PhD Candidate in Cryogenian Tillites as a Window into Subglacial Rheology

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: Cryogenian Tillites as a Window into Subglacial Rheology
Ice streams are fast-moving zones within otherwise stable continental ice sheets, and basal flow and sliding along them is the primary mechanism for ice migration to the sea. Observations from modern ice sheets suggest that many of the fastest-flowing ice streams are underlain not by bedrock, but by reworked sediments derived from glacial erosion known as subglacial till. However, the deformation mechanisms and rheological processes operating in subglacial till are not well understood. This project aims to investigate the rheology of subglacial till through field studies of ancient Cryogenian glaciations in northern Europe. The findings will help refine basal drag estimates in modern environments and offer insights into Cryogenian glaciations and Snowball Earth.

The project will link structural geologic observations with glaciology concepts and will involve primary supervision by structural geologist Prof. Dr. Whitney Behr in collaboration with glaciologist Prof. Dr. Catherine Rose at the University of St. Andrews (Scotland). The project will involve 3-5 weeks of fieldwork during summer months annually, primarily in coastal localities and islands, in northern Scotland and northern Norway. The project may also include a combination of analytical, numerical modeling and/or experimental components, with the relative proportions tailored to the student’s interest and the project trajectory. 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 ice stream dynamics
• A curious mind, a positive attitude, and a love for research
• Experience with ocean boating/kayaking and a general comfort with these activities in a cold-water environment 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