Description du sujet de thèse

This thesis is part of the MagBrines ANR project. The aims of the project are 1) to define the physical and chemical properties of dense magmatic fluids produced between 1 and 12 km below the base of volcanoes in the Lesser Antilles, and 2) to apply/improve predictive models to understand their formation, composition, migration, accumulation and possible detectability by geophysical methods. Magmatic brines form when temperature and pressure conditions allow water to separate from the magma. As these brines rise to the surface, cooling and pressure decrease are accompanied by a new phase separation between brine and steam.
In this context, the thesis focuses on the thermodynamic properties of these brines from the single-phase domain (high pressures and temperatures) to liquid-gas separation. To this end, an approach combining experimentation and modeling will be applied. Firstly, data will be acquired on the density of synthetic brines of defined chemical composition, and on brine-gas equilibrium conditions (ISTO). Secondly, these data will be used to optimize/improve a thermodynamic model that will be used to feed simulations of matter and heat transfer in the volcanic system of the Lesser Antilles (BRGM).

Contexte de travail

The position is based on the Geosciences campus in Orléans and is shared between the Institut des Sciences de la Terre d'Orléans (ISTO) and BRGM. ISTO is a joint research unit of the University of Orléans, CNRS and BRGM. BRGM is the French national Geological Survey.
The PhD thesis is the fruit of a partnership between ISTO and BRGM, as part of the MagBrines ANR project. The thesis work includes theoretical developments, numerical simulations and laboratory tests.

You have a Master's degree or equivalent with a solid grounding in the thermodynamics of phase equilibria and chemical reactivity, with in-depth notions of modeling and programming. Experimental skills would be an added advantage.

To apply, send a CV, a cover letter, and one or two recommendation letters.

Contraintes et risques

Use of high temperature – high pressure apparatuses.