Using glaciers to identify, monitor, and predict volcanic activity

We are pleased to advertise a fully funded PhD studentship focusing on interactions between volcanic activity and modern glaciers. This project is funded by the Leverhulme Trust, and will involve collaboration with supervisors at Manchester Metropolitan University (UK), University of Aberdeen (UK), and Dickinson College (USA).

Project Description
Volcanic eruptions threaten life, infrastructure and wellbeing, especially at glacierized volcanoes. More than 200 active volcanoes globally are occupied by glaciers, which are potentially useful indicators of volcanic unrest. For example, glacier advance and acceleration at Volcán Peteroa (Chile) in 1991 and 2010 was an early warning of an imminent explosion; and in 2009 glacier melt at Mount Redoubt (Alaska) was an early indicator of an eruption. Despite such examples, the potential of glaciers as indicators of past, present and imminent volcanic activity has yet to be fully tested or exploited. The purpose of this project is develop that potential. Specifically, the student will employ remote sensing methods and datasets to analyse variations in glacier behaviour (dimensions and dynamics) prior to, during, and following former periods of volcanic activity. Overall, the project aims to develop a new, cost-effective and unique method of monitoring ice covered volcanoes worldwide and provide a new predictive tool for volcanic activity and its potential impacts.

The PhD student will be based in Manchester, but will also travel to Aberdeen for supervisory meetings. Ideal candidates should have a strong background in glaciology, volcanology or remote sensing. Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant subject.

Link to a relevant recent paper: Barr et al (2018)

Informal inquiries can be made to Dr Iestyn Barr ([Email Address Removed])​
Studentships details
​The student will be funded for 3 years, including:
· Annual stipend (£14,777 pa x 3 years)
· Fees (Home/EU)
· Costs for training and conference attendance

Application procedure
All applications should be emailed directly to Dr Iestyn Barr ([Email Address Removed]) and apply via the following link (https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/research/research-study/scholarships/detail/scieng-ib-2019-1-using-glaciers-to-identify-monitor-and-predict-volcanic-activity.php)

When applying, please ensure the following documents are attached:
1. All degree certificates and transcripts (Undergraduate and Postgraduate - officially translated into English where necessary)
2. CV
3. Cover letter (1 page max)– detailing you reasons for applying
4. Contact details of two references (academic, where possible)

Closing date
Application closing date is 12:00pm (GMT) on 31 May 2019.

Start date
The start date is 1 October 2019 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

Supervisors
Dr Iestyn Barr and Dr Elias Symeonakis (Manchester Metropolitan University), Dr Matteo Spagnolo (University of Aberdeen), and Dr Benjamin Edwards (Dickinson College)