The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Canada) invites applications for a 4-year PhD position in Quantitative Seismic Geomorphology and Stratigraphic Forward Modelling. The successful applicant will be awarded a competitive PhD funding package which includes tuition fees, stipend for living expenses, and support for travelling to conferences, field trips, and training.
The proposed project is at the interface between seismic geomorphology, process sedimentology, and numerical modelling of depositional systems, with the punchline to investigate how external controls affect the evolution of deep-water systems in a tectonically active area. There will be emphasis on predicting sand distribution and connectivity where gravity-driven flows interact with deep-water oceanographic currents.
The proposed project is at the interface between seismic geomorphology, process sedimentology, and numerical modelling of depositional systems, with the punchline to investigate how external controls affect the evolution of deep-water systems in a tectonically active area. There will be emphasis on predicting sand distribution and connectivity where gravity-driven flows interact with deep-water oceanographic currents.
Project goals:
The project combines 3D seismic data and exploration wells from the continental margin of the western Indian Ocean with stratigraphic modelling to:
1) Simulate the tectonic effects of the East Africa Rift System (EARS) on the evolution of the margin;
2) Understand the mechanisms and timing of sediment delivery to the Somali Basin;
3) Evaluate how the interaction among gravitydriven processes, bottom currents, and tectonic seafloor deformation controls deep-water depositional systems;
4) Explore the internal architecture (with emphasis on the distribution and connectivity of sand bodies) and geometric relationships of mixed turbidite-contourite systems in both down-slope and
along-slope directions.
1) Simulate the tectonic effects of the East Africa Rift System (EARS) on the evolution of the margin;
2) Understand the mechanisms and timing of sediment delivery to the Somali Basin;
3) Evaluate how the interaction among gravitydriven processes, bottom currents, and tectonic seafloor deformation controls deep-water depositional systems;
4) Explore the internal architecture (with emphasis on the distribution and connectivity of sand bodies) and geometric relationships of mixed turbidite-contourite systems in both down-slope and
along-slope directions.
These are overarching goals that span from the long term evolution of the margin to the detailed characterisation of deep-water deposits, and we ask the candidate to present, in the cover letter, how she/he would develop the project and which methodologies they might envision using in order to achieve such goals during the 4 years.
The candidates will receive training in geophysics, sedimentary geology, and numerical modelling, will have the opportunity to join field excursions, and will present key findings at international
research conferences. The results of the PhD will be published in high-impact journals. The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences requires graduate students to take ERTH 6300
(Research Skills) and ERTH 6350 (Quantitative Methods in Earth Sciences).
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must have a MSc degree in Geology, Geophysics, or a related field with a cumulative GPA of 4.0 ("A" equivalent), and experience in the interpretation of 3D seismic data (including
seismic inversion from reflection amplitude to lithofacies, depofacies, phi, and k) and/or stratigraphic forward modelling (knowledge of programming is preferred).
Priority will be given to candidates with expertise in Schlumberger Petrel, Eliis PaleoScan, and Beicip-Franlab models (DionisosFlow).
International candidates must have satisfactory results from a standard language test, such as TOEFL (minimum score of 92 for the internet-based test); MELAB (90 minimum score) or IELTS
(7.0 minimum score).
The supervisory team is composed by Dr Vittorio Maselli (PI, Dalhousie University), Dr Stephen Hubbard (University of Calgary), Dr David Iacopini (University of Naples), and Dr Hawie Nicolas (Beicip-Franlab).
(7.0 minimum score).
The supervisory team is composed by Dr Vittorio Maselli (PI, Dalhousie University), Dr Stephen Hubbard (University of Calgary), Dr David Iacopini (University of Naples), and Dr Hawie Nicolas (Beicip-Franlab).
Informal inquiries can be made to vittorio.maselli@dal.ca with a copy of curriculum vitae and cover letter.
Deadline for the application is 31 July 2020, and the successful candidate is expected to start on 1 September 2020.