Exploring the Magmatic Plumbing System of the Eastern Caribbean Volcanic Arc

Project Code: BIE_UEA_ARIES27

Exploring the Magmatic Plumbing System of the Eastern Caribbean Volcanic Arc

Project Code: BIE_UEA_ARIES27

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Lidong Bie, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia – contact me

Dr Jessica Johnson, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia

Professor Jenni Barclay, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol

Dr Corentin Caudron, Department of Geosciences, the Université libre de Bruxelles

 

Scientific Background:

One of the key challenges in volcanology is understanding changes in volcanic activities during periods of unrest, particularly transitions from effusive to eruptive activity. Such transitions present significant challenges for hazard management (Joseph et al., 2022). Physical parameters of volcanic systems, including their location, geometry, size, and their temporal evolution, are critical for modelling volcanic processes and understanding these transitions. Geophysical monitoring provides essential constraints on these parameters. A recent example is the successful forecasting and evacuation efforts during the 2021 La Soufrière eruption in Saint Vincent (Joseph et al., 2022). Despite this success, the structure and evolution of the magmatic plumbing system within the shallow crust remain poorly understood.

 

Research Methodology:

This project will investigate the crustal structure of the East Caribbean island arc, initially focusing on Saint Vincent. Using seismic data from the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies, together with recordings from a large seismic experiment in 2026, the candidate will apply ambient noise tomography to image the shallow upper crust (Cabrera-Pérez et al., 2023) and reveal temporal changes (Mezcua et al., 2024). The candidate will also explore the use of local earthquake tomography (Bie et al., 2022) to obtain seismic velocity models extending into the lower crust. The combined tomographic model will provide new insights into the magmatic plumbing system. Seismic velocity models will be integrated with other available geophysical datasets, including density and electrical resistivity models, as well as petrological constraints on magma sources. There may also be opportunities to use new satellite geodetic data to constrain the depth and evolution of magmatic pressurization sources (Taylor et al., 2021).

 

Training:

The candidate will gain expertise in seismic data processing, tomographic imaging, and numerical modelling, alongside broader training in environmental sciences provided through ARIES. Opportunities for travel include collaborative visits to SRC. The candidate will work within a large multi-disciplinary research team recently funded by NERC.

 

Person Specification:

We seek an enthusiastic and motivated individual with a degree in geoscience or a related discipline. Numerical literacy and experience with coding tools and Unix-based operating systems are desirable.

Acceptable first degree subject(s): Geophysics, Geology, Computer science, Physics, Environmental Science.

References

  • Joseph, E.P., Camejo-Harry, M., Christopher, T., Contreras-Arratia, R., Edwards, S., Graham, O., Johnson, M., Juman, A., Latchman, J.L., Lynch, L. and Miller, V.L., …Barclay. J., et al., 2022. Responding to eruptive transitions during the 2020–2021 eruption of La Soufrière volcano, St. Vincent. Nature Communications, 13(1), p.4129.
  • Cabrera-Pérez, I., Soubestre, J., D’Auria, L., Barrancos, J., Martín-Lorenzo, A., van Dorth, D.M., Padilla, G.D., Przeor, M. and Pérez, N.M., 2023. Geothermal and structural features of La Palma island (Canary Islands) imaged by ambient noise tomography. Scientific Reports, 13(1), p.12892.
  • Mezcua, J. and Rueda, J., 2024. Seismic Velocity Variations Observed Prior to the La Palma Volcano Eruption on 19 September 2021, in Cumbre Vieja, Canary Islands (Spain). The Seismic Record, 4(1), pp.11-20
  • Bie, L., Hicks, S., Rietbrock, A., Goes, S., Collier, J., Rychert, C., Harmon, N., Maunder, B. and VoiLA Consortium, 2022. Imaging slab-transported fluids and their deep dehydration from seismic velocity tomography in the Lesser Antilles subduction zone. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 586, p.117535.
  • Taylor, N.C., Johnson, J.H. and Herd, R.A., 2021. Making the most of the Mogi model: Size matters. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 419, p.107380.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2027. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 16 December 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via the University of East Anglia Application Portal