Department of Environment and Biodiversity (Geology), The University of Salzburg

The Department of Environment and Biodiversity at the University of Salzburg addresses many highly topical and socially relevant issues. These include climate change and its influencing factors from geological to anthropogenic timescales, the increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters, and the rapid loss of biodiversity. Research and research-led teaching cover a broad spectrum of topics, including dynamic processes from the Earth's mantle to its surface and the resulting landscape formations, interactions between organisms and inanimate nature, and biodiversity research at cellular, organismic and ecosystem levels. Communicating scientific findings effectively in today's world is another important aspect of the department's goals. Alongside this fundamental research conducted in collaboration with international partners, the department focuses on applied research in close cooperation with regional non-university institutions. The main focus is on the Alpine region as well as other research areas in the Mediterranean and the tropics.

Homepage: https://www.plus.ac.at/umwelt-und-biodiversitaet/forschung/fachgebiete-der-geologie-und-physische-geographie/geologie/

PhD Position 1: TRACE – Tectonics, Relief and Climate in Exhumation

Exhumation in a fault-dominated mountain range: Tectonic unroofing versus erosional denudation

Project Description:

The exhumation of rocks in active mountain ranges is caused by two fundamentally different processes: (1) tectonic exhumation along low angle normal faults and (2) climate-driven exhumation by erosive surface processes such as rivers. These processes are triggered by plate and mantle-dynamic forces, which influence the spatial and temporal wavelength of uplift. Low-temperature thermochronometry and cosmogenic nuclide dating are two key methods to distinguish between these two processes. However, it has been shown recently that particularly (U-Th)/He data is sometimes challenging to interpret and may offer additional insights into e.g., fluid flow processes in the subsurface rather than exhumation only.

The research project involves collection of extensive low-temperature thermochronological data from key sites in the Eastern Alps to better understand the extent of the association between the cooling signal and exhumation. The results will be integrated with the regional geological history to explore the role of tectonic unroofing vs erosional denudation, as well as the influence of mantle-related processes on orogen-scale uplift.

The transition from the Eastern Alps to the Southern Alps, with the Soboth, Pohorje and Karawanken Massifs separated from each other by crustal scale strike-slip faults, provides an excellent setting for investigating the different influence of these two major processes. To characterize the various contributions of tectonics and climate to exhumation, we will combine the results of a digital terrain analysis with thermochronometry and catchment-wide erosion rates across these fault-dominated mountain massifs.

Responsibilities:

• Scientific support in research and teaching in the fields of structural geology, geomorphology and tectonics
• Work within the Thermochronology Core Facility
• Work within the TRACE & TERRA research projects
• Participation and work within DSP DynamitE
• Independent research: Writing and publishing a dissertation as part of the relevant doctoral program at the University of Salzburg
• Independent teaching: Preparation, delivery and follow-up of courses (including examination duties) in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement
• Administrative tasks

Admission Requirements:

• MSc degree in geosciences (or equivalent)

Desired Qualifications and Qualities:

• Knowledge of sediment basin dynamics, geomorphology, low-temperature thermochronology, structural geology & tectonics or Quaternary geology
• Experience with GIS
• Knowledge of a common programming language
• Ability to work in a team
• Quick learner
• High degree of flexibility
• Can work under stress

Contact:

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christoph von Hagke

Geology Team, Dept. Environment & Biodiversity

The University of Salzburg

Hellbrunnerstr. 34 | 5020 Salzburg | Austria

Tel.: +43/(0)662/8044 – 5401

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