Summary

MRES PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Knowledge of past deep-ocean current speeds has the potential to inform our understanding of changes in the climate system on glacial-interglacial timescales as these may be used to help constrain changes in deep-ocean circulation rates and pathway. The Rockall Trough, a deep water basin offshore Ireland and UK, is known to be the pathway for the exchange of water masses in the North Atlantic (New & Smythe-Wright, 2001), but limited data exists to date on the changes in ocean circulation over time in this part of the Atlantic Ocean. Previous works on deep-water sedimentation in the region have recognised the presence of thick sediment bodies related to the flow of deep-ocean currents, including the Feni Drift and contouritic deposits on the eastern side of the Rockall Trough (Stoker, 1998). Proxies obtained from deep-water sediment cores, such as the mean size and percentage of sortable silt, can be used to assess the variations in the speed of bottom currents (Mao et al., 2018; Spooner et al., 2018).

This project will utilise a series of sediment cores from the continental slope and deep Rockall Trough, for which a chronostratigraphy is already established, to investigate fluctuations in current vigour using grain size measurements with a focus on the sortable silt fraction.

Objectives of the Research:

*Carry out high-resolution grain size analyses on a selection of sediment cores from the Rockall Trough.

*Analyse variations in grain size data, with a focus on sortable silt.

*Reconstruct fluctuations in ocean currents over time.

Methods to be used:

The MRes candidate will work on marine sediment cores currently stored at Ulster University and will use data already available such as X-radiograph, radiocarbon dates, multi-sensor core logger data to identify suitable intervals for more refined and high-resultion analyses. The project will then focus on grain size analyses to be carried out using a Malvern Mastersizer and the statistical analysis of such results.

Skills required of applicant:

The project is suitable for a self-motivated applicant with Earth Science, Geology, Geography, Environmental Science or Marine Science background, with capacity to learn new analytical techniques and basic statistical analysis.

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

Experience working with sediments and/or sediment cores.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Funding and eligibility