Primary Supervisor – Dr. Lidong B

Scientific background

One of the major challenges in volcanology is understanding changes in volcanic activities during crises, such as transitions from eruptive to volcanic activity. These shifts pose significant challenges to risk management (1). Physical parameters, such as the location, geometry, and size of a volcanic system, and their changes over time, are essential for modeling volcanic processes and vital for understanding metamorphoses. Geophysical monitoring provides essential information to constrain these parameters and inform decision makers. A recent example of this is the successful forecast and evacuation during the 2021 La Soufrière eruption on St. Vincent (1). Despite this success, questions remain, such as the physical composition of the molten plumbing system in the shallow crust and how it evolved.

Research methodology

This project will explore the crustal features of the island arc, starting on St. Vincent Island. Using seismic recordings from the Seismic Research Center (SRC) at the University of the West Indies (1) and those to be collected in a large decadal deployment, the candidate will apply noise tomography to model the shallow upper crust seismic velocity (2) and velocity changes (3) leading to the 2021 eruption. The candidate will also explore the use of tomography of local earthquakes (4) to model For the seismic velocity reaching the lower crust. The combined CT model will identify velocity anomalies and provide key information about the molten plumbing system. Seismic velocity models will be compared with other geophysical observations, such as density, resistivity, and lithological constraints on the magma source. The candidate could also explore using new satellite data to constrain the depth of the magmatic pressure source (5).

an exercise

The candidate will acquire skills in seismic data processing, tomography, and numerical modeling. Travel opportunities include visiting the SRC for collaborative data processing and participating in the island arc seismic survey. The candidate will benefit from working with a large multidisciplinary research team recently funded by NERC.

Person specifications

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a degree in Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences or Computer Science. Numerical knowledge and experience with coding tools (Matlab or Python) and Unix-based operating systems are desirable.

Entry requirements

At least a UK BA (Hons) equivalency of 2:1. English language requirements (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

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

Study method

Full time

Start date

October 1, 2026

Financing information

ARIES Scholarships are governed by UKRITerms and Conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded scholarship, which covers fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26) and a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG). A limited number of scholarships are available to international applicants, with the difference between ‘national’ and ‘international’ fees waived by the registered university. However, please note that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with moving to and living in the UK, such as visa costs or additional health fees.