PhD Studentship: Exploring the magmatic plumbing system of the Eastern Caribbean volcanic arc

Primary Supervisor - Dr Lidong Be

Scientific Background

One of the key challenges in volcanology is understanding changes in volcanic activities during crises, such as transitions from effusive to eruptive activity. These transitions pose significant challenges to hazard management (1). Physical parameters, such as the location, geometry, and size of the volcanic system, and their changes over time, are crucial for modelling volcanic processes and are vital for understanding the transitions. Geophysical monitoring provides essential information to constrain these parameters and inform decision-makers. A recent example is the successful forecasting and evacuation during the 2021 La Soufrière eruption in Saint Vincent (1). Despite this success, questions remain, such as the physical configuration of the magmatic plumbing system in the shallow crust and how it evolves. 

Research Methodology

This project will explore the crustal properties of the island arc, starting with Saint Vincent Island. Using seismic recordings from the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies (1) and those to be collected in a large nodal deployment, the candidate will apply noise tomographic technique to reveal the seismic velocity model for the shallow upper crust (2) and the velocity changes (3) leading up to the 2021 eruption. The candidate will also explore the use of local earthquake tomography (4) to obtain a seismic velocity model that reaches the lower crust. A combined tomographic model will identify velocity anomalies and provide key information about the magmatic plumbing system. Seismic velocity models will be compared with other geophysical observations, such as density and resistivity, and petrological constraints on the magma source. The candidate may also explore the use of new satellite data to constrain the depth of the magmatic pressurization source (5). 

Training

The candidate will gain skills in seismic data processing, tomographic imaging, and numerical modelling. Travel opportunities include visiting SRC for collaborative data processing and participating in seismic survey on the island arc. The candidate will benefit from working with a large multi-disciplinary research team recently funded by NERC. 

Person Specification

We seek an enthusiastic individual with a degree in geoscience, physical sciences, or computer science. Numerical literacy and experience with coding tools (Matlab or Python) and Unix-based operating systems are desirable. 

Entry Requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

Acceptable first degree: Geophysics, Geology, Computer science, Physics, Environmental Science 

Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

1 October 2026 

Funding Information

ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.  

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