Historical storminess in the North Sea from climate and sediment archives

Climate change is causing sea-level rise, impacting on coastlines and threatening coastal societies. Knowing the long-term variability and return periods of storms is critical for coastal management. The return period for the 1953 storm was thought to be ~50 years but may be less in the future. While advances in hydrological modelling are able to better predict peak storm-tide height, refinement requires a better understanding of other coastal zone factors as well as how coastlines have responded over longer time-scales.
This project will combine documentary evidence (including ships logs), newly available climate reanalysis (from the 19th and 20th centuries) and sediment dune archive data (over last 500 years) using portable luminescence dating to establish a record of and synoptic conditions associated with storm events in the North Sea. This will then be used to better understand the frequency, magnitude and spatiality of landfall of storms in the North Sea.
Applicants should have a background in Physical Geography including geomorphology and climatology. Experience of fieldwork or use of documentary evidence would be an advantage. Successful applicants will be trained in luminescence dating, use of archives and climate reanalysis. Project outcomes will lead to high impact scientific publications and contribute to the future management of the coastal zone.