Project Background
As knowledge about the environmental stresses and biotic consequences of oceanic anoxia and hyperthermal events is building, it is becoming increasingly relevant to place these events into the longer-term context of changes in the Earth surface system and to address, how, and over which period of time, biota recover from such perturbations.
The macrofossil assemblages of Spain and Portugal have yielded exceptional records of one of the largest known oceanic anoxic events (OAEs), the Early Jurassic Toarcian OAE. Here, all the hallmarks of climate change which we are starting to experience have been documented. Clear patterns of changing marine assemblages, perturbations in carbon cycle and severe increases in temperature have been found, and hints at ocean acidification are starting to emerge. While the T-OAE as well as the immediately adjacent time intervals are now fairly well studied, much less is known how faunas adapted and changed with environmental conditions in the aftermath of the T-OAE. The fossil record of the Iberian Peninsula with its abundant and well preserved macrofauna provides outstanding opportunities to address these questions (see figure above).
Project Aims and Methods
The principle aims for this project are to A) Establish reference chemostratigraphic records of C and O isotopes for the Toarcian Stage based on macrofossils from basins in Iberia. B) Study features of shell structure and biogeochemistry in brachiopods and other macrofossils to better understand lifestyle and habitats of these critical palaeoclimate archives. C) Synthesize existing and emerging evidence how biota reacted and adapted to severe environmental upheaval and how local and regional effects shaped their response to palaeoclimate change. While A) is a firm topic with a clearly defined outcome, B) and C) are flexible so that the candidate can develop them according to their preference, strengths and topics of interest, such as focussing on palaeontology, palaeobiology, stratigraphy, geochemistry, or statistics.
Candidate requirements
A strong background and interest in palaeontology and/or geochemistry is essential for this project. Already existing practical experience with palaeontological and/or geochemical lab work as well as Lower Jurassic palaeoenvironments would be beneficial but not essential.
Project partners
This project is truly interdisciplinary, allowing the candidate to develop and broaden skills in a number of fields. It is placed in the wider context of ongoing research on the Early Jurassic Earth System and timescale at the University of Exeter and partner institutions, involving a wide range of international experts, especially the project partners at the British Geological Survey and the University of Coimbra.
Training
The candidate will be trained in the study of macrofossils using optical techniques at Exeter and analytical geochemistry (elemental and isotopic techniques) at Exeter and BGS. Visits to the most important stratigraphic successions in Iberia and work with museum collections in Portugal/Spain are planned.
Background reading and references
Prospective candidates are encouraged to read the below contribution to get a detailed understanding of rationale and scientific approach for this project: Ullmann, C., Boyle, R., Duarte, L. et al. Warm afterglow from the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event drives the success of deep-adapted brachiopods. Sci Rep 10, 6549 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-63487-6.
Useful links
For information relating to the research project please contact the lead Supervisor via
[Email Address Removed]; https://emps.exeter.ac.uk/csm/staff/cu211.
How to apply
In order to formally apply for the PhD Project you will need to go to the following web page.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=4241
The closing date for applications is 1600 hours GMT on Friday 10th January 2022.
Interviews will be held between 28th February and 4th March 2022.
If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed] or phone: 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) or +44 (0) 1392 723044 (EU/International callers). Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor
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