Sedimentary record of hyperthermal climate and foreland basin tectonics: Alveolina Limestone, Eocene, Spanish Pyrenees

Background

The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) represents the largest climatic change of the Cenozoic and is regarded as a yardstick for future anthropogenic climate change. It is the most pronounced of several Paleogene hyperthermals – transient events of extreme warmth and massive atmospheric carbon addition. Rapid climatic changes throughout the PETM had major impact on biological evolution, for example the expansion of large benthic foraminifera, and on weathering and erosion. While feedbacks are understood qualitatively, there is only limited quantification of response times for depositional systems.

The Eocene Alveolina Limestone was deposited during orogenesis in the Spanish Pyrenees and provides a natural laboratory to study the effects of PETM-related faunal changes, uplift/subsidence and erosion patterns on sedimentation. Consequently, it provides a unique window into sedimentary dynamics on shelves, their response to external forcing, and how organisms interact with their changing environment.

Aims

The study aims to quantify physical and biological depositional processes, paleoclimatic constraints, and their combined effects on facies dynamics and shelf geometry during and after the PETM. It will combine detailed outcrop studies of depositional systems representing different biofacies and variable regimes of tectonic subsidence, and relative sea level to test sensitivity of carbonate depositional processes to external controls.

The project requires a student with background and interest in sedimentology and stratigraphy, including thin section petrography, as well as willingness to carry out field work in mountainous terrain. Knowledge in low-temperature geochemistry is advantageous.

Data

The database consists of limestone samples ready for processing. Field work will collect data and samples from outcrops representing a variety of depositional settings.

Methods

- petrography and geochemistry of basement and cements (bulk and veins; trace element, - field data acquisition, incl paleocurrents

- petrography (microfacies, point counting)

- biostratigraphy

- facies analysis

- geochemical analyses (XRD, XRF, isotopes)

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. 

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 lead supervisor for this project before you apply. 

How to apply 

To be considered for this project you’ll need to complete a formal application through our online application portal. 

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of the PhD (PhD Earth Science (academic programme) and PhD Earth Science(academic plan)the name of your supervisor, how you’re planning on funding your research, 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.  

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [Email Address Removed]. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

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).