PhD Candidate in the Rheology of Metasedimentary Rocks

Research in the Structural Geology and Tectonics group focuses on the rapidly deforming zones that define Earth’s tectonic plate boundaries and generate many of the planet’s geohazards. We are interested in the rates and directions in which faults and shear zones move; their geometries, widths and mechanical behaviours at depth; and the processes that shape them over geologic time.

Project: The Rheology of Metasedimentary Rocks
Due to the abundance of quartz in the subduction zone interface and the continental crust, quartz rheology (e.g., dislocation creep in quartz) is typically used to model the strength of metasedimentary rocks in the subduction zone interface and the ductile continental crust. While the metasedimentary component of these tectonic processes is modeled based on the rheology of pure quartz, most quartz-bearing rocks are polyphase aggregates, with micas representing a ubiquitous accessory phase regularly showing microstructural evidence for pressure solution creep (PSC). Yet the quantitative effects of micas on the rheological properties of quartz-bearing aggregates and PSC are poorly constrained. The goal of this project is to integrate mechanical and microstructural results from rock deformation experiments with natural examples of PSC in micaceous quartzites to understand and constrain the rheological parameters that control PSC in micaceous quartzites to more accurately model large-scale tectonic processes.

The successful candidate will be primary supervised by Dr. Leif Tokle and will involve collaboration with Dr. Claudio Madonna and Prof. Dr. Whitney Behr. The candidate will work primarily in the Rock Physics and Mechanics Laboratory at the ETH Zentrum campus on a Griggs apparatus as well as a newly developed high pressure and high temperature deformation apparatus, which is able to conduct deformation experiments at confining pressures up to 3 GPa. The candidate will also conduct microstructural analyses on both experimental and natural samples at ScopeM on the ETH Hönggerberg campus. The candidate will report their findings through group meetings, national and international conferences as well as peer-reviewed publications.

• MSc in Earth Science or related field
• Sound knowledge of the English language, both oral and written
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team
• Keen interest in expanding our knowledge about rheology and tectonics
• A curious mind, a positive attitude, and a love for research
• Good dexterity with small tools and delicate equipment is a plus

Describe here what particularly distinguishes the work in your department/group e.g.:

• A friendly, dynamic, and interdisciplinary environment at ETH in the Structural geology and Tectoncis group lead by Prof. Whitney Behr
• A 100% fixed-term position for 4 years including a number of benefits offered by ETH 
• Access to a wide range of experimental and analytical facilities at both the Centrum campus and ScopeM at the Hönggerberg campus