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Modelling Mantle Dynamics

School/Department  Department of Geology
Supervisor(s) Dr Tiffany Barry and Dr Manolis Georgoulis 
Start Date  October 2012
Entry Requirements UK/EU Applicants Only
Closing Date for Applications  17 February 2012 - APPLY NOW

Modelling Mantle Dynamics Back in Time: Finding the Most Likely Scenario

The Department of Geology is pleased to offer this funded studentship for October 2012 entry to its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme. The studentship will pay full-time University UK/EU tuition fees for three years and include an annual tax-free stipend of at least £13,590.

Research Areas and Supervision

Three-dimensional numerical models for planetary convection are driven by upper surface plate motion reconstructions that utilise incompressible laws of a viscous fluid. Interrogation of mantle circulation models of Earth requires knowledge of past movement of continents and the growth and destruction of oceans. Detailed history of the Earth’s ocean plates is only well constrained for the last 119 million years, but limits mantle circulation models to this relatively short period of geological time.

In order to investigate fundamental questions relating to Earth’s convective regime, such as what controls segregation or mixing of chemical heterogeneities, and why does Earth have plate tectonics unlike any other terrestrial planet, requires a much lengthy period of time. Presently, mantle circulation models assume starting conditions and solve forward to present day conditions. What is needed, to overcome this apparently limited time span of geological history in mantle circulation models is a method to reiteratively approximate plate scenarios, with cross-checks to known positions of continents and plate dynamics (through the last ~750 Ma).

Working closely with staff in the University's Department of Mathematics, the successful applicant will produce plate reconstructions for use in 3D numerical spherical models and explore possibilities for extending mantle circulation models back in time.

Full project description >

The successful applicant will be supervised by Dr Tiffany Barry (Department of Geology) and Dr Manolis Georgoulis (Department of Mathematics).

Entry Requirements

Applicants should be numerate and proficient in computer programming and must have a first-class or high upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in maths, physics, or geophysics and meet the University's standard English language entry requirements.

The studentship is only available to applicants who are eligible to pay the UK/EU tuition fee - i.e., those who are permanently resident in the UK or another EU country. Applicants from outside the EU are not eligible for this studentship unless they have been granted permanent UK residency/citizenship.

The studentship is for full-time study only and applicants must be able to commence their studies in October 2012.

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries are welcomed - please contact:

Apply Now

To apply, simply follow our three-point checklist:

  1. Draft a brief personal statement explaining why you would like to work in this area and describing any relevant research experience (including any research projects that you have undertaken - for example, as part of a previous degree - and listing any academic work you have published or which is currently in press awaiting publication). Your personal statement should be no more than 1,000 words.
  2. Prepare your supporting documents
  3. Submit your online application or apply by post

The closing date for receipt of applications is 17 February 2012.

IMPORTANT - In the Fees and Financial Support section of the application, you must state that you wish to be considered for this "PhD Studentship Geology (Ref. Tiffany Barry)"

Postgraduate Research at the University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is one of the UK's leading universities, committed to international excellence through the creation of world changing research and high quality, inspirational teaching. In 2008/2009 we were named the Times Higher Education's University of the Year, with the judges describing us as "elite without being elitist".