[Aqualist] Three PhD scholarships

[Paul Augustinus]

Dear Tim
We would be grateful if the following advertisement for PhD scholarships 
could be posted on Aqualist:


The School of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science at the 
University of Auckland, New Zealand, invites applications from 
outstanding students to fill three fully-funded 3-yr PhD positions to 
study the Auckland Volcanic Field, North Island, New Zealand. These PhD 
research projects form key components of a major, multi-year integrated 
research programme with the long-term aim of determining volcanic risk 
in Auckland.
The Auckland Volcanic Field is a small-scale monogenetic intra-plate 
basaltic system that has produced about 50 small centres in the form of 
tuff rings, maars, cinder cones and associated lava flows during its 
estimated 250 kyr lifetime. The most recent eruption was about 700 years 
ago, and the field is still considered potentially active.

PhD projects available:
1. Quaternary crypto-tephra study of sediments in Auckland maars
Auckland Volcanic Field maars contain excellent sequences of laminated 
lake sediments with numerous tephra layers from local and distant 
volcanoes, spanning the last 50,000 years. A candidate is needed to 
construct a tephrostratigraphic record of ash fall based on 
crypto-tephra (microscopic ash) layers. The purpose is to assess the 
past frequency and sources of ash fall in Auckland for hazard analysis. 
The project will involve the extraction and geochemical analysis of 
glass shards from sediment cores. A background in lake sediment cores; 
micro-geochemical analysis or tephra studies could be an advantage, but 
is not required.
Research Team: Phil Shane (pa.shane at auckland.ac.nz), Paul Augustinus, 
Graham Leonard, Jan Lindsay

2. Petrology of the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF)
The volcanology, mineralogy and geochemistry of the AVF has been 
generally described and this project will focus on detailed studies 
(mineral chemistry, melt inclusions, isotopes, trace element modelling) 
which will lead to an understanding of how the mantle yields small scale 
melts and how these melts become modified during their rise to the 
surface. The successful applicant will have an interest in volcanic 
rocks, mineralogy and geochemistry; an ability to apply mathematical 
models will be an advantage. He or she will be expected to work closely 
with the PhD candidate working on the complementary project 
investigating physical controls of monogenetic volcanism.
Research team: Ian Smith (ie.smith at auckland.ac.nz), Colin Wilson, Steve 
Blake, Jan Lindsay

3. Physical controls on monogenetic basaltic volcanism
This project focuses on developing a quantitative understanding of the 
physical controls on monogenetic basaltic volcanism. The focus will be 
on the Auckland Volcanic Field, but suitable ancient analogues will also 
be targeted. The successful candidate will undertake field 
investigations to improve the current structural and tectonic model for 
the Auckland volcanic Field, and determine the relationship, if any, 
between tectonics and volcanism in this region. From a strong foundation 
in field observation, the candidate will formulate models for the 
transport of magma through the crust and test these using numerical 
simulations. This project provides an opportunity to produce innovative 
insights into how monogenetic volcanism evolves and varies in both time 
and space. Applicants for this PhD project should have a strong 
foundation in structural geology, tectonics and volcanology, and a high 
level of numeracy. The successful applicant will be expected to work 
closely with the PhD candidate working on the complementary project 
investigating the petrology of the Auckland Volcanic Field.
Research team: Julie Rowland (j.rowland at auckland.ac.nz), Colin Wilson, 
Steve Blake

General information
Each PhD position includes a 3-year stipend of NZ $25,000 per annum (tax 
free), university fees and research costs (including field and 
analytical costs, and travel to national and international conferences). 
Applicants should provide a CV and include contact details of 2-3 
referees and a short letter of motivation and research skills.

Applications due by 30 June 2008 with an expected start date by December 
08.
Applications should be emailed to Jan Lindsay: j.lindsay at auckland.ac.nz
For specific information on each project contact the relevant team 
leader. For general information contact Jan Lindsay.