Dynamic histories of UK sedimentary basins revealed with thermochronometry

This PhD project will investigate cooling rates in sedimentary basins around the UK, focusing on their thermal histories and implications for basin evolution and resource potential. Sedimentary basins are critical geological features that record the interactions between tectonics, erosion, and sedimentation over millions of years. By examining how these basins cooled, we can better understand the processes controlling subsurface temperature distributions and potential for geothermal or carbon sequestration of these regions.

The research will use thermochronology techniques, such as apatite fission track analysis and (U-Th)/He dating, to reconstruct the cooling histories of sediments. These methods provide insights into when sedimentary rocks were buried, heated, and subsequently exhumed. By coupling these datasets with basin modeling software, the project will integrate thermal histories with geological and tectonic models to explore the interplay between burial depth, heat flow, and tectonics across the UK. Key areas of focus include the North Sea, Irish Sea, and intracratonic basins in southern England. 

The project will involve training in laboratory techniques for thermochronology, basin modeling, and data integration, providing the student with a robust multidisciplinary skill set. This research will contribute to energy transition efforts by advancing knowledge of subsurface systems and their potential for renewable energy applications.