Simona Krmíčková

Origin and pre-Variscan evolution of the Brunovistulian microcontinent

Supervisor: Doc. RNDr. Lukáš Krmíček, Ph.D.

Institution: Masaryk University

Field of Study: Geology

About my project

My project is focused on radiogenic isotope study and dating of magmatic rocks that build up Brno surroundings. Main aim is to determine the geological history of these rocks as well as from which prehistoric supercontinent do they originate.

As the proposed research project corresponds to my PhD topic, my role as the main investigator includes three principal tasks: i) field work within the Czech part of the Brunovistulian microcontinent, ii) performance of required analyses (petrography, mineral chemistry, isotope geochemistry, geochronology) under guidance of my supervisor, consultant and external collaborators, and iii) interpretation of the obtained data, presentation of preliminary results at conferences and preparation of manuscripts for impacted scientific journals. As the individual tasks, i.e., petrographic and geochemical study of samples from the Brunovistulian microcontinent including chemical separation of Sr, Nd, Pb and Hf and determination of 87Sr/86Sr, 143Nd/144Nd, 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, 208Pb/204Pb and 176Hf/177Hf ratios using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, require full-time wokring involvement, the financial support from the Brno Ph.D. Talent will be highly acknowledged.

Where I see myself in my career in 10 years

I see myself in 10 years as a leader of a research group focused on isotope geochemistry, which would be based on multidisciplinary cooperation of geologists and chemists within the CEITEC Masaryk University scientific centre.

What I like most about Brno

I like the nature in the surroundings of Brno (e.g., the Moravian Karst) that provides not only more rocks to be studied, but especially the best place where to clear my head and calm my mind after the work.