Wouter Schellart

This postdoctoral project at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam focuses on experimental geodynamic modelling of subduction and subduction-induced mantle flow. The work sits within an NWO-funded project titled “Unraveling the geometry of subduction-induced mantle flow” and is embedded in the Geodynamics and Tectonics research group. The successful candidate will develop, run, record, and analyse laboratory-based models of subduction to investigate how experimental subduction rate and mantle viscosity shape the evolving mantle velocity field. The project is explicitly experimental and uses a sophisticated Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system to map the flow field during progressive subduction. The postdoc will produce research for peer-reviewed publication and present results at national and international conferences. The project is hosted in the Kuenen-Escher Geodynamics Laboratory (KEG Lab) within the Department of Earth Sciences. The department describes a strong international research environment with state-of-the-art facilities and a broad Earth-science profile spanning Earth and planetary dynamics, climate and environmental dynamics, surface processes, and sustainability-related topics. The research environment is therefore strongly technical, experimental, and interdisciplinary. Prof. Dr. Wouter Schellart leads the research group and will provide mentorship, supervision, and guidance throughout the appointment.