The importance and value of mapping the present day in stress – both orientation and recently also magnitude – has been demonstrated by the World Stress Map (WSM) Project. Publications show that lithospheric in situ stress is controlled by the forces exerted at tectonic plate boundaries as well as gravity-induced deformation. The Arabian Peninsula is part of a small tectonic plate that is characterized by active and appreciable deformations along its boundaries: (i) extension, rifting, and seafloor spreading in the Red Sea; (ii) sinistral strike-slip faulting along the Aqaba-Dead Sea transform fault system to the northwest; (iii) convergence and continental collision along the Zagros and Bitlis suture to the north and northeast; (iv) oblique extension and dextral transform faults in the Arabian Sea to the southeast. Thus, knowledge of the present-day in situ stress field in the Arabian plate and its variability is critical for earth science disciplines in academia as well as industry and requires an understanding of geodynamic processes. Further, it is essential for a range of practical applications that include the production of hydrocarbons and geothermal energy, mine safety, seismic hazard assessment, underground storage of CO2, and more.

We are looking for a highly motivated bachelor or master student who will be responsible for conducting an extensive literature review of the present-day stress field on the Arabian Plate. The purpose is to compile a database that lists present-day in situ stress magnitudes and orientations as calibration points in an advanced numerical framework for plate deformation.

The successful candidate will have effective time management, the  ability to work self-dependent under direct guidance, and above average English skills (both writing and spoken).