Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 April 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
Scholarship
$33,511pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
Ancient magmatic-hydrothermal systems in volcanoes provide valuable insights into the subsurface volcanic architectures and the mechanisms driving powerful explosions. These systems, often preserved in well-exposed terrestrial Cu-Au-Mo mineralised deposits, reveal the complex interplay between magmatic and hydrothermal processes that can shape volcanic eruptive behaviour.
Magmatic fluid flow events can create extensively break and fracture magmatic and hydrothermal systems. Both top-down (e.g., volcanic eruptions), or bottom-up (e.g., high pore pressure fracturing) are invoked, yet the dynamics are not well understood. Ancient exposed mineralised breccia pipes provide some concrete examples of these processes.
This project will study examples of ancient magmatic-hydrothermal breccia pipes to gain an understanding of the processes that drive powerful volcanic explosions or mineralisation within the vent-conduit-filling deposits. This knowledge is crucial for both predicting and mitigating volcanic hazards, as well as for exploring the potential for copper and critical metal mineralisation required for the energy transition.
Specifically, the project will:
- Study the volcanic architecture and deposits of breccia pipes in Indonesia, Philippines and South America.
- Develop a petrophysical database of altered wall rock lithologies from field sites
- Use numerical models to predict pore pressure and stress conditions required to initiate and propagate fractures for ore-fluid release and explosions
- Assess the potential for fractures to extend into water-saturated zones, driving magma-water interactions.
The outcomes of this project will be used to understand the drivers of powerful submarine volcanism and the roles of magmatic-hydrothermal systems in volcanic eruptions. These outcomes will be used to enhance models for predicting volcanic behaviour and associated hazards and the potential of critical metal mineralisation.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Demonstrated volcanology or hydrothermal-magmatic geological knowledge
- Quantitative skills
- Excellent written and communication skills for presenting research findings and writing scientific papers
- Willingness to collaborate and contribute to a team-oriented research environment
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience in conducting scientific research, including data collection, analysis and interpretation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex data and draw meaningful conclusions.
- A Masters degree relevant to the earth science disciplines of the project
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof Rebecca Carey to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 April 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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