M.Sc./Ph.D studentship on halogens in the proto-Iceland plume
source mantle
Supervisor Dr Emma Tomlinson (Department of Geology, Trinity College Dublin)
Project description
A two year M.Sc. research studentship opportunity (starting September 2015) in the field
of mantle geochemistry exists for a highly motivated individual at the Department of
Geology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Exceptional individuals may be considered as
Ph.D. candidates.
The volatile content of the convecting mantle reflects the interplay between primordial
(undegassed) volatiles and those re-introduced to the mantle via subduction. Ocean Island
Basalts with high 3He/4He ratios have a wide range of Sr-Nd-Pb isotope and incompatible
trace element compositions. The apparent decoupling of volatile and lithophile element
behaviors requires the existence of a primordial volatile reservoir. The halogens (F, Cl, Br
and I) represent key tracers of volatile transport processes in the Earth.
As part of a Science Foundation Ireland project, supporting one postdoctoral researcher
and two postgraduate students, this project aims to characterize the halogen composition
of the primordial mantle. This will be achieved by analyzing the elemental (F, Cl, Br, I)
and isotopic (δ37Cl) composition of basaltic glasses from the proto-Iceland plume from
Baffin Island and the British Isles. The laboratory work will comprise trace-element
analyses using the state-of-the-art LA-ICP-MS laboratory at Trinity College Dublin and
SIMS analysis at the NordSIM facility in Sweden. The ultimate goal is to test the
hypothesis that primordial volatiles are present as a separate fluid phase.
Requirements and Training
The ideal candidate is a Geology graduate with some laboratory and/or microanalysis
expertise. The project is open to EU students only (students who have been resident for 3
out of the last 5 years in the EU) and includes fees and a tax-free stipend of €18,000 per
annum. Prospective candidates should send an academic c.v. and the names and contact
details of at least two academic referees to tomlinse@tcd.ie. Evaluation of applications
will begin on 15th June 2015 and continue until the position is filled.