Hot rocks and hidden metals: The porosity puzzle of the Cornubian batholith

Hot rocks and hidden metals: The porosity puzzle of the Cornubian batholith

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Michelle Harris, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Plymouth

Dr Andy Parsons, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Plymouth

Dr Katie Jones, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Plymouth

Dr Giuliano Laudone, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Plymouth

 

Scientific Background

The Cornubian batholith of SW England represents a crucial resource for the UK’s Energy Transition, providing a source of critical metals (Li, Sn, W) and heat for geothermal projects. Deep crustal fluid flow and the resulting fluid-rock reactions that mobilise heat and metals into the fluids are key to its potential as an economic resource. However, the nature of the porosity and permeability which controls fluid flow within these rocks is poorly understood, limiting our ability to capitalise on their resource potential. Central to this problem is the uncharacterised role of microporosity (i.e. grain scale) versus the broader macro-scale porosity and permeability generated by local and regional structures (e.g., faults and fractures). How does microporosity vary across the granites, how is this impacted by mineralogy and macroscopic structures, and how can we scale lab-based measurements of porosity with field observations? The answers to these questions will provide a new and much needed understanding of the controls of fluid-flow processes in the Cornubian batholith and their controls on the fluid mobilization of geothermal heat and metals.

 

Research Methodology

Representative samples and field structural data will be collected from a number of accessible sites across the Cornubian batholith. Discrete samples will be fully characterised for mineralogy (SEM) and bulk rock geochemistry (ICP-MS, XRF). Internal pore structure will be investigated in detail using helium pycnometry, mercury porosimetry and micro-CT scanning. These datasets will be used in combination with the Porexpert Research Suite to construct numerical models that simulate fluid flow, allowing for the calculation of permeability. These results will be integrated with the field data to determine the variability in microporosity and permeability and how these are influenced by mineralogy and larger scale structures.

 

Training

The successful candidate will receive all necessary training including field sampling and measurement, as well as direct training in the safe and effective operation of the different instruments and in advanced data processing workflows for the data outputs and modelling tools.

 

Person Specification

We seek a motivated individual with an interest in Earth Science and a desire to develop expertise in analytical techniques and modelling/basic programming.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Earth Sciences, Geology, Material Science

Project code: HARRIS_PLYM_ARIES26

References

  • Simons et al., 2016. The petrogenesis of the Early Permian Variscan granites of the Cornubian Batholith: Lower plate post-collisional peraluminous magmatism in the Rhenohercynian Zone of SW England. Lithos 260 p76-94 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2016.05.010
  • Stanek & Geraud 2019. Granite microporosity changes due to fracturing and alteration: secondary mineral phases as proxies for porosity and permeability estimation. JGR Solid Earth 10, p251-274 https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-251-2019
  • Schwarzenbach & Harris 2025 Hydrothermal alteration of the oceanic lithosphere. Treatise of Geochemistry 3rd Edition Vol 2 p1-37 https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-99762-1.00016-4
  • Jones, KL, Matthews, GP & Laudone, GM 2020, 'The effect of irradiation and radiolytic oxidation on the porous space of Gilsocarbon nuclear graphite measured with mercury porosimetry and helium pycnometry', Carbon, vol. 158, pp. 256-266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2019.11.084
  • Matthews, GP, Levy, CL, Laudone, GM, Jones, KL, Ridgway, CJ, Halllin, I, Gazze, SA, Francis, L, Whalley, WR, Schoelkopf, J & Gane, PAC 2018, 'Improved Interpretation of Mercury Intrusion and Soil Water Retention Percolation Characteristics by Inverse Modelling and Void Cluster Analysis', Transport in Porous Media, vol. 124, no. 2, pp. 631-653. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-018-1087-1

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  University of Plymouth ARIES Doctoral Training