimated from the crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of individual and combined mineral phases measured via electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) in the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The data will provide valuable constraints for our understanding of the rheology of the continental crust and ductile fault zones and will feed directly into geodynamic modelling of the NAFZ, incorporating data from a seismic array to be established as part of the overall project.

This PhD studentship forms a unique opportunity for a student to be involved in a major multidisciplinary project that brings together geophysical modelling of seismic properties with petrofabric analysis of geological samples from the same terrain. The project will provide therefore unique early career training as part of a large research group.

Requirements: We seek a highly motivated candidate, preferably with an MSc in Structural Geology or equivalent. Excellent fieldwork skills coupled with some experience of modelling and/or SEM analysis is desirable, although training will be provided.

Closing date: 1st October 2011.

Further information: For informal enquiries please contact Dr Richard Phillips (r.j.phillips(at)leeds.ac.uk). You may also wish to visit the School website.

References:

  • Bürgmann, R, & G Dresen, 2008. Ann. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci., 36, 531-67, doi: 10.1146/annurev.earth.36.031207.124326.
  • Jefferies, SP, et al., 2006. J. Struct. Geol., 28, 220-235, doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2005.10.008.
  • Lloyd, G., et al., 2009. Earth  Planet. Sci Lett., 288, 320-328, doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2009.09.035.
  • Lloyd, GE, et al., 2010. Geological Society, London, Spec. Pub., 335, 603-622, doi:10.1144/SP335.25.
  • Mainprice, D, 2000. Phys. Chem. Earth, 25, 155-161.
  • Okay, AI, et al., 2008. GSA Bull., 120, 893-911, doi: 10.1130/B26229.1.