[Aqualist] PhD scholarship: using liquefied lacustrine tephras to evaluate paleoseismicity

[Tehnuka Ilanko]

 Dear colleagues,

We have a fully funded PhD position available in Earth Sciences at the
University of Waikato (Hamilton, NZ) on characterising and using liquefied
lacustrine tephra layers to evaluate paleoearthquakes and seismic hazard.

Background: We are seeking a PhD student to join our project “Earth-shaking
insight from liquefied volcanic-ash (tephra) layers in lakes”. The project
is led by Professor David Lowe. We aim to map, characterise, and use
liquefied tephra layers in lake sediments to investigate paleoseismicity
and to evaluate earthquake hazards for the Hamilton lowlands (including
Hamilton City) in northern New Zealand. Our previous research has shown
that shallow lakes aged 20,000 years in the lowlands contain tephra layers
that in some cases are liquefied because, we propose, of intense shaking on
nearby faults. See our project website for more information:
https://tephra-seismites.com/

Project: The PhD project will involve (1) lake coring; (2) interpreting CT
and micro-CT images of liquefaction of tephra layers in lake cores; (3)
developing methods to characterise the liquefied tephra layers (tephra
seismites) quantitatively in 3D (geometric morphometrics); (4) analysing
spatial patterns of the seismites; and (5) evaluating paleoseismicity and
hazards in and beyond Hamilton.

Funding and location: The PhD student is fully funded by the Marsden Fund
for three years: enrolment and other fees are covered and a tax-free
scholarship (stipend) of NZ$27,500 per annum is provided. The candidate
will be based at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Eligibility criteria: Candidates must have a research-based masters or
honours degree in geosciences, preferably with a background in sedimentary
or volcanic geology, geo-computing, or paleoseismology. GIS experience
could be an advantage. Potential candidates must meet the University of
Waikato’s PhD eligibility criteria (including IELTS requirements). The
position is open to domestic and international applicants currently based
in New Zealand as well as equivalent applicants beyond New Zealand. Please
be aware that the New Zealand Government has placed restrictions on entry
to New Zealand, which may impact on overseas applicants (i.e. those not
currently domiciled in New Zealand), but it is likely that international
students may soon be able to enter New Zealand under certain criteria to
undertake PhD studies.

Deadline for applications: 25 March 2021

To access requirements to apply and contacts for further information,
please see
https://www.waikato.ac.nz/scholarships/Research-Project-Funding

Many thanks,
Tehnuka

-- 
Dr Tehnuka Ilanko
Research Officer (Academic)
'Evaluating earthquake risk using liquefied ash-layers in lakes'
(MBIE)/'Earth-shaking
insight from liquefied volcanic-ash layers in lake' (Marsden)
www.tephra-seismites.com

Te Aka Mātuatua - School of Science
University of Waikato  |  Private Bag 3105
Hamilton 3240  |  New Zealand
waikato.ac.nz
[image: University of Waikato]
*The content of this email is confidential and intended for the recipient
specified in message only, unless otherwise stated.*