Weathering of volcanic products in the tropical environment of the Panama Canal area

Project Background
Weathering of volcanic products in the tropical climate is key to the formation of soils that constitute a critical zone between the lithosphere and biosphere, are associated with significant geotechnical challenges and could possibly play a significant role in the global carbon budget. However, our understanding of the modes and rate of weathering of volcanic material from explosive volcanoes in the tropics remain poorly studied and in need of field-based research in the natural environment. This project will seek to address this problem through a study of recent to Oligocene soils and weathered volcanic products in the tropical forest of Panama.

Project Aims and Methods
The project aims at reconstructing weathering processes taking place at the interface between biologically-active soils (and/or paleosols) and unaltered volcanogenic deposits. It will include the study of mineralogical and geochemical processes during weathering of volcanic materials in the Panama Canal area, including Barro Colorado Island that is 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. Research stays and collaboration of the student with these institutions will be a key aspect of this cross-disciplinary project. 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 Cardiff University. 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 conducting field work in the tropical environment. Previous experience of, and/or strong interest in, mineralogy and geochemistry is essential. Basic skills in Spanish would be an advantage but are not mandatory.

Collaborative Partners
The research will be conducted in collaboration with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama that is a world-renown institution dedicated to the study of biological processes in the tropical environment, including links between these processes and the formation of soils. The project will additionally benefit from collaboration with the Panama Canal Authority to extend the research to areas where the formation of soils might have significant geotechnical implications. Logistical support (accommodation, car and boat) will be provided by these two institutions.

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 in Panama. The student will get familiarised with 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. Presentation of the results will be made at international conferences and in a thesis, publications and/or professional reports (as appropriate).