PRE2023-Unraveling Carbonation and Sulfur Mobility at the Fore-Arc Slab-Mantle Interface - PID2022-136471NB-C21

Deep volatile fluxes in subduction zones drive plate tectonics and ensure that Earth remains habitable, but we know little about many of the processes controlling these fluxes. This project aims to investigate the interplay between carbonation and sulfur mobility at the fore-arc slab-mantle wedge interface to advance our knowledge about fluid-rock interaction and geochemical cycling in this critical setting. The thesis project will address rock redox states, mineral chemistry, stable isotopes, and redox-sensitive trace element geochemistry of natural carbonated peridotite, combined with advanced thermodynamic modeling of metamorphic fluids. Previous experience with optical and electron microscopy methods and use programming for data treatment and modeling are highly beneficial. The thesis will be supervised by Dr. Padrón-Navarta and co-supervised by Dr. López Sánchez-Vizcaíno and Dr. Menzel. This project will provide a wide range of scientific, analytical, computational, and transferable skills that are relevant in petrology and geochemistry, as well as in industries such as mineral exploration and carbon storage technologies. The candidate will join the PGG group at the IACT, with access to excellent resources and scientific instruments, and will enroll in the Excellence Doctoral Program at the University of Granada, which offers a wide range of additional training that will be complimented by research stays (3 months) in leading international research groups.