PhD Position in Active Tectonics and Earthquake Geology at the University of Iceland

Our colleague Gregory De Pascale advertises a PhD position in Iceland:

Do you want to do your PhD in Earth Sciences and research on an exciting Plate boundary in the North Atlantic? Earthquakes are the outcome of plate tectonic motions and important geological hazards and Iceland is a world class laboratory to study these complex systems. Although abundant modern seismicity including historic damaging events and complex tectonic and volcanic interactions are observed, little is known about the active faults, generally normal and strike slip, in Iceland that are responsible for these earthquakes and have an important control on eruptive centers.

The HI (i.e. University of Iceland)-based PhD student that will live in Reykjavik and will focus on the active faults in Iceland in a funded 3-year PhD in Geology project under the supervision of Associate Professor Gregory De Pascale. Applicant must be functional in written and spoken English. Start date is second half of 2024. This will be part of the Faculty of Earth Science and the Institute of Earth Sciences based in Reykjavik.

The PhD student will do desktop remote sensing mapping and digital elevation models (DEMs) will aid to define areas to collect fit-for-purpose surveys using existing HI drones for aerial photography and lidar-derived topography and development of high-resolution DEMs. The DEMs will be used for extensive field geologic mapping campaigns. They will constrain timing of prior ruptures along these faults using both on- and off- fault shaking records using a combination of Quaternary dating methods and tephrachronology to obtain critical earthquake parameters. By combining field data and geochronology data with remote sensing, and existing modelling, we will better characterise the neotectonics and the seismic and fault rupture hazard and interplay with volcanism in Iceland. Opportunities exist for TA (teaching assistant) positions during the degree in Geological Mapping, Tectonics, and Structural Geology to supplement the PhD salary. Please note that a Masters Degree is required to be admitted to the program. For more on the PhD program: https://english.hi.is/earth_sciences_phd
Qualifications
– Completion of a MSc degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related field.
– The ability to conduct remote, field work in rugged terrain and sometimes challenging weather, on foot and with boat and potentially helicopter, is required.
– Experience in one or more of the following is considered an asset: structural geology,
tectonics, earthquake geology, tectonic geomorphology
If you are interested in applying, please email: A) a cover letter of motivation (including field experience outlined, i.e. why you would like to do this), B) CV, C) a copy of undergrad and masters degree transcripts (digital copy is fine at this stage – but certified transcripts are required for formal admission) and D) two letters of recommendation by July 31st 2024 to
gregoryp {@} hi.is
Please note I’ll be in the field for most of the northern summer (June/July/Aug) thus may be slow in replying.
PhD enrollments are ongoing at the University of Iceland, and the student should start by the end of 2024. Thanks.

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