Project background
Weathering controls the formation of soils that constitute a critical zone at the interface between the lithosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Understanding how this zone works is significant because it hosts important chemical, physical and biological processes that are related to the global carbon budget and affects many human activities such as agriculture and geotechnical works. However, although tropical systems have a substantial influence on the global carbon budget and are rapidly undergoing land use changes, our understanding of the modes and rate of weathering and alteration of materials in the tropics – and especially from explosive volcanoes – remain poorly understood. This project will address this problem through a study of Oligocene to recent palaeosols and altered volcanic products in the tropical forest of Panama.
Project aims and methods
The project aims to reconstruct the weathering and alteration processes that took place in a selection of variously altered volcanogenic sequences that were emplaced in terrestrial to submarine environments of central Panama since the Oligocene. It will include the study of mineralogical and geochemical processes during weathering/alteration of volcanic materials in the Panama Canal area, including Barro Colorado Island, a world-known protected area for biological research. The project will take place in partnership with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and the Panama Canal Authority, in the continuity of previous work by the main supervisor in the research area. Short research stays of the student at these institutions will be encouraged, but sufficient materials (core samples, field data) are already available to conduct the proposed research should travel not be possible. Methods will include field work and sampling, petrography, X-ray diffraction, whole rock geochemical analysis (ICP-MS, ICP-OES) and mineral analysis (SEM-EDS); all facilities are available at both Cardiff University and the University of Bristol. There is some flexibility in the research direction to address the main interests of the PhD student (e.g., volcanology, mineralogy, geochemistry, pedology, and/or biology).
Candidate requirements
We seek a student interested in weathering in the tropical environment. Previous experience of, and/or strong interest in, field work, mineralogy, geochemistry, and sedimentology would be an advantage. Basic skills in Spanish would be an advantage but are not mandatory.
Project partners
The project will extend on-going collaboration of the main supervisor with the Panama Canal Authority and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. Possible field work is expected to take place in collaboration with these institutions, which manage large parts of the studied area, and which previously contributed to collecting material already available for the project.
Training
The student will learn to collect and interpret geochemical and mineralogical data. A large range of analytical techniques will be made available, with guidance by the supervisors and supporting staff at Cardiff and Bristol. The student will be encouraged, if possible, to conduct field work in the unique setting of the Panama Canal area and Barro Colorado Island. Collaboration with the partners in Panama will provide an insight into a vibrant community of international researchers, as well as practical (geotechnical) management of the Panama Canal.
Entry requirements
In order to be accepted you would need to have a first-class BSc degree or a second-class degree plus an MSc or good MSci. However, for international students, you would need to have a relevant degree in the subject area and have evidence of an English Language qualification. Further information on the English Language can be found here: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/postgraduate
How to apply
In order to formally apply for the PhD you will need to go to the following web page: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/earth-sciences
In the black box on the right of the page please select the following options:
·Doctor of Philosophy
·Full Time
·1st October 2022
Click on ‘Apply now’.
Please ensure that you include the ‘Project Title’ you are applying for and supervisor and that you add ‘NERC DTP’ under the source of funding.
The application deadline is Monday 10 January 2022 at 2359 GMT. Interviews will take place from 23rd February to 9th March 2022. For more information about the NERC GW4+ Doctoral Training Partnership please visit https://www.nercgw4plus.ac.uk.
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