Holocene sea-level change and palaeoseismicity in Chile (RDF16/GEOG/HOCKING)

This project seeks to understand both long-term and abrupt relative sea-level (RSL) change in Chile. There is a paucity of RSL data from Chile, and where data do exist there is a discrepancy between observations and models. Glacial isostatic adjustment models suggest RSL has been falling along the Pacific coast of South America since the mid-Holocene, but there are field observations to suggest sea-level rise over the last millennium. Further data are necessary to constrain these models and to try to better understand the drivers of Holocene RSL change, which include great earthquakes, ongoing tectonic deformation, isostatic response since the last glacial maximum, neoglacial forebulge migration and collapse, and global eustasy. We have identified sites for sea-level reconstruction that will potentially be able to provide some key constraints on models, on the timing and magnitude of the mid-Holocene highstand, as well as directing where evidence for historic great earthquakes may be preserved. The candidate may also choose to focus on the latter, reconstructing abrupt RSL changes caused by great earthquakes. Palaeoseismic research has advanced significantly in south-central Chile since the 2010 earthquake, but there are still relatively few quantitative reconstructions of deformation for historic earthquakes. Such records are essential for providing long-term perspectives on the recurrence, magnitude and variability of earthquakes. In southern Chile, records of earthquake occurrence are also discontinuous, which prevents determination of earthquake recurrence intervals. A site has been identified in southern Tierra del Fuego for developing a full earthquake chronology.

There is flexibility to develop these ideas, as well as to focus on either the sea-level or palaeoearthquake history. The project will involve fieldwork to Chile, sampling tidal marsh and bog sediments, and raised marine deposits. You will use a variety of field, microfossil (diatoms), laboratory, dating, and analytical techniques. Full training will be given.


Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
- Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
- Appropriate IELTS score, if required

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please ensure you quote the advert reference above on your application form.

Deadline for applications: 22 July 2016

Start date: 03 October 2016

Northumbria University is an equal opportunities provider and in welcoming applications for studentships from all sectors of the community we strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.