PhD position on melt-rock interactions in the oceanic lithosphere

Marie-Curie Initial Training Network ABYSS (ESR3)

Training network on reactive geological systems from the mantle to the abyssal sub-seafloor

Host institution: Géosciences Montpellier (CNRS, France) / Secondment institutions: Universita Degli Studi di Genova (Italy), University of Southampton (UK)

Géosciences Montpellier seeks to appoint a PhD student for a research project in igneous petrology, to work on rock-forming processes in the lower oceanic crust, through a detailed investigation of microstructural and petro-geochemical signatures of gabbroic rock samples from drill cores (ODP/IODP Expeditions; Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Southwest Indian Ridge). The trainee will work in a multidisciplinary and international environment, in collaboration with E. Rampone (Universita Degli Studi di Genova) and D. Teagle (University of Southampton).

Methods: Petrological analysis, Microstructural analysis (EBSD), In-situ mineral chemistry (EMP, Laser-ICP-MS), Elemental mapping, Geochemical modelling.

Goals: Constrain the micro- to macro-scale relationships between the constituent mineral phases, and document crystallization and melt-rock interaction processes; Understand to what extent crystallization and reactive porous melt flow in the lower oceanic crust may affect the melts chemistry and the physico-chemical properties of the oceanic lithosphere.

Requirements: Candidates must hold an MSc in Earth Sciences or a closely related discipline, and should have a background in petrology, geochemistry, and microstructural analysis. Solid grounds in physical sciences and/or crystallography are welcome.

This fellowship is for a period of 36 months starting no later than November 1, 2014.

For further information, contact: Benoit Ildefonse (ildefonse@um2.fr) and Marguerite Godard (Marguerite.Godard@um2.fr)

This position has been filled