Skip to main content

Geochemistry

PGR-RA-119

Expertise of research area
Earth history; environmental chemistry; materials chemistry; metal-organic frameworks; minerals; oxidation; palaeobiology; pollution; supramolecular chemistry


<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

We have the capacity to supervise a wide range of projects involving biogeochemical processes in experimental systems, modern environments and throughout Earth&amp;rsquo;s history. Our expertise covers the full range of spatial scales from the interactions of ions with mineral surfaces, through to the global cycling of important elements.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p>We have well-equipped labs and extensive experience of lab, field and geochemical modelling which we apply to these broad areas:</p> <ul> <li>How minerals interact with, and control, the chemistry of Earth surface environments.</li> <li>Processes in Earth&rsquo;s critical zone, the region that supports human agriculture and most life-sustaining resources.</li> <li>The cycling of elements in modern marine and terrestrial environments to explore modern biogeochemical cycles, use them as ancient Earth analogues, or to predict the behaviour of important contaminants.</li> <li>The evolution of Earth&rsquo;s surface environment, with a particular focus on how this interacts with major evolutionary events such as the rise of multicellular life, or mass extinctions.</li> </ul> <p>Candidates will benefit from our excellent facilities, our collegiate and supportive research culture and our wide collaborative network.</p> <p>Areas of particular expertise include:</p> <ul> <li>Records and causes of past sea-level change</li> <li>Macroevolutionary and macroecological processes in deep time</li> <li>Ice sheet modelling</li> <li>Climate modelling</li> <li>Geochemical box modelling</li> <li>Ocean circulation through time</li> <li>Chemosynthetic communities</li> <li>Numerical palaeontology</li> <li>Evolution of ocean and atmosphere chemistry</li> <li>Carbonate based element and stable isotope environmental proxies&nbsp;</li> <li>The cycles of phosphorus, iron, sulfur and carbon in modern and ancient environments</li> <li>Sedimentary geochemistry</li> <li>Mass extinctions</li> <li>Proxies for ocean oxygenation</li> <li>Organic geochemistry</li> </ul> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see-research-degrees">Research degrees within the School of Earth and Environment</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/earth-surface-science-institute/doc/cohen-research-group">Cohen Geochemistry</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see-research-innovation">School of Earth and Environment, Research and Innovation</a></li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, your development, and your overall experience.</p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For queries relating to your research proposal or subject area, please contact&nbsp;<a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see/staff/1475/professor-caroline-peacock">Professor Caroline Peacock</a>.</p> <p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate School Office:<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk">env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 1314.</p>


<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked project opportunities</h2>