UNlocking aeRosol cloud interActions using effusive Volcanic Eruptions at Low altitude (UNRAVEL). Mathematics NERC GW4+ DTP PhD studentship

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP).

Location: Streatham Campus, Exeter

Supervisors:
Main Supervisor: Prof Jim Haywood (Mathematics, University of Exeter)
Co-Supervisors: Dr Dan Partridge (Mathematics, University of Exeter) and Dr Andy Jones: (Met Office Hadley Centre)

Project description:
In addition to greenhouse gases, human emit significant quantities of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere forming sulphate aerosols which exert a non-negligible cooling of climate that acts to counterbalance the warming of climate from increased concentrations of greenhouse gases. This cooling is thought to be dominated by the impact of aerosols on the reflectance and lifetime of clouds. Despite decades of research, reducing uncertainties in aerosol-climate impacts has proved intractable owing largely to the lack of suitable robust observations. However, in 2014-2015 the large fissure volcanic eruption at Holuhraun in Iceland created a massive aerosol plume that is unprecedented in the satellite-era observational record. The effusive eruption emitted sulphur dioxide at a rate of up to 1/3 of the total global emissions from anthropogenic sources effectively turning Iceland from a pristine region into a continental scale pollution source; an ideal natural laboratory with which to confront global climate models.

Project Aims and Methods:
UNRAVEL will deliver a step change in our understanding of aerosol-cloud-interactions thus reducing the associated uncertainty in aerosol-climate interactions, leading to more robust climate simulations for future climate scenarios.

The three main research avenues focussing on the Holuhraun eruption are anticipated to be:-
Development of observational metrics: Use of satellite and surface based data to create a unique benchmark dataset and will be used to constrain gas emissions, aerosol, cloud and precipitation properties.
Global modelling. We propose running two global climate models with radically different aerosol-cloud-interaction sensitivities (HadGEM3 and ECHAM6-HAM) in climate model configuration in nudged mode so that the meteorological conditions closely resemble those of the observation period. The gases, aerosol and cloud properties at better than daily timescales will be evaluated against the observational metrics. Improved parameterisations will be developed to provide rigorous matches against the observations for both low and high sensitivity models.

Multi-model ensembles. A multi-model (AEROCOM) intercomparison has been initiated where international modelling groups will perform simulations with input recommended from the initial study for Holuhraun based on the observational and modelling constraints. By appropriately weighting results from the AEROCOM models based on their skill, we will provide new estimates of climate sensitivity.

CASE Award description:
This project may be funded via a CASE award with the Met Office, depending on whether the quota for Sept 2018 is already exhausted. If a CASE award is not forthcoming, the student will still be assigned a Met Office supervisor (Dr Andy Jones) who will provide unprecedented levels of support in a world-renowned climate modelling centre.

Training:
In addition to the standard DTP training, the student will receive:-
a) Training courses on running the HadGEM climate model (provided by the Met Office)
b) Training on running the ECHAM climate model
c) Training on running the SOCRATES radiative transfer code
d) On the job training at the Met Office in supercomputing, PYTHON, ROSE and MASS data storage. The candidate will be further supported by an established group of Phd students and PDRAs working with the supervisors.
International conferences (e.g. EGU, Vienna; AGU; San Francisco) and international workshops are expected to be attended.

Entry requirements:
The ideal candidate for this project would be a numerate scientist with a keen interest in the physical climate. Backgrounds such as physics/mathematics/environmental science/computer science would all be acceptable. A knowledge of statistical methods, and programming skills would be preferred but not essential.

Applicants should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK. Applicants with a Lower Second Class degree will be considered if they also have Master’s degree. Applicants with a minimum of Upper Second Class degree and significant relevant non-academic experience are encouraged to apply.

Clicking the ’Apply online’ button below will take you to the Exeter application system.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 8th May 2018. Interviews will be held at the University of Exeter in the week commencing 21st May.

If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed]. Project-specific queries should be directed to the supervisor.