[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Linking degassing and mass eruption rates, conduit modelling and petrological records to quantify different eruptive styles and processes at basaltic volcanoes

About the project

About the Project Why does a volcano switch from producing lava flows to launching powerful lava fountains? Can gases measured from space help us understand what is happening inside a volcanic conduit? This PhD project will combine satellite observations, analysis of erupted rocks and advanced numerical modelling to investigate the processes driving changes in volcanic behaviour. You will explore how magma ascent, gas release, crystallisation and changing magma properties interact, and test whether combining different observations can reveal mechanisms that remain hidden when each dataset is studied separately. Your initial focus will be Mt Etna, where well-observed lava-fountain episodes provide an exceptional natural laboratory. You will bring together satellite measurements, ground-based observations and petrological evidence to build a detailed picture of selected eruptions. Using Manchester’s TROPOMI/PlumeTraj workflow, you will reconstruct volcanic SO₂ emission rates and plume heights, with gas-emission histories now resolvable at approximately 10-minute intervals. You will then use these observations to test time-dependent models of magma moving through volcanic conduits. Which changes in magma properties or gas escape can explain an eruption’s evolution? Can different mechanisms produce similar observations? What additional evidence helps distinguish between them? Your work will address these questions through systematic sensitivity analysis, uncertainty assessment and comparisons between simulations and eruption datasets. The goal is not simply to produce a model that fits, but to understand which physical explanations the evidence supports. Once demonstrated at Etna, the approach could be extended to other basaltic volcanoes with suitable observations. Potential outcomes include identifying the dominant controls on changing eruptive behaviour, establishing which conduit properties can be constrained reliably, and developing methods that strengthen the interpretation of volcano-monitoring data. You will receive training across satellite remote sensing, plume analysis, numerical modelling, scientific programming, uncertainty quantification and the interpretation of volcanic rocks and textures. This combination will equip you to connect observations with physical processes and develop transferable skills in quantitative analysis and computational research. You will be supported by an interdisciplinary supervisory team. Burton will guide volcanic degassing, satellite retrievals and overall project integration; Johnson will contribute applied mathematics and fluid dynamics; La Spina will support magma-ascent modelling; and Polacci will provide expertise in petrology, permeability and erupted products. Technical support from the Ex-X modelling team, including PDRA Langham until 2029, will complement specialist supervisory meetings and regular group discussions. The project builds on Manchester’s established volcanology expertise and the NERC-funded Ex-X programme, which is developing new time-dependent magma-ascent models. You will pursue a distinct, student-led research question while benefiting from active modelling development, established infrastructure and a collaborative research network. You will have opportunities to develop publishable research spanning satellite analysis, eruption datasets and physical modelling. Joining a group of four academics, five postdoctoral researchers and around ten PhD students, you will become part of a community spanning volcanic processes, observations and experiments. Your research will connect what satellites detect above volcanoes with the dynamic processes below, contributing to a stronger physical understanding of eruptions and their hazards. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in quantitative science OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in quantitative science. Previous research experience in programming and satellite remote sensing is desirable. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoNS

Research areas