Postdoc opportunity: Polar marine geology

Our colleague Andreia Plaza-Faverola is looking for an MSCA postdoctoral fellow who shares her passion for polar marine geology. Specifically, she would like to hear from candidates with expertise in seismology, geophysical and acoustic data analysis, or modeling of kinematics or fluid dynamics. (See all 12 open postdoc opportunities with iC3 here.)

In this interview, Andreia explains how methane and other greenhouse gases are transported through marine sediments, and describes the rich datasets and lively research environment that her team would like to share with future postdoc collaborators.

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What are you researching right now?

I’m researching fluid dynamics in polar continental margins, with a particular focus on how processes like ice sheet forcing, glaciers, and tectonics affect fluid transport along the continental margin.

When we talk about fluids, we mean water that infiltrates sediments and rocks, carrying substances like methane and other greenhouse gases. These fluids often transport carbon over long distances and release it into the ocean over geological and historical timescales.

The processes controlling this transport are what I’m investigating. We approach this by integrating geophysical data with information from other disciplines. For instance, we use information from pore-water chemistry, the glacial history of the continental margins, and sedimentary processes.

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When you talk about data, what sort of data do you mean?

In the context of an MSCA project, I’m particularly interested in collaborating on analyzing various types of data we’ve collected over decades—sometimes as long as 15 to 20 years.

These include seismic and other type of acoustic data, which can come in the form of 2D long profiles spanning several kilometers or 3D volumes that allow for detailed imaging of geological structures.

We also work with sub-seafloor acoustic data, which provides detailed imaging of areas just a few meters beneath the seabed. Additionally, we have seismic data collected via seismometers and hydrophones that record energy—both passive, like earthquakes, and active, such as energy we generate ourselves.

Another key type of data comes from piezometers. These are sensors inserted into the sediment to monitor temperature and pressure fluctuations over several meters.

For example, in some case studies from the Fram Strait, we monitored temperature and pressure changes over a few days, revealing signs of methane and warm fluids reaching the seafloor and being released as a response to sea-level changes. Such data has been partially published, but there’s still much more to analyze.

Most recently, we’ve gathered data using a French cone penetration tool (Penfeld), which provides insights into sediment strength and mechanical properties. This tool helps us identify sedimentary weaknesses potentially related to glacial dynamics and assess areas where methane-rich fluids might be prone to accumulate and leak. This information is critical for understanding the risks of submarine landslides and continental margin instability.

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Where is this data from?

So far, all the data I’ve described comes from the Norwegian Arctic. However, we’re planning to explore similar processes in Greenland and beyond, including eventually Antarctica. We’re also establishing collaborations with colleagues who have collected cross-disciplinary data from other margins over the years.

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What big questions are you hoping to answer with this data? 

One major question concerns the nature of the fluids being transported from ice sheet areas to the continental margin. Are these fluids transported from groundwater sources? Could they include remnants of permafrost, which has been stable for hundreds of thousands of years but may now be destabilizing? 

Understanding the origin and movement of these fluids is crucial to understand the impact of changing ice-sheets on methane seepage phenomena as well as on continental margin stability.

Another important question involves how ice sheet dynamics influence the sediment and margin architecture. For instance, during glacial maxima, large ice sheets might cause significant deformation in the continental margin. When these ice sheets retreat, they could create fractures that accelerate the release of methane-rich fluids. Exploring these dynamics is critical for understanding how carbon release occurs over time.

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Why is this important?

This research is vital because it helps us understand how geological processes contribute carbon to the ocean. 

Geological carbon sources, such as methane, can introduce large amounts of carbon into the system relatively quickly. This has implications for seafloor ecology, the global carbon cycle, and even climate models.

By combining empirical data with modeling, we can quantify the speed and scale of these processes. For example, we can model how fractures influence fluid migration and how this contributes to carbon release at specific times in the geological record.

Understanding these dynamics is also essential for linking them to seafloor microbial ecosystems, which are influenced by methane and carbon fluxes.

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What skills are you looking for in collaborators?

 I’m looking for two main profiles.

The first is someone with a strong theoretical background in geophysical and acoustic data analysis—someone who can analyze seismic data at an advanced level and has knowledge of polar marine geology.                               

The second profile is a specialist in modeling, particularly in areas like kinematics of sedimentary faults or geomechanics. This could involve modeling how ice sheets deform the continental margin, how faults and fractures move, or how fluids are transported. Expertise in fluid dynamics modeling—whether physical, chemical, or biological—is also highly relevant.

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Why should someone choose iC3 over other research centers?

iC3 offers a unique collaborative environment with experts in fields like geochemistry, microbiology, methane cycling, glaciology, and geophysics, all working closely together. This interdisciplinary approach is a significant advantage.

Additionally, as a center of excellence, iC3 provides strong support for early-career scientists, including training in proposal writing, career development, and access to a vast network of collaborators. There are also numerous opportunities for fieldwork, both marine and terrestrial.

Finally, the sheer volume and diversity of data available here is unparalleled. We’ve collected so much data that we could stop acquiring new data for years and still have plenty to analyze.

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How would you describe life in Tromsø?

Living in Tromsø is an adventure. The changing weather and conditions make even simple activities like biking to work exciting. The Norwegian culture, particularly in Northern Norway, emphasizes outdoor life, whether it’s skiing to work or making the most of sunny days.

There’s also a sense of peacefulness here that’s hard to find in big cities. I’ve lived in Tromsø for almost 20 years. I’m originally from Venezuela, but after visiting places like Barcelona or Caracas, I always find myself drawn back to the calm, stress-free routines of Tromsø.

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If you are interested in applying for an MSCA postdoctoral fellowship with Andreia, please read this first and then send her an email briefly outlining your proposed research project and enclose your CV. 

The iC3 team will support the selected candidate throughout the process of writing a strong MSCA fellowship proposal. More information on MSCA opportunities with the iC3 Polar Research Hub and our support programme here.