Variability in snow melt-out associated with boreal forest structure (EE/DRFGEO7P/61940)

A key challenge in reducing uncertainty in climate model projections of future land surface temperatures is to adequately represent the recently observed rapid poleward retreat of late spring boreal Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent (SCE). Poor representation of interactions between snow, vegetation cover, and climate in boreal regions has been identified as the likely source of the uncertainty. As such, improved understanding of these snow-vegetation-atmosphere processes and will be necessary in order to improve agreement between simulated and observed SCE. To accomplish this objective, the PhD student will utilize a suite of geospatial data to quantify the influence of boreal forest structure on the timing of spring snowmelt and related land surface properties, and also to assess representation of key related variables in climate models. The project will involve using satellite observations to characterise the influence of forest type (e.g. evergreen needleleaf vs. deciduous broadleaf) and forest density on the rate and timing of snowmelt across the boreal biome. This information will then be used in conjunction with a combination of satellite and atmospheric reanalysis data to quantify how interaction between forests and SCE impacts local and global climate. Additionally, assessment of SCE-vegetation relationships in climate models used in the latest IPCC report will be made with satellite observations. Identification of spatial patterns of divergence between observed and modelled SCE, along with the underlying causes through examination of variables related to surface energy dynamics, will provide information that can be used to improve model representation of snow-vegetation-climate interactions.

Enquiries regarding this studentship should be made to: Dr Nick Rutter, [Email Address Removed], +44 (0) 191 227 4735

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please ensure you quote the advert reference above on your application form.