NERC GW4+ DTP PhD Studentship: Waves and Warmings - investigating the role of small-scale atmospheric waves in SSWs

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP). The GW4+ DTP consists of the Great Western Four alliance of the University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University and the University of Exeter plus six Research Organisation partners: British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Met Office, the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The partnership aims to provide a broad training in earth and environmental sciences, designed to train tomorrow’s leaders in earth and environmental science. For further details about the programme, please see http://nercgw4plus.ac.uk/.

Supervisory team -

Main Supervisor: Dr Corwin Wright, Centre for Space, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, University of Bath
Co-Supervisor: Dr Daniel Mitchell, Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
Co-Supervisor: Prof Nick Mitchell, Centre for Space, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, University of Bath

Project background -

Sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are one of the most dramatic events in the atmosphere. Over only a few days, stratospheric temperatures can shoot up 30-50°C, while the high altitude jet stream stops and sometimes even reverses. However, SSWs are hard to predict. This is a problem because they affect surface weather over the following weeks, making them important for accurate weather forecasting.

“Waves and Warmings” will investigate the role of small-scale atmospheric waves in SSWs. These waves, generated near the ground, significantly affect how SSWs form and develop. New measurement techniques will allow us for the first time to measure key wave properties which determine how this happens, including their speeds and direction. We will measure these properties, then determine if they are represented in models to understand more about the mechanisms. The ultimate goal is to improve our theoretical understanding of SSWs and hence to improve predictability.

Project aims and methods -

The project aims to improve the forecasting of sudden stratospheric warmings, by:

i. Measuring atmospheric gravity and planetary waves in the polar troposphere, stratosphere and mesosphere to produce the definitive climatology of wave properties in polar region with current technology
ii. Using these measurements to improve how these waves are simulated in polar winter
iii. Assessing the response in model performance as a result of implementing these changes.

The project will use an unusually wide range of methods, giving the student the chance to develop a broad skillset and giving them extensive options for their post-graduation career.

On the observational side, world-leading new measurement techniques developed by the supervisory team for the analysis of satellite observations and radar data will be used and, if time permits, extended upon. This will include the use of high-performance computing resources at Bath.

On the modelling side, the student will use the one of the worlds most advanced global climate models, HadGEM3 (also known as the Unified Model), to simulation SSWs, analyse and understand model output, and quantify any improvements in how the model performs so that we can further understand the stratosphere-troposphere connection.

Candidate -

The project would suit a student with a background in a mathematical or physical science, with an interest in the atmosphere or weather in general and in developing skills in both observational data analysis and weather/climate modelling. Prior atmospheric-science knowledge is beneficial but not necessary.

Training -

The student will receive training from the supervisory team on analysis and interpretation of atmospheric measurement data from a range of sources, on the operation of the Unified Model, and in the use of high-performance computing resources. This combination will prepare them for post-graduation opportunities across the full range of atmospheric science careers.

Depending on student interests, they would also have the opportunity to participate in external training courses including the European Research Course on Atmospheres, the NCAS Atmospheric Measurement Summer School and NCAS Introductory courses in Atmospheric Science and the Unified Model.

Anticipated start date: 1 October 2018

Candidates should apply using the University of Bath’s online application form selecting PhD programme in Electronic & Electrical Engineering https://www.bath.ac.uk/study/pg/applications.pl#elec-eng

For more information on the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, visit http://www.bath.ac.uk/engineering/postgraduate-study/research-programmes/