Dr T Moffat-Griffin, Prof Nicholas Mitchell, Dr J King
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
About the Project
One of the main science priorities for Antarctica is to understand the global impacts of processes that happen in the Antarctic atmosphere. The study of atmospheric gravity waves, tides and planetary waves and their influence on atmospheric global circulation is one thing that can help address this.
In the middle atmosphere(40km–90km) important upward propagating small-scale gravity waves, thermally forced atmospheric tides and global scale planetary waves are present. These waves are an important dynamical means of vertical coupling through the atmosphere, they transport heat and momentum from the lower atmosphere upwards. In recent years it has been shown that the Antarctic middle atmosphere contains a hotspot of gravity wave activity and is also dominated by planetary wave and tide interactions that couple it to the global atmospheric circulation. It has also been shown that this region may be more sensitive to global change than the lower atmosphere.
Working within an active team of climate and atmospheric researchers based at British Antarctic Survey and Bath University the student will be studying important atmospheric waves and their impact on global circulation.
Using airglow spectrometer data from two different Antarctic research stations (Rothera and Halley) the student will determine the middle atmosphere temperature at ~ 87 km altitude from the raw spectra. These data can be used to determine the properties of tides, gravity and planetary waves, including amplitudes and momentum fluxes that are important for assessing their influence on atmospheric circulation. They will also study wave-wave interactions and their effect on global circulation.
Data has been gathered at these sites since 2002 so the study of long term variation in properties of these three types of atmospheric waves can be performed. By using other available datasets they can examine the results for trends linked to changes in the surface climate, the ozone hole strength and solar cycle. The results will also be examined for any response to short-term space weather events.
As these instruments require calibration there is the possibility of accompanying the supervisor to Rothera to help with the task (subject to station logistics and obtaining extra funding).
Funding Notes
Applicants should have/expect a strong degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Meteorology or similar. They need to have had experience of programming. No prior knowledge of atmospheric physics or spectrometers is necessary as all training will be provided.
Studentships are available to students meeting UK residency requirements as set as described by UKCISA. All applicants need to comply with the registered University’s English language requirements.