Elemental and isotopic interactions within the deepest parts of the oceanic crust- Atlantis Massif (IODP Expedition 399)

This project is an exciting opportunity to take part in a major, well-supported and highly successful international science program- the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP). The student will gain deep understanding of ocean floor magmatic, tectonic and post-emplacement seawater-rock interaction processes. The project will focus on the petrology and geochemistry of new drill core samples recovered from the Atlantis Massif i.e. near the Mid Atlantic Ridge (deepest oceanic crust samples ever drilled at slow spreading setting). We envision the use of classical petrography, mineral and rock trace element chemistry, with state-of-the-art whole rock boron and strontium isotope measurements. The work will aim to better understand the still enigmatic volatile and fluid infiltration (at mid ocean ridges) and their subsequent release (at volcanic fronts) across subduction zones. The student will be part of a team of > 20 scientists working on rocks recovered from IODP Expedition 399.There will be opportunity to visit IODP repository in Bremen for sample selection, be trained and perform measurements at the world-class analytical facilities in Leeds and/or CNR-IGG Labs in Pisa, as well as to present results at an international conferences. We also envision fieldwork in the Balkan and Troodos ophiolite massifs as integral part of the project, where possible oceanic crustal analogues may be discovered.