PhD opportunity to work on megathrust earthquakes at Heidelberg University, Germany

This new funded PhD provides the opportunity to work on rock magnetism and structural geology related to IODP Expedition 405 - JTRACK!

The University of Heidelberg invites applications for a doctoral researcher position (75%, 36 months) within the DFG-funded project: “Frictional heating and magnetic fingerprints of megathrust earthquakes: insights from the Japan Trench”
Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and hosted in the Research Group “Geodynamics” at the Institute of Earth Sciences, Heidelberg University, Germany, which is also home to the heiMAG laboratory for Earth Magnetism.

The PhD candidate will make full use of the state-of-the-art facilities at heiMAG and Earth Simulation Lab (Utrecht University), providing excellent opportunities for advanced rock magnetic and paleomagnetic analyses, as well as for rock deformation experiments.

This project will investigate the conditions for rupture propagation toward the trench during great subduction earthquakes, as exemplified by the 2011 Tohoku-Oki event. It aims to evaluate the role of coseismic frictional heating in altering fault strength, structure, and mineralogy, with a particular focus on magnetic fingerprints of fault rocks. The research combines:

• Microstructural and magnetic analyses of natural fault zone samples from the Japan Trench.
• Controlled laboratory deformation experiments on comparable sediments.
• Assessment of the role of stress, fluids, and strain localisation in shaping magnetic properties.

This innovative approach will provide fresh insights into frictional heating and fault weakening processes during megathrust earthquakes and their role in promoting shallow slip toward the trench.

To find out more information about the project and how to apply click the button below.