Numerical analyses of subglacial lakes dynamics by lattice Boltzmann method

Nestled beneath the vast ice sheets of polar regions, subglacial lakes have long remained shrouded in mystery, hidden beneath kilometres of ice. Yet, these enigmatic environments are emerging as crucial pieces in the puzzle of understanding climate change, glaciology, and even the potential for life beyond Earth. As climate change accelerates the retreat of polar ice sheets, subglacial lakes have taken centre stage as sentinel systems, offering critical insights into the ongoing transformations reshaping our planet's cryosphere.

These lakes are not merely bodies of water trapped beneath immense pressure; they are dynamic ecosystems that exist at the nexus of geophysical, climatological, and biological processes. The intricate interplay between heat transfer from the Earth's interior, ice flow, climate fluctuations, and the hydrological behaviour of subglacial lakes has profound implications for the stability of polar ice sheets, the rise in sea levels, and the search for life in extreme environments.

The goal of this Ph.D. project is to embark on a comprehensive journey into the heart of subglacial lakes. We seek to unlock their secrets through a cutting-edge computational approach based on the lattice Boltzmann method. By simulating the complex melting boundary problem at the ice-water interface, we aim to unveil the dynamics of these hidden worlds and predict their futures in a rapidly changing climate.

Objectives

1.    To investigate the impact of varying climate scenarios, including temperature changes and meltwater inputs, on the stability and evolution of subglacial lakes.

2.    To analyse the interconnections between subglacial hydrology, ice sheet dynamics, and thermal conditions to identify the key factors influencing the behaviour of subglacial lakes.

3.    To predict the future changes in subglacial lakes under different climate projections, thereby enhancing our understanding of ice sheet response and potential contributions to sea level rise.

Methods

To achieve our objectives, we will run numerical simulations based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), a powerful computational tool for modelling complex fluid dynamics. The method is ideally suited to capture the complex physics of ice sheet melting and subglacial hydrological systems. By integrating detailed topographic data, climate scenarios, and relevant physical parameters, we will build a comprehensive simulation framework to model the behaviour of subglacial lakes. With respect to standard techniques, the LBM shows some pivotal advantages, such as straightforward implementation of boundary conditions, and a very high computational efficiency. It is an excellent candidate to tackle such a problem and gain unprecedented insight on subglacial lake dynamics, shedding light on its interaction with the overlying ice sheets.

The proposed start date is January 2024.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

This project is also eligible for the Osborne Reynolds top-up Scholarship which provides an additional £1500 per year top-up to other funding sources for outstanding candidates. Successful applicants will be automatically considered for this top-up.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply.

How to apply

To be considered for this project you’ll need to complete a formal application through our online application portal.

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, how you’re planning on funding your research, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).