How do sandy clinoforms develop?

Clinoforms are inclined stratigraphic surfaces that encompass rounded sedimentary bodies which build out from shallow to deeper water environments. These classical sedimentary structures are potentially important hosts for fluids, such as drinking water. But ideas for how they develop from particle movements have tended to be simple and one-dimensional, with sand transport down-gradient. In contrast, our recent analysis of such movements from current data over one modern shallow-water clinoform suggests that small deviations in mostly alongshore currents can also contribute to the growth of these features. If applying more widely, this complicates interpretation of examples in the subsurface, and how their resource volumes are assessed, but suggests that current direction indicators would provide valuable insight. Combining analyses of geophysical data and sediment cores from the Azores volcanic islands, with observations of Carboniferous outcrops in the Pennines, you will improve understanding of these enigmatic sedimentary bodies.

The Carboniferous Millstone Grit around Kinder Scout contains cross-bedded sets of coarse sandstone, which have been identified as elements of a major delta. The upper parts of this unit have been well exposed by erosion, leaving outcrops with excellent structures that can be observed commonly in three dimensions. You will build on earlier work to assess the original geometries of these units, using outcrop mapping incorporating 3D ‘virtual outcrop’ models built from drone-collected photography, and build a database of current direction indicators, such as ripple and scour marks. Using the constrained geometries, samples will be collected along down-dip clinoform transects for petrographic grain size analysis to establish current regimes. From those results, the consistency and direction of formative currents will be evaluated.

An extensive new dataset will be analysed from Flores and Faial islands of the Azores archipelago, including sedimentary cores, surface sediment data from grab samples and boomer seismic reflection records. You will have the opportunity to join Dr Quartau at the Hydrographic Institute 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 storms in exporting particles from coastal areas. The dataset from the two 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. Knowledge of geophysical methods would be helpful though is not essential. 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 will contribute to characterising the sensitive 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

Home (UK) students can apply for PhD funding within a competition for four University-funded studentships within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, if able to commit to starting the project before 31st July 2025. The funding will cover tuition fees and provide a tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25). The duration of the PhD is 3.5 years. Must start before 31 July 2025.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

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
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• 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.

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).

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