Simulating Catastrophic floods on Mars

To celebrate the University's research successes, the University of Hull is offering one full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarship or International Fees Bursary for candidates applying for the following project

Closing date: - 29th February 2016.
Studentships will start on 26th September 2016
Supervisors: Prof Tom Coulthard ([Email Address Removed]> <01482 466065)
Dr Stuart McLelland (Hull), Dr Chris Skinner (Hull), Dr Guy Schumann (Jet Propulsion Laboratory, UCLA)

Extensive networks of now dry river channels crisscross the surface of Mars. These channels vary in size from small gulleys to gargantuan channel belts 100’s of km’s across with the largest features far exceeding any contemporary channels found on Earth. However, the timing and magnitude of channel forming floods is unknown – but vitally important. We now know there is water on the surface of Mars, but we still need to answer simple questions like whether the channels were formed by one flood or many floods. Such questions are important to our understanding of how Mars has evolved and developed and these channels offer unique opportunities for significant insight into the evolution of Mars during the history of our solar system.

To test different ideas for channel formation, recent research has used DTMs (Digital Terrain Models) of the surface of Mars to apply modified Earth-derived equations to predict river channel dimensions and determine the magnitude of flows contained within channels. However, whilst these methods reveal how much water could have flowed within the channels – they do not answer the question as to whether these flows could have actually formed the valley networks. Would events of the magnitudes predicted be sufficient to erode the channels and valleys? Would it require one large event or several smaller ones? These questions are critical to understanding the mechanisms required to produce the flows that created the channels and thus enable a more robust history of Martian planet evolution to be constructed. This highly novel project seeks to address the above research questions using a novel experimental and numerical modelling approach using methods developed at the University of Hull. The project is part of the Catastrophic Flows Research Cluster within the department of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.

To apply for this post please click on the Apply button below.

In order to qualify for this scholarship you will require an undergraduate degree with at least a 2.1, or equivalent in a relevant subject.
Full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarships will include fees at the ‘home/EU' student rate and maintenance (£14,057 in 2015/16) for three years, depending on satisfactory progress.

Full-time International Fee PhD Studentships will include full fees at the International student rate for three years, dependent on satisfactory progress.

PhD students at the University of Hull follow modules for research and transferable skills development and gain a Masters level Certificate, or Diploma, in Research Training, in addition to their research degree.

Successful applicants will be informed of the award as soon as possible and by 30th April 2016 at the latest.