Lithic lava fragments – secret recorders of eruptions pre-explosive history

Explosive eruptions generate a range of types of rock types. Although studies typically focus on the vesicular (juvenile) material, the deposits also contain lithic fragments that represent portions of the preexisting volcano and are generally overlooked. These lithic fragments can be derived from a range of sources; lava domes that existed prior explosive phases of eruptions, or degassed or gas-poor parts of the juvenile magma. Others might represent the vent walls, as explosive eruptions often undergo vent modification and erosion, and could include parts of the hydrothermal system of the volcano. Thus these ‘lithic’ lava fragments can represent lava domes that sat on the top of and sealed the conduit, allowing pressure to build, and leading to potentially hazardous explosive activity. They therefore contain critical information on the nature of the volcanic system, immediately prior to hazardous explosive events. Understanding them will generate critical information on the transition between effusive and explosive activity.

This PhD studentship is part of the NERC Large grant ‘Ex-X - Expecting the unexpected- Understanding Dangerous volcanic transitions’, and will study both historical and prehistorical explosive events in the Eastern Caribbean where there is evidence for explosive/effusive transitions.

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree in geology/earth sciences or a similar subject and/or a relevant masters qualification.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full home tuition fees plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum 2025/26 rate (UKRI). The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover international fees will have to cover the difference between the home and the international tuition fee rates.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

NB: The studentship is supported for 3 years of the four-year registration period.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Paul Cole .

To apply, please select the ‘Online application’ link above. Please include the following documents with your application:

Please see our apply for a postgraduate research programme page for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our apply for a postgraduate research programme page or contact the Doctoral College . Applications will not be considered if information is missing.