PhD Opportunity Available
Snow-Vegetation-Atmosphere Interactions
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Application deadline: Friday, 23 July 2010
For further information, please contact:
Nick Rutter
Email: nick.rutter [at] northumbria.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 191 227 4735
Northumbria University has a PhD opportunity in snow-vegetation-
atmosphere interactions. The main aim of the project is to improve
understanding of the energy balance of snow and vegetation in boreal
landscapes. The award is for a three-year stipend, scheduled to begin in
fall 2010.
Objectives of this project are:
- Review how currently available models represent forest-snow
processes and the variability in model performance associated with
different process representations (utilizing output from 33 models
available in the SnowMIP2 database);
- Develop a minimal-complexity model of snowpack mass and energy
balance to include vegetation canopies, which enables substitution
of individual process representations;
- In support of model development and evaluation, obtain
measurements of radiative fluxes and snow distributions under forest
canopies characteristic of large parts of the boreal zone. Intensive
field campaigns currently scheduled in Abisko, Sweden (March 2011),
and Sodankyla, Finland (March 2012), will allow spatially-
distributed sub-canopy energetics and forest canopy characteristics
to be quantified;
- Evaluate two different techniques which are used to observe
spatial distributions of sub-canopy energy fluxes: coincident
observations to be made using spatially distributed arrays of
radiometers; and a continuously moving rail-mounted radiometer,
Davos, Switzerland. Investigate the influence of data acquisition
techniques on evaluation of model performance.
- Evaluate the performance of different process representations
within a minimal-complexity forest-snow model against independent
radiative observations and a more complex canopy-resolving model
that includes shortwave and longwave radiative transfer.
This is an excellent opportunity for any student to develop expertise in
cryospheric modeling. Training will be provided, however, preference
will be made to applicants who have experience running or using output
from environmental models, who have computer programming and data
manipulation skills (experience of Matlab or Fortran is desirable) and
who have previous experience in glaciological data collection
techniques. It is essential that the successful applicant is
enthusiastic, highly motivated, capable of independent thinking, and
prepared to work as part of a team in cold, potentially remote
environments.
Applicants should hold a first or upper second-class honors degree in a
relevant subject from a British higher education institution, or the
equivalent thereof. Students who are not United Kingdom or European
Union residents are eligible to apply, provided they hold the relevant
academic qualifications (including an International English Language
Testing System score of at least 6.5).
Interested candidates should apply using the University's Research
Studentship Application Form. Further details on the University's
Research Studentship Scheme, as well as with the application form, can
be found at: http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/researchstudentships.
Applications should be sent to Linday Barlow via email
(sz.researchadmin [at] northumbria.ac.uk) or mailed in hardcopy to:
Linda Barlow
School of Applied Sciences
D111
Ellison Building
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8ST
United Kingdom
Application deadline: Friday, 23 July 2010
Interview dates: Week beginning 16 August 2010
Start Date: Autumn 2010
For further information, please contact:
Nick Rutter
Email: nick.rutter [at] northumbria.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 191 227 4735