Arctic-sourced mineral dust fluxes: quantification, drivers and impacts

Application details
Reference number: CENTA20-LU3
Start date: 1 October 2020
Closing date: 10 January 2020
Interview date: Week beginning 3 February 2020

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Prof. Joanna Bullard
Secondary supervisor: Dr Matthew Baddock

Loughborough University
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Project Detail
Mineral dust is now established as having a key influence in a wide range of biogeochemical cycles, and as a significant player within the Earth system. While most research on dust has been undertaken in the desert low latitudes, the operation of the Arctic (and other high latitude regions) as a source of dust has only recently been appreciated. This is profound because dust generated in the Arctic may have local impacts on particularly sensitive environmental and ecological systems.

What is crucially lacking for Arctic environments are robust, comprehensive datasets that can allow us to characterise the land-atmosphere interactions which drive dust emission. To tackle such a research gap, this novel project seeks to investigate the processes, controls and rates of dust emission in the Arctic. This project offers a range of research opportunities and experience, including fieldwork campaigns at dust-emitting sites in the Arctic in order to quantify dust fluxes, and their relationship with micrometeorological drivers. The project will also provide advances in modelling, as the field data will be used to test and improve existing models for the prediction of dust flux, recognised as an essential need to better understand dust-yielding Arctic environments.

Find out more:
For further information on this project, please see the main CENTA website (http://www.centa.org.uk/) or contact Prof Joanna Bullard ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Matthew Baddock ([Email Address Removed]).

Entry requirements
Applicants will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Geography, Biology, Earth Science or Environmental Science. A Master’s degree and/or experience in a related area associated with the research will be an advantage.

Contact details
Name: Dr Matthew Baddock
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44 (0)1509 222798

How to apply
To apply:
1. Complete a CENTA studentship application form in Word format (available from http://www.centa.org.uk/apply/
2. All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select “Geography and Environment”. During the online application process, upload the CENTA studentship application form as a supporting document.

Please quote CENTA20-LU3 when completing your online application.