This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the University of Bath URSA competition.
Project
The South-West of England has historically experienced severe and destructive flash floods. Notable examples include the Lynmouth flood of August 15th 1952 where 228 mm of rain fell in 12 h killing 35 people; the July 10th 1968 flood in the Chew Valley; and the August 16th 2004 flood in Boscastle where 200 mm of rain fell in 5 h destroying several buildings and sweeping away cars and bridges. Improved insight into the hydrological and hydraulic characteristics of such significant past events is key to understand how hydraulic systems are likely to respond to the growing threat of climate change as flash flood are widely predicted to become more frequent as a result of increases in rainfall intensities in the future. This is important research to understand the real risk facing riparian communities as well as designing appropriate and credible climate mitigation strategies to defend these communities.
The aim of this project is to develop and test a new framework for reconstructing historical flash flood events, focussing on events that have occurred in South West England. New data related to these events will be compiled, such as: witness accounts, site surveys, photographic and written evidence, newspaper articles, river flow and rainfall data. All these disparate data-sources will be brought together in a hydraulic river model enabling the reconstruction and validation of the flow conditions during the event, including uncertainty assessment through a new inverse modelling approach. The combination of hydraulic models and close interaction with stakeholders and local communities is a particular novel aspect of the project ensuring both academic and real-world relevance of the research process and the final results. The project will seek to build on existing links made to local history groups in the Chew Valley as well, BANES local council and the Environment Agency.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a numerical subject area. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement by February 2023 in order to be considered for funding.
Enquiries and Applications
Informal enquiries are encouraged! Direct these to Dr Thomas Kjeldsen - [Email Address Removed]
Please make a formal application should via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Civil Engineering
When completing the form, please identify your application as being for the URSA studentship competition in Section 3 Finance (question 2) and quote the project title and lead supervisor’s name in the ‘Your research interests’ section.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
Funding Eligibility
To be eligible for funding, you must qualify as a Home student. The eligibility criteria for Home fee status are detailed and too complex to be summarised here in full; however, as a general guide, the following applicants will normally qualify subject to meeting residency requirements:
- UK nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland)
- Irish nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland)
- Those with Indefinite Leave to Remain
- EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional information may be found on our fee status guidance webpage, on the GOV.UK website and on the UKCISA website.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups. In particular, we are welcoming applications from candidates with Refugee, Asylum Seeker, or Humanitarian Protection in the UK to our Doctoral Sanctuary Studentship in Engineering and Design.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs.
Keywords: Civil Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Hydrology
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