In 2019 around 90% of the world population was exposed to concentrations of fine particles (less than 2.5 µm diameter) that exceeded World Health Organisation air quality guidelines. The sources of these fine particles can be natural, for example caused by wind erosion of agricultural lands and dust storms, or anthropogenic, for example resulting from the burning of fuelwood and road traffic emissions.
This project focuses on the resuspension of particles where the action of moving air causes them to move and interact with each other via in-air collision and impact other objects such as surfaces (e.g. rocks, roads) which in turn can cause breakdown by abrasion or wear creating smaller particles. These very small particles dominate air pollution and there is a need for better understanding and prediction of fine particle production and distribution to determine their impact on, and implications for environmental systems. This includes not only the atmosphere but also terrestrial and marine ecological systems when particles are deposited.
This project will involve laboratory simulations of particle interactions under a range of environmental conditions. A key component will be using optical measurement techniques to track particle trajectories and determine impact and ejection velocities and angles and energy partitioning for given collisions.
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Professor Jo Bullard
Secondary supervisor: Professor Adrian Spencer
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Geography, Environmental Science, Physics or Engineering or an appropriate Master’s degree.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Find out more about research degree funding
How to apply
To apply:
- Complete a CENTA studentship application form in Word format.
- Apply online. Under programme name, select “School of Social Sciences and Humanities/Geography and Environment”. During the online application process, upload the CENTA studentship application form as a supporting document. Please quote CENTA23-LU5 when completing your online application.
- Application closing date is Wednesday January 11 2023. Interviews for short-listed candidates are expected to be held in the period Monday February 6 – Friday February 17 2023.
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