[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Volcanic fluid flow and release of greenhouse gases as drivers for Paleocene-Eocene paleoclimate

About the project

About the Project Simulations of Earth’s response to current and future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are limited by our current knowledge of Earth-climate feedbacks, creating large uncertainties in numerical climate models. Past catastrophic greenhouse events, known as “hyperthermals”, provide a unique opportunity to study complex natural feedbacks. The Paleocene–Eocene (~56-52 Ma) hyperthermals, for instance, were transient events of extreme warmth resulting from massive addition of isotopically light carbon to the ocean-atmosphere system. Various potential drivers have been identified, including causal links with emplacement of the North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP). One of these suggests that volcanogenic GHG emissions drove warming, which released methane from marine clathrates. This scenario is corroborated by numerical simulations that suggest a prominent role of GHG released from thermally overprinted rocks adjacent to NAIP-related igneous intrusions. The interaction of volcanogenic GHG-rich fluids with country rocks (as thermal overprints, mineralizations, or mineral dissolution) would provide powerful evidence for a causal link. This project aims to test the hypothesis that NAIP-related rock/water interaction provides direct evidence of carbon transfer from the subsurface to the atmosphere-ocean system. East Greenland is a key area due to widespread occurrence of NAIP-age intrusives in Cretaceous-Palaeogene sedimentary rocks. Known mineralizations in East Greenland have been related previously to NAIP-age fluid flow. Recently acquired drill core and access to outcrop samples provide well-preserved material and a protracted record of igneous-sediment interaction. The project will involve (1) reconstruction of the Cretaceous-Palaeogene stratigraphy and sedimentology; (2) determination of the bulk inorganic and organic geochemistry of sedimentary rocks and associated igneous lithologies; (3) geochronology of suitable cement phases to establish age relationship to NAIP intrusives; (4) identification of key signatures for GHG-bearing fluid flow (e.g. mineralizations, fluid inclusions, noble gases). We are looking for highly motivated candidates with an interest in undertaking sedimentary/stratigraphic, diagenetic and geochemical analyses and the willingness to learn about new analytical techniques. The successful candidate will be based at the University of Manchester and will join an international team of researchers in Manchester, St Andrews and Copenhagen with access to world-class analytical facilities (including X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, isotopes, gas analysis, organic geochemical and fluid inclusion laboratories). The candidate can spend extended periods of time at these laboratories for analytical work. 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 in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent). Candidates with an interest in undertaking sedimentary/stratigraphic, diagenetic and geochemical analyses and the willingness to learn about new analytical techniques are encouraged to apply. 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

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