Paleoclimate reconstructions during the last two millennia.

The Department of Geography, University of Portsmouth has several positions for doctoral (PhD) research available for three years (full-time) for suitably qualified candidates to start in February or October 2015 (UK or EU students only). Applicants are invited to submit a research proposal in the area of past environmental change (including both past climate change and human impacts).

Dr Laura Cunningham (see http://www.port.ac.uk/department-of-geography/staff/laura-cunningham.html) is interested in supervising students in the area of paleoclimate reconstructions during the last two millennia.

This area of research focuses on examining how various climatic parameters have varied over the last 2000 years, using a range of proxy records. Key elements of this work include:

• the comparison of climate reconstructions against measured climate data from the last 100 years – a process which provides an indication of the accuracy and reliability of the proxy-based reconstructions and can highlight any potential issues associated with specific proxies or methods; and,
• combining records from different proxies or regional locations to strengthen the climatic signal and improve our understanding of driving mechanisms.

There is also potential for joint projects with Dr Mark Hardiman such as paired peat and lake sediment records, or the creation of multiproxy reconstructions. In addition, there is also potential to assess how microclimate variability influences the sensitivity of paleoclimate reconstructions in the Arctic (in collaboration with Dr Nick Pepin).

Staff web pages also provide more information on individual research interests and the specific projects that staff members have recently undertaken http://www.port.ac.uk/department-of-geography/staff/ The department also advertises research themes for Masters projects (MRes Science) – see the pdf for Geography under Course structure at http://www.port.ac.uk/courses/mres-science/

Applicants for the PhD programme are expected to have a good first degree (minimum upper second class Honours degree or equivalent) and ideally a Masters (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area. Non-accredited research and skills training is available through the University-wide Graduate School. If you so wish, you may discuss your ideas informally with Dr Laura Cunningham (tel: 02392 842513: e-mail: [Email Address Removed] ) or email [Email Address Removed]. We will also be happy to answer any questions regarding the application process.

All applications should use our standard application forms and follow the instructions given under the ‘Postgraduate Research’ heading on the following webpages:- www.port.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/howtoapply.

Alternatively you may receive a hard copy by contacting the Faculty of Science, Postgraduate Admissions Office, St. Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT. Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 5550.

Application Deadline: As appropriate