Mathematical modelling of the global oxygen production by marine phytoplankton in response to global warming

Ocean dynamics is known to have a strong effect on the global climate change and on the composition of the atmosphere. In particular, it is estimated that about 70% of the atmospheric oxygen is produced in the oceans due to the photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton. However, the rate of oxygen production depends on many factors, including the light intensity and the water temperature. The increasing temperature is known to lead to ocean deoxygenation, although the specific mechanisms remain controversial. One factor is the decrease in the oxygen solubility with an increase in the water temperature, such an increase can be a consequence of the global warming. However, deoxygenation can also result from the effect of the warming on biological interactions, in particular, by disrupting the phytoplankton photosynthesis. Our preliminary analysis indicates that a sustainable oxygen production is only possible in an intermediate range of the production rates. If, in the course of time, the oxygen production rate becomes too low or too high, the system's dynamics bifurcates and may lead to catastrophic changes with the oxygen depletion and the plankton extinction. Obviously, this catastrophic scenario implies a drastic decrease of oxygen concentration in the Earth atmosphere and a vital hazard for most of the life on the Earth. Hence, the depletion of atmospheric is a possible ecological disaster, accompanying the global warming, that has been overlooked.

The theoretical studies on this problem performed so far used highly idealized ‘conceptual’ models and hence have almost completely disregarded the effect of the ocean structure such as its vertical stratification, the existence of large-scale ocean currents and the effect of the geographical North-South gradient. Meanwhile, such spatial structures can have a significant effect on the plankton photosynthesis and the global oxygen production. This project aims to bridge this gap and to allow for more quantitative results that could be compared to the available field and laboratory data.

Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better in a relevant subject. The University of Leicester English language requirements apply where applicable.

How to apply
The online application and supporting documents are due by Monday 21st January 2019.

Any applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted for the studentship scheme.

References should arrive no later than Monday 28th January 2019.

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of the deadline, so that we can let you know if anything is missing from your application.

Required Materials:

1. Online application form
2. Two academic references
3. Transcripts
4. Degree certificate/s (if awarded)
5. Curriculum Vitae
6. CSE Studentship Form
7. English language qualification

Applications which are not complete by the deadline will not be considered for the studentship scheme. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the application form and documents are received by the relevant deadlines.

All applications must be submitted online, along with the supporting documents as per the instructions on the website.

Please ensure that all email addresses, for yourself and your referees, are correct on the application form.

Project / Funding Enquiries
Application enquiries to [Email Address Removed]
Closing date for applications – 21st January 2019