Post Graduate Research
1 Postdoc and 4 PhD students!
Contribute to the ambitious, multidisciplinary MBIE Endeavour-funded project "Te Awe Mapara - Towards a National Volcano Hazard Model under Climatic Changes" led by Massey University and GNS Science. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of geohazard science, contributing to next-generation impact forecasting for volcanic eruptions by integrating probabilistic hazard models with vulnerability and recovery analysis.
Learn MoreThrough dynamic pressure, heat and readily respirable fine ash, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are one of the most lethal and damaging hazards associated with volcanic eruptions. This project will quantify the spatiotemporal evolution of links between local bulk flow characteristics (e.g., velocity, thickness, density, temperature and grainsize) and impact intensities for both life safety and infrastructure damage. Methods will include a range of approaches from large scale experiments to statistical analysis. Results will be used to inform spatio-temporal exclusion zones and infrastructure vulnerability models. We invite candidates with a MSc (or similar) degree from a range of disciplines in Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Engineering or Statistics. Applicants should have a keen interest in volcanic hazard, and prior experience in statistical modeling, coding and/or analogue experimentation. Applications should include a CV, short cover letter, and evidence of previous study. Enquiries and applications should be emailed directly to either Gert (g.lube@massey.ac.nz) or Mark (m.bebbington@massey.ac.nz)
Learn MoreVolcanic eruptions present a poorly understood danger to life and livelihoods across the globe. Central to this lack of understanding is the absence of a robust forecasting system including models for their impacts. We need to know what, where and how a volcanic eruption is going to impact the population and infrastructure, not just when an eruption may occur. The required hazard and impact forecasts are further complicated by environmental factors and climate change. Pyroclastic density currents, a common feature of explosive volcanic eruptions in the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) of New Zealand, pose one of the most serious threats to human life and infrastructure due to their high temperatures, travel speeds and ability to surpass obstacles. While volcanic centres in the TVZ have produced numerous large caldera-forming events, smaller magnitude eruptions are much more frequent and thus more likely to occur in the future, with the potential of significant impacts on a regional scale. This project will use the 3.5 ka Waimihia eruption from Taupo Volcano and the 1314 CE Kaharoa eruption from Tarawera as case studies to assess volcanic hazard intensities and impacts of Plinian tephra fall and pyroclastic density currents associated with these smaller (VEI≤5) explosive eruptions. Prospective candidates must have good communication skills, a strong quantitative background, and prior experience in mapping/interpreting pyroclastic deposits and hazard analysis. A driver’s licence is required to conduct field work, and applicants must have completed a Master’s or equivalent degree by the start of the PhD programme. Applications should include a CV, short cover letter, and evidence of previous study. Enquiries and applications should be emailed directly to either Anke (a.v.zernack@massey.ac.nz) or Mark (m.bebbington@massey.ac.nz).
Learn MoreThis PhD project will aim to provide greater clarity on understanding the geologic, geomorphic and sedimentological settings that influence mass flows and their deposits and impacts. In doing this a baseline dataset of lahar impacts; geomorphic change and depositional properties will be defined, quantified, and statistically analysed to inform new modelling strategies that focus not on the physics of the flowing mass but on predicting/forecasting the geomorphic impacts of future mass flows that occur in similar locations, river channels or catchments. This research will explore new more efficient computational methods to efficiently and robustly produce innovative hazard impact analysis that is aligned to timely decision making required at an appropriate scale that is meaningful and usable by managers and the public. We invite candidates with a MSc (or similar) degree from a range of disciplines in Geophysics, Earth Sciences or Statistics. Applicants should have a keen interest in volcanic hazard, and prior experience in statistical modeling and/or coding. A driver’s licence may be required to conduct field work. Applications should include a CV, short cover letter, and evidence of previous study. Enquiries and applications should be emailed directly to either Jon (j.n.procter@massey.ac.nz) or Stuart (s.mead@massey.ac.nz)
Learn MoreThis PhD project will investigate the links between eruptive styles, volumes and vigour at the Okataina Volcanic Centre (OVC) during the Mangaone Subgroup eruptive period. The Mangaone Subgroup records an unusually high frequency of explosive activity with 13 eruptions of various sizes, including 5 large Plinian eruptions, occurring over approximately 25,000 years. Eruptive volumes range from <1 km³ to 20 km³ and systematically alternate between relatively small and large events.
Following the Oruanui supereruption from Taupo, the OVC moved from single vent eruptions to a different regime that produced multi-vent eruptions and encouraged voluminous dome building. This change in behaviour raises key questions about the processes governing eruptive behaviour at the OVC during the Mangaone period and the reasons for its contrasts with younger activity. The proposed research will use a physical volcanology approach to document and understand what drives the observed contrasting eruption styles and magnitudes within a gradually evolving magmatic system.
Prospective candidates must have a driver’s licence for conducting field work, good communication skills, a strong background in physical volcanology, including experience in mapping, characterising and interpreting pyroclastic deposits, prior knowledge of using textural methods to unravel eruptive processes, and an interest in petrographic/mineralogical analysis. Applicants must have completed a Master’s or equivalent degree with first class honours or with a GPA of >3.7 by the start of the PhD programme. Evidence of research capability through publications would be advantageous. Applications should include a CV, short cover letter, and evidence of previous study (e.g., transcripts, MSc thesis). Enquiries and applications should be emailed directly to Anke (a.v.zernack@massey.ac.nz).
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