Emergent constraints on Earths future climate

Project Background 

The general circulation models (GCMs) used to make projections of future climate change are vitally important to inform climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, but are also invaluable tools for testing hypotheses about the functioning of the Earth System. Climate modelling centres around the world have devoted increasing effort to improving GCMs since the first IPCC report in 1990. As a result, they now provide a more complete representation of the myriad of interactions and feedbacks that determine how the climate will change in response to human and natural forcing factors. Unfortunately, the range of model projections has not significantly reduced despite this. It is critically important to reduce projection uncertainty so as to provide better information to inform national and global climate policy action (Cox et al., 2018, Nijsse et al., 2020).  

Project Aims and Methods 

A promising method for reducing this uncertainty, the emergent constraint approach, combines empirical relationships found in model ensembles with observations to constrain an unknown sensitivity. The basic idea is to identify an element of the observable climate (𝑋) that varies significantly across the model ensemble, and which exhibits a statistically significant relationship, 𝑓, with variations in some important variable (𝑌) describing the simulated future climate.  

Unfortunately, the 𝑓 relationships are often little more than statistical fishing trips and may therefore occur by chance rather than from a deeper physical mechanism. In this project we will use a cross fertilization of ideas to guard against these chance correlations by putting model ensemble relationships on a sound, testable physical foundation thus providing much needed confidence in the constraints and insight into the most important physical processes involved. Depending on the skills and interests of the student, ideas from statistical thermodynamics, such as the fluctuation-dissipation theorem and maximum entropy production principle and from the theory of tipping point precursors, will be explored as sound theoretical bases for these model ensemble relationships. 

Candidate requirements 

We seek an enthusiastic student with broad interests in climate dynamics and climate change. A first degree in physics, maths, computer science, engineering or other quantitative subject is needed. The ideal candidate may have some experience, and/or an interest in both computational data analysis and modelling and analytical paper-and-pencil techniques. We value a diverse research environment, and you will join a vibrant team currently consisting of 3 other PhD students and 4 postdoctoral researchers. 

Project partners  

Dr Chris Huntingford at CEH Wallingford, has substantial expertise in emergent constraints and all areas of climate change science. The CASE partner, Dr Chris Jones, is also an expert in a number of areas of climate change science, particularly climate carbon feedbacks. The student will have opportunities to spend significant time at both CEH Wallingford and at the Met Office’s world leading Hadley Centre. Both Chris Huntingford and Chris Jones are recognised as ISI Highly Cited Researchers. 

Training 

The project will require coding and data analysis on large climate model and observational datasets. There will also be the opportunity to run and configure idealized and state-of-the-art climate models. Training in all the software and techniques needed to conduct this research will be provided. You will be encouraged to attend local and international workshops and conferences such as the European and American Geophysical Union meetings. 

Useful links 

For information relating to the research project please contact the lead Supervisor via [Email Address Removed] 

Prospective applicants: For information about the application process please contact the Admissions team via [Email Address Removed].   

How to apply

In order to formally apply for the PhD Project you will need to go to the following web page.

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=4262

The closing date for applications is 1600 hours GMT on Friday 10^th January 2022.

Interviews will be held between 28^th February and 4^th March 2022.

If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed] or phone: 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) or +44 (0) 1392 723044 (EU/International callers). Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor