A variety of projection studies forecast significant mass loss of glaciers in regions for which populations rely on meltwater for subsistence, agriculture, infrastructure and commercial operations1. Living in the proximity of glaciers and meltwater raises the possibility of a number of potentially devastating hazard-related risks, including floods, droughts, lake outbursts, and landslides. While numerous studies have investigated the drivers and mechanisms of glacier-related hazards at local to catchment scalee.g.2-3, few studies attempt to forecast future hazard risk, and no global-scale assessment has yet been attempted. With significant populations, existing and planned infrastructure, and therefore medium to high hazard risk in the glaciated mountains of Europe, North America (including Alaska), Iceland, Scandinavia, New Zealand, South America, and Central and High Mountain Asia (Himalayas), there is now a strong need for an integrated assessment of global hazard risk.
This project will summarise existing hazard risks from glaciated regions, with the opportunity to choose a specific focus on the more heavily populated European Alps, South American Andes, Tropics, and Central and High Mountain Asia regions. Output of global glacier melt model intercomparisons will be used to investigate future hazard scenarios using climate-meltwater projections, existing topographic constraints and predictions of landscape and lake development. These outputs will provide a package of risk constraints for local stakeholders, regional and national governments, NGOs and commercial operators to incorporate into future planning and adaptation strategies.
How to apply
Applications need to be submitted via the University of Birmingham postgraduate portal by midnight on 11.01.2021. Please first check whether the primary supervisor is within Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, or in Biosciences, and click on the corresponding PhD program on the application page.
This application should include
• a brief cover letter, CV, and the contact details for at least two referees
• a CENTA application form
• the supervisor and title of the project you are applying for under the Research Information section of the application form.
Referee’s will be invited to submit their references once you submit your application, but we strongly encourage applicants to ensure referees are aware of your submission and expecting a reference request from us. Students are also encouraged to visit and explore the additional information available on the CENTA website.
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