Objetivo We aim to establish whether the Oldoinyo Lengai volcano, Tanzania is unique in erupting na-rich "natrocarbonatite", or is representative of other carbonatites. As the only active carbonatite volcano, Lengai has been the subject of many studies but whether it truly represents other carbonatites is key to understanding one part of the C cycle: that which brings carbonate from the Earth's mantle. With access to a unique collection of altered lengai lavas, we will construct [1] a model of subsolidus alteration in Lengai and other carbonatites, linking the various carbonatite types, and [2] a detailed analysis of the alteration, including identifying key minerals to recognise weathered natrocarbonatite in volcanic successions, sediments and soils.We will undertake a pilot study of east African soils and sediments from archaeological sites to search for evidence of carbonatite. We will ascertain whether Lengai is unique, discuss the role of na in carbonate magmas, and collaborate with soil scientists and archaeologists to apply the results to land management and reconstruction of palaeoconditions. Based at The Natural History Museum London, a world centre for carbonatite studies, and in collaboration with experts in Germany, Hungary and UK, we will undertake a meticulous and comprehensive approach involving advanced studies in mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry (including isotopes), soil science, and thermodynamic modelling.Additionally, the project will provide interdisciplinary training in petrology, soil science, modern analytical techniques and the public presentation of science to enable the candidate to become a research leader in Russia, with a return phase at St. Petersburg University. The project contributes to 3 aims of structuring the ERA: human mobility, communications between research and citizens and research infrastructure. It builds a Russian - trans-European research community and links to the Thematic Priority 1.1.6.3 Global Changes and Ecosystems. Ámbito científico natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencessoil sciencesnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryinorganic compoundsnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeologyvolcanologynatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeologymineralogynatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeologypetrology Programa(s) FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006 Tema(s) MOBILITY-2.3 - Marie Curie Incoming International Fellowships (IIF) Convocatoria de propuestas FP6-2002-MOBILITY-7 Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria Régimen de financiación IIF - Marie Curie actions-Incoming International Fellowships Coordinador SAINT-PETERSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección Rusia Ver en el mapa Enlaces Sitio web Opens in new window Coste total Sin datos