How do sandy clinoforms develop on the shelves of volcanic islands?

Clinoforms are inclined stratigraphic surfaces that encompass rounded sedimentary bodies which build out from shallow to deeper water environments. Although ancient examples have been studied extensively, they have less frequently been studied in locations where they are forming today. They are commonly thought to occur from export of sediment from shallow to deep water along their profiles, but an analysis of data from current meters has suggested that small deviations in alongshore currents can also contribute to the growth of these features. Nevertheless, they probably relate strongly to varied wave conditions, which agitate sand in shallow water to prevent deposition and enhance export from their topsets (shallow water surfaces).

This project will take advantage of an extensive new dataset from Corvo, Flores and Faial islands of the Azores archipelago, including sedimentary seabed samples and boomer seismic reflection records. You will have the opportunity to join Dr Quartau in Lisbon to process and interpret the seismic records. Carbonate contents being measured on the samples will be available to you to explore the extent to which variations are caused by in situ biological production. In addition, measurements of bottom currents in two shallow water sites from the south of Faial are available to investigate the efficacy of strong storm conditions in exporting particles from coastal areas. The dataset from the three islands, combined with others in the Azores, cover a wide range of wave climates, so you would be able to explore how varied wave stress has affected these deposits.

The project would ideally suit a student with sedimentology, physical oceanography and computation in his/her background. The project could help prompt better thinking of how such features in the ancient rock record can be interpreted and their links to sea-level at the time of formation. The results would contribute to characterising the biological habitats of the Atlantic Macaronesian islands, which are also locally important "carbonate factories".

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Funding

At The University of Manchester, we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).