PhD: Use of isotopic methods as proxies for erosion and weathering intensity in Himalaya

This PhD in geochemistry is 3 year position offered at Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques (Nancy, France) in the frame of the iTECC Marie Curie initial training network.

iTECC: Investigating Tectonism-Erosion-Climate-Couplings

The iTECC principle objective is to use the Himalaya as a natural laboratory to train young scientists in understanding such coupled processes. iTECC will integrate information from sedimentary archives with work on present-day tectonics, weathering, erosion and climate. Hereto iTECC brings together and develops expertise in : observation and modeling of the active deformation of the lithosphere ; processes of weathering and erosion ; study of the geological records of the past evolution of these processes ; and modeling of present and past climate change. The breadth of this research provides training in observational, analytical and mathematical methods applied in Earth and environmental sciences.

The proposed interdisciplinary training will result in a cohort of Earth Scientists with the cross-disciplinary expertise to enable them to tackle the problems posed in understanding the complex earth processes which moderate our surface environment. One PhD is proposed PhD summary: Use of geochemical and stable isotopic methods as proxies for erosion and weathering intensity.

Silicate chemical weathering is thought to provide the feedback that moderates atmospheric CO2 concentrations and climate over Earth history. Increased erosion driven by the Himalayan orogen may have caused Cenozoic global cooling by moderating the feedback. This PhD project will be oriented to trace weathering processes and intensity using stable isotopes proxies. Special interest will be paid on the impact of erosion and weathering on the biogeochemical cycles. The student will also collaborate with network scientists to infer the climatic significance of the sedimentary records and technique development.

For more detailed information contact Christian France-Lanord cfl@crpg.cnrs-nancy.fr and Guillaume Caro caro@crpg.cnrs-nancy.fr at CRPG iTECC web site: http://www.falw.vu/~itecc/iTECC/Welcome.html CRPG web site: http://www.crpg.cnrs-nancy.fr

Who can apply? Candidate must not have a PhD, and have less than 4 years research counted from the diploma that gives the rights to embark in a doctoral degree. They must fulfil the mobility rule ie. candidates must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account. In other words, applications are open to Master students who are not graduated from a French university.

Master in Geology with background knowledge in geochemistry is expected for this position.

This must include: complete CV, your statement of interest, and names and email of two potential academic referees