Two available PhD positions within the Marine
Physics and Oceans Climate group
at the National Oceanography Centre in Liverpool
- Using ocean gliders to unravel the physical controls on phytoplankton layering in coastal seas
- The life cycle of high-frequency internal waves in shelf seas; from generation to dissipation
1. Title: "Using ocean gliders to unravel the physical controls on phytoplankton layering in coastal seas"
Supervisors: Dr. Matthew Palmer (NOC, lead), Dr. Claire Mahaffey (Liverpool), Dr. Adam Mellor (AFBI), Dr. Jason Holt (NOC)
Project summary: This project will use a variety of observational time-series from ocean gliders, moored platforms and research vessels to investigate the temporal and spatial evolution of the subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM) over a broad range of shelf sea and coastal physical regimes, from a mixed to stratified water column. State-of-the-art coupled physics-ecosystem models will be used to develop a better understanding of the variability and gradients in processes between three distinct physical regimes. To this end, the studentship will test the hypothesis: 'The spatial variability in the structure and persistence of the SCM is dependent on the local physical controls on stratification.'
Further details: http://noc.ac.uk/f/content/downloads/2012/Palmer_Mahaffey_NOC_2012.pdf
2. Title: "The life cycle of high-frequency internal waves in shelf seas; from generation to dissipation"
Supervisors: Dr. Matthew Palmer (NOC, lead), Dr. J. A. Mattias Green (Bangor), Dr. Vasiliy Vlasenko (Plymouth) & Prof. Jonathan Sharples (Liverpool)
Project summary: Solitary internal waves are known to be generated when the internal tide forms near steep topography such as the shelf break and over banks. The origin, generation mechanism, spatial distribution and propagation properties of solitary waves in shelf seas are all however still poorly understood. Internal waves are difficult to measure and they are virtually absent in numerical ocean and climate models, including those with tidal conversion schemes.
This studentship aims to increase our understanding of the dynamics of internal waves in shelf seas; in particular, that of high-frequency solitary waves and the impact they have on the physical and biogeochemical systems in our changing environment. This will be achieved through a combination of observational and modelling methods.
Further details:
http://noc.ac.uk/f/content/downloads/2012/NOC_PhD_2012_Palmer1.pdf
All applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first class or upper second degree in a relevant numerate discipline such as physics, mathematics, or oceanography.
Funding for these studentships is restricted to UK and EU nationals. More information is available from the Natural Environment Research Council's website.
To apply email NOCL_phdenquiries@noc.ac.uk. In your covering email letter please state where you saw the advertisement, confirm your eligibility for the award, and indicate which of the projects that you are applying for. Please also include a CV. Interviews will be held the week commencing 15th April 2013. Applications for all positions will continue to be reviewed until the studentships are filled.
Students will be registered at the University of Liverpool and benefit from its postgraduate training programme. Funding is restricted to UK and EU qualifying students. For further information and queries relating to these projects please contact Dr. Matthew Palmer directly (matthew.palmer@noc.ac.uk).
