PhD Studentship:
Experimental investigation of the controls of fluid distribution and metal enrichment in porphyry copper deposits

The composition of fluids released from ascending and crystallising magmas at sub-volcanic depths is controlled by the thermodynamics of fluid-melt equilibria. Partitioning of base metals is influenced by the composition of the melt and fluid phases and intensive variables, such as pressure, temperature and redox state. This studentship focuses on partitioning experiments, with a view to generating models of how fluid chemistry evolves as magmas degas and cool. The temporal evolution of these fluids will provide important information on the sequential development of alteration haloes and base metal precipitation.

The student will conduct fluid-melt partitioning experiments over a range of pressures and temperatures using cold-seal hydrothermal pressure apparatus. Fluids will be trapped and quenched either in the pore space of diamond traps enclosed within the experimental capsule or as synthetic fluids inclusions within cracked quartz grains loaded into the capsules. Run products will be analysed by EPMA and laser ablation ICP-MS.

For further details and application , please contact Professor Steve Sparks (steve.sparks@bristol.ac.uk), Professor Jon Blundy (jon.blundy@bristol.ac.uk), or Dr Alison Rust (alison.rust@bristol.ac.uk)

The closing date for applications is 15 May 2012.