About the Project
Basaltic magmatism has played a vital role in shaping planetary interiors and surfaces throughout Solar System history. Lunar mare basalts are particularly significant because they provide crucial insights into the Moon’s thermal and geochemical evolution. Decades of research on samples returned by the Apollo and Luna programmes have led to a prevailing, though not universal, view that lunar mare basalts erupted through simple plumbing systems, with magmas ascending directly from the mantle. By…
contrast, our understanding of terrestrial magmatism has developed from classic models of pre-eruptive magma storage in simple, balloon-like reservoirs towards a new synthesis in which magma evolves within vertically extensive networks of geometrically complex reservoirs. This shift has been driven largely by the recognition that compositionally zoned crystals carried by erupted magmas often preserve evidence of multi-stage magma storage and processing.
Crystal textures in mare basalts have traditionally been interpreted as records of variable cooling rates within thick lava flows emplaced directly from the mantle. However, recent analyses, including those of samples returned by the Chang’e programme, have revealed evidence of multi-stage magma processing. These findings suggest that at least some mare basalts were stored and processed in magma reservoirs like those found on Earth before erupting onto the lunar surface (Schnare et al. 2008; Elardo & Shearer, 2014; Gawronska et al., 2026; Luo et al., 2023). Nevertheless, evidence of deep magma processing on the Moon remains relatively scarce, although this may reflect how lunar samples have been imaged and analysed as much as their underlying formation mechanisms. A critical re-evaluation of lunar plumbing-system architectures is therefore required, especially given the new opportunities offered by recent advances in imaging and microanalytical methods and the continuing efforts of many national space agencies to undertake crewed sample-return missions to the Moon.
This project will combine textural and geochemical observations from mare basalt samples to reassess the significance of multi-stage magmatic evolution in lunar magmas, focusing particularly on samples collected during the Apollo 15 and 17 missions. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) will be combined with geochemical microanalyses using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Recently developed machine-learning workflows will also be applied to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) maps acquired by SEM (Toth et al., 2025) to identify features indicative of multi-stage magma evolution, such as reverse zoning, resorption surfaces and reaction textures. Cryptic zoning in slowly diffusing elements, such as aluminium and phosphorus, will be quantified using wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS) by EPMA to evaluate the conditions under which the crystals originally formed (Elardo & Shearer, 2014). Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) may also be used to assess textural relationships between crystals and determine whether they grew within lava flows or were mobilised from deeper magma reservoirs. Where appropriate, the textural and geochemical observations will be integrated using recently developed thermodynamic-modelling tools to construct comprehensive models of mare basalt assembly before final emplacement (Riel et al., 2022).
Eligibility
Applicants will hold (or be about to obtain) a first- or upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in Geology, Earth Sciences, Planetary Sciences or another related physical science discipline. Some research experience in igneous petrology or planetary science is desirable. Experience in sample imaging (SEM) and microanalysis (EPMA) is desirable but not expected as training will be provided during the studentship. You will be encouraged to attend national and international conferences to share your research and as such science communication skills are also desirable.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
- You are applying for a fully funded PhD project for which, if you are successful in your application, you would receive a monthly stipend, have the university fees paid for, and be awarded some money to support lab costs and travel.
- Read the information on the DEES webpage https://www.ees.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/doctoral-training/planetary-science/ to ensure that you understand the funding eligibility requirements for the award.
- Contact the supervisors to discuss your interest in the project – this is an essential step so that you can ask questions and find out more about the supervisory team before you apply.
How to apply
Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:
- Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
- Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
- CV
- Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
- Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
- English Language certificate (if applicable)
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
Funding Notes
This 3.5 year project is funded by UKRI STFC. Excellent candidates will be nominated for competition-based faculty funding. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27), and tuition fees will be paid.
Applications will first be reviewed by the project supervisory team, who will nominate preferred candidates for review by the STFC DTP academic panel. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 20–30 minute online interview, with outcomes normally communicated within a few days. Successful candidates are welcome to visit the department, research facilities and meet current STFC students and staff.
References
Background reading for the project
Elardo & Shearer (2014) https://doi.org/10.2138/am.2014.4552
Gawronska et al (2026). https://doi.org/10.1144/gslspecpub2025-14
Luo et al. (2023) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01146-x
Riel et al. (2022) https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GC010427
Schnare et al. (2008) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2008.02.021
Toth et al. (2025) https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JH000751