Magma emplacement and its evolution: deciphering between magmatic and tectonic processes

VUKMANOVIC_UENV25ARIES

Magma emplacement and its evolution: deciphering between magmatic and tectonic processes

VUKMANOVIC_UENV25ARIES

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Zoja Vukmanovic, Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia – contact me

Professor Marian Holness, Earth Science Department, University of Cambridge

Dr Eduardo Mansur, Norwegian Geological Survey

 

Project background

Layered intrusions are deep-seated magma chambers that never erupted, offering a unique opportunity to study how magma cools and differentiates in a plutonic environment (Holness et al., 2017; Vukmanovic et al., 2019). These formations also serve as significant repositories for precious metals such as platinum group elements, titanium, and vanadium.

As natural laboratories for investigating deep magmatic processes, layered intrusions can provide valuable insights. However, many are often affected by tectonic events, which can alter their primary rock microstructure and geochemistry.

The Bjerkreim-Sokndal (BKS) layered intrusion in Southern Norway (Duchesne, 1987) offers abundant evidence of post-magmatic deformation, making it an ideal site to study both magmatic and tectonic processes.

This project aims to distinguish between magmatic and post-emplacement microstructures (Vukmanovic et al., 2019) to gain a deeper understanding of the formation and evolution of the BKS intrusion. Furthermore, it will explore how tectonic deformation has influenced ore mineralization, specifically in terms of the microstructure and geochemistry of the metals hosted within BKS. These metals are critical for the societal transition toward greener energy sources, essential for achieving a carbon-zero future.

The key analytical objectives of this project are to 1) differentiate between magmatic and post-emplacement microstructure, and 2) identify the effect of deformation on the geochemistry of the main rock-forming minerals. The completion of both objectives will entail a combination of 1) fieldwork and petrography; 2) electron backscatter diffraction analyses (EBSD at UEA); 3) QEMSCAN elemental mapping (University of Cambridge) and 4) microprobe analyses (University of Cambridge). The field trip will be carried out in year 1 (two weeks) and year two (two weeks) in Bjerkeim Lobe of the BKS intrusion.

Training

You will gain training in the field geology where they learn how to record magmatic texture and mineralogical variations. You will be trained to analyse samples by EBSD and electron microprobe whereas QEMSCAN maps will be analysed by the Lab manager at the University of Cambridge.

Person specification

We are looking for applicants with a BSc in Geology or a related discipline, enthusiasm for fieldwork, and a strong motivation to succeed.

References

  • Vukmanovic, Z., Holness, M.B., Monks, K. and Andersen, J.C.Ø., 2018. The Skaergaard trough layering: sedimentation in a convecting magma chamber. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 173, pp.1-18.
  • Holness, Marian B., Zoja Vukmanovic, and Elisabetta Mariani. "Assessing the role of compaction in the formation of adcumulates: a microstructural perspective." Journal of Petrology 58.4 (2017): 643-673.
  • Vukmanovic, Z., Holness, M.B., Stock, M.J. and Roberts, R.J., 2019. The creation and evolution of crystal mush in the Upper Zone of the Rustenburg Layered Suite, Bushveld Complex, South Africa. Journal of Petrology, 60(8), pp.1523-1542.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2025. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 8th January 2025.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£19,237 p.a. for 2024/25) and research funding. 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 postgradute researcher (PGRs) benefit from bespoke graduate 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 imigration 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 ask to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • If funded under the BBSRC-NERC DLA scheme, ARIES studentships will be 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. See https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information

Apply Now

Apply via the  University of East Anglia application portal