Exploring the magmatic plumbing system of the Eastern Caribbean volcanic arc

Exploring the magmatic plumbing system of the Eastern Caribbean volcanic arc

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Lidong Bie, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia

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

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

 

Scientific Background

One of the key challenges in volcanology is understanding changes in volcanic activities during crises, such as transitions from effusive to eruptive activity. These transitions pose significant challenges to hazard management (1). Physical parameters, such as the location, geometry, and size of the volcanic system, and their changes over time, are crucial for modelling volcanic processes and are vital for understanding the transitions. Geophysical monitoring provides essential information to constrain these parameters and inform decision-makers. A recent example is the successful forecasting and evacuation during the 2021 La Soufrière eruption in Saint Vincent (1). Despite this success, questions remain, such as the physical configuration of the magmatic plumbing system in the shallow crust and how it evolves.

 

Research Methodology

This project will explore the crustal properties of the island arc, starting with Saint Vincent Island. Using seismic recordings from the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies (1) and those to be collected in a large nodal deployment, the candidate will apply noise tomographic technique to reveal the seismic velocity model for the shallow upper crust (2) and the velocity changes (3) leading up to the 2021 eruption. The candidate will also explore the use of local earthquake tomography (4) to obtain a seismic velocity model that reaches the lower crust. A combined tomographic model will identify velocity anomalies and provide key information about the magmatic plumbing system. Seismic velocity models will be compared with other geophysical observations, such as density and resistivity, and petrological constraints on the magma source. The candidate may also explore the use of new satellite data to constrain the depth of the magmatic pressurization source (5).

 

Training

The candidate will gain skills in seismic data processing, tomographic imaging, and numerical modelling. Travel opportunities include visiting SRC for collaborative data processing and participating in seismic survey on the island arc. The candidate will benefit from working with a large multi-disciplinary research team recently funded by NERC.

 

Person Specification

We seek an enthusiastic individual with a degree in geoscience, physical sciences, or computer science. Numerical literacy and experience with coding tools (Matlab or Python) and Unix-based operating systems are desirable.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Geophysics, Geology, Computer science, Physics, Environmental Science

Project code: BIE_UEA_ARIES26

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 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) 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. 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