This doctoral position is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network TALENTS, a European-based research network. More details here.

We are seeking applications for a doctoral project that addresses the question why some rifts fail (North Sea or Atlas rift) or almost fail (Norwegian margin), whereas others are successful in breaking a continent (West Iberia and other Atlantic margins). The doctoral candidate will use the geodynamic finite-element software ASPECT to identify factors and processes that control rift success, working from the hypothesis that this is a scale-dependent optimization problem. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional forward models will be conducted incorporating latest insights on lithospheric rheology and fault strength. The numerical predictions are combined with structural observations on fault patterns to obtain fundamental insights into the conditions that lead to rift failure or success.  

Embedded in GFZ’s Section 2.5 “Geodynamic Modelling”, the doctoral candidate will be jointly supervised by Susanne Buiter, Sascha Brune and Christopher Jackson (Jacobs Engineering Group & Imperial College London).

Your responsibilities:

• Design and conduct lithospheric-scale forward models of continental rifting in two and three dimensions
• Quantify the impact of thermo-mechanical model parameters on the strength-evolution of a single rift
• Investigate the dynamics of two competing rifts under variable geometries and extension directions
• Compile first-order geological and geophysical data of failed and successful rifts in the North Atlantic region 
• Compare data compilation and model results in terms of crustal geometries, fault structures and kinematic evolution 
• Participate and contribute in meetings of the TALENTS network (including workshops and field trips in Greece, Ethiopia, Germany)
• Presentation of results at scientific meetings and in publications in peer-reviewed journals

Your qualifications:

• Master`s degree (or equivalent) in Earth Sciences or related field
• Knowledge of geophysics, geodynamics, tectonics
• Basic knowledge of programming and model visualization
• Experience in geodynamic modelling is an asset but not strictly require

Eligibility Criteria:

The Marie Curie Eligibility Guidelines need to be fulfilled. In particular:

• Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the start date
• Researchers can be of any nationality