Lewis Hughes

I am a first year NERC DTP student based in the structural and petrological geoscience research group of Manchester University’s School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences (SEAES). My project involves investigating halogen group elements (F, Cl, Br and I) in hydrous minerals within high pressure, low temperature subduction zone settings; how they partition between minerals/melts/fluids and how they can alter mineral stability fields during subduction. Halogens are volatile and highly incompatible, and represent excellent tracers for fundamental geological processes.

Throughout my PhD, I will be conducting synthesis experiments using a piston cylinder apparatus to re-create the conditions found within subduction zones. Products of the synthesis experiments will then be analysed for halogen concentrations via either electron microprobe, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) or noble gas mass spectrometry following neutron irradiation. I will then be comparing the experimental results obtained with the results of analyses on natural samples. This broad reaching project requires extensive training in high pressure synthesis and analytical techniques, and the chance to become competent in these highly useful techniques is something which attracted me to this particular project.

The NERC DTP also presents numerous opportunities for other training and engaging workshops, along with encouraging attendance to both national and international conferences in order to network and raise the profile of your research.