Impact of grounded icebergs on the oceanography and ecosystem of a sub-Antarctic island

Project overview 

This project will use numerical modelling tools to investigate the impact of grounded icebergs on the physical oceanography of the South Georgia (Southern Ocean) shelf and explore the consequences for the transport of Antarctic krill, a key prey item for local colonies of higher predators. 

Project description 

Icebergs transported across the Scotia Sea in ‘iceberg alley’ frequently pass close to South Georgia and can become grounded on the shallow shelf. The effects of grounded icebergs on the oceanography of the South Georgia shelf and the associated pelagic ecosystem are not well understood. The icebergs themselves could act as a barrier that disrupts currents, and as the icebergs melt, the large volume of resultant freshwater likely further impacts the shelf oceanography (Tarling et al., 2024). Together, these may influence the transport of krill, a key prey item for local colonies of higher predators including penguins and seals (Trathan et al., 2022). As the climate warms, the number of icebergs reaching South Georgia is likely to increase; this project addresses a pressing need to better understand the consequences for the local oceanography and ecosystem. 

The project will use advanced numerical modelling tools to explore the above conjectures. Specifically, the project will involve further development of an existing high-resolution oceanographic model of the South Georgia region (Young, 2023) by incorporating grounded icebergs, and application of the model to explore the impacts of the icebergs on the local physical oceanography. Output from the oceanographic model will be coupled with a Lagrangian model to explore the effect of grounded icebergs on the transport and retention of Antarctic krill. This research will improve our understanding of the impact of icebergs on the fragile ecosystem at South Georgia and contribute to management of the local krill fishery. 

Training 

Our programme provides comprehensive personal and professional development training alongside extensive opportunities for students to expand their multi-disciplinary outlook through interactions with a wide network of academic, research and industrial/policy partners. The student will be registered at the University of Southampton and hosted at the British Antarctic Survey. Specific training will include:  

(1) high-resolution oceanographic modelling (NEMO); (2) Lagrangian modelling; (3) high-performance computing (local HPC and the national supercomputer, ARCHER2). In addition, the student will spend a minimum of 3 months in the Falkland Islands at the South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute, with the potential to visit South Georgia, and to participate in a research cruise and acquire field experience. 

The student’s experience of numerical modelling on large supercomputers will be in high demand in their future career. BAS has a vibrant student community, with weekly student seminars and discussion meetings and a range of social activities. 

Entry requirements: 

A UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in a relevant subject. See international equivalent qualifications on our website. English language: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. We accept other English language tests. 

How to apply 

Apply online here. Please enter the project title and lead supervisor’s name in Section 2 to state which project you would like to apply for. 

It is essential for overseas applicants to contact the lead supervisor to discuss the project before applying. 

Applications should include: 

• curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests 
• name two current academic referees together with an institutional email addresses in the Reference section of the application form. On submission of your online application your referees will be automatically emailed requesting they send a reference to us directly by email. 
• your academic transcript and degree certificate (translated if not in English) - if you have completed both a BSc & an MSc, we require both. 
• IELTS/TOEFL certificate, if applicable. For more information, please see the University of Southampton's English Language Proficiency page. 

Please remember to include a short statement of your research interests and rationale for your choice of project(s) in the Personal Statement section of the application form.

Please ensure that you provide all required documentation and information so that your application can be reviewed and processed.