PhD Research Project

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Fractal scaling of hydrological processes

Institution:

Imperial College London

Dept/School/Faculty:

Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

PhD Supervisor:

Dr C Onof

Co-Supervisor:

Dr A Butler

Application Deadline:

No more applications being accepted

Funding Availability:

Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

PhD Research Project

Scale dependent behaviour is observed in many components of the hydrological cycle. For example, analyses of rainfall time-series at a range of scales, from a few minutes to several days, have suggested the presence of scaling features. Scaling behaviour is also observed in river flows and groundwater levels. However, the controls on these properties and how they are modified as water moves through the hydrological cycle are not understood. Furthermore, it is not clear whether hydrological models are able to reproduce such transformations in scaling behaviour. These scaling features can be analysed in a number of ways, one of which is wavelet analysis. The aim of the project is to use this and other tools to explore fractal dimensions and/or functions (spectrum of singularities), which represent invariant quantities over a range of scales, while also identifying where eventual scale breaks are located. In this analysis, it will eventually be useful to distinguish between types of precipitation (convective, frontal), and possibly weather types, to get better estimates of these scaling features. The impacts of the systems on other hydrological states will be explored using detailed soil moisture, groundwater levels and river flow data in permeable catchments. Applicants should have a strong background in mathematics and/or statistics and computer programming.

Funding Notes:

NERC or EPSRC funding is available to provide PhD scholarships for suitably qualified eligible UK residents and EU citizens. Rules for funding eligibility can be found on the NERC (http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/ ) and EPSRC (http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/Pages/default.aspx ) websites.

If you are interested in this studentship please send a covering email and CV to the relevant supervisor.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE 16 APRIL WILL BE CONSIDERED, THEREAFTER APPLICATIONS WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL A SUITABLE CANDIDATE IS FOUND.