Deciphering the Formation, Emplacement, and Ore-Forming Processes of the Rogaland Anorthosite Complex, Norway

Project Code: VUKMANOVIC_UEA_ARIES27

Deciphering the Formation, Emplacement, and Ore-Forming Processes of the Rogaland Anorthosite Complex, Norway

Project Code: VUKMANOVIC_UEA_ARIES27

Project Description

Supervisors

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

Dr William McCharty, University of St Andrews

Dr Craig Magee, University of Leeds

Dr Gareth Fabbro, UEA

Dr Eduardo Mansur, Norwegian Geological Survey, Trondheim, Norway

 

Scientific Background:

Anorthosites represent one of the most unique and widely debated rock formations in Earth’s crust. They are characterised by their almost monomineralic plagioclase composition, making them unusual among intrusive bodies. These rocks have been central to advancing our understanding of the formation of the Earth’s Moon and potentially other planetary bodies. However, the origin of their monomineralic nature remains contentious, with no clear consensus regarding their source (mantle versus crust), tectonic setting, or emplacement mechanisms. Beyond their scientific significance, they have economic significance as they are associated with economically important Fe-Ti oxide deposits. The study area for this project is the Rogaland Anorthosite Complex in southern Norway, the largest massif-type anorthosite complex in Europe. The project will focus on the Egersund-Ogna massif and its associated ore bodies.

 

Research Methodology

The project will address three key questions:

  • What are the main dynamic flow regimes within large anorthosite plutons (e.g. magma mixing and convection within anorthosite magma chambers)?
  • What was the emplacement mechanism of the Egersund-Ogna massif?
  • How are the lenticular ore bodies related to the broader architecture of the Egersund-Ogna massif?

The project will rely on 1) fieldwork and petrography; 2) electron backscatter diffraction analyses EBSD; 3) Magnetic fabric analysis and electron microprobe and 4) mineral chemistry. Fieldwork will be carried out in year 1 (two weeks) on Egersund – Ogna pluton, south-west Norway.

 

Training

The student will receive bespoke training in (1) digital (i.e. tablet-based) and traditional (i.e. pen and paper) mapping techniques; (2) petrology and advanced microstructural analysis; (3) rock magnetic techniques. Training will be largely one-to-one, working closely with supervisors at their modern laboratory facilities. Student will also have access to ARIES training program, providing further opportunities for professional and research skills development.

 

Person Specification:

We are looking for applicants that have a BSc/MSc in Geology or related discipline, enthusiasm for fieldwork, and a strong motivation to succeed. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who wish to mould this project around their research interests who have an interest in petrography and structural geology.

Acceptable first degree subject(s): 2:1 Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Geological Sciences or related.

References

  • Vukmanovic, Zoja, et al. "The Skaergaard trough layering: sedimentation in a convecting magma chamber." Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 173.5 (2018): 43.
  • Vukmanovic, Zoja, et al. "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 (2019): 1523-1542.
  • McCarthy, William, et al. "Distinguishing diapirs from inflated plutons: an integrated rock magnetic fabric and structural study on the Roundstone Pluton, western Ireland." Journal of the Geological Society 172.5 (2015): 550-565.
  • Charlier, Bernard, et al. "Polybaric fractional crystallization of high-alumina basalt parental magmas in the Egersund–Ogna massif-type anorthosite (Rogaland, SW Norway) constrained by plagioclase and high-alumina orthopyroxene megacrysts." Journal of Petrology 51.12 (2010): 2515-2546
  • Duchesne, Jean-Clair. "Fe-Ti deposits in Rogaland anorthosites (South Norway): geochemical characteristics and problems of interpretation." Mineralium Deposita 34.2 (1999): 182-198

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. 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