PhD Studentship in Geospatial Engineering: Measuring Groundwater Changes using Geodetic Earth Observation

Award Summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £18,622 (2023/24 UKRI rate).  

Overview

Changes in terrestrial water storage exhibit significant spatiotemporal variability due to climate change and associated anthropogenic effects. In particular, new patterns of rainfall, snowfall, and temperature are altering the timing and magnitude of groundwater recharge and surface water runoff.

Geodetic observational networks can precisely measure and monitor the redistribution of the Earth's water at continental to global scales. Over the last two decades, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission has played a key role in measuring gravity changes caused by large-scale water redistribution. Many advances have been made using GRACE to understand and monitor large-scale terrestrial water changes.

In recent years, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) have shown great potential for monitoring surface water loads and groundwater changes by accurately measuring displacements of the Earth’s surface caused by water loading.

In this project, we aim to integrate multiple geodetic observations, such as GNSS, InSAR, and GRACE, to estimate changes in total water storage and its partitioning over continental basins to inform sustainable water management. We particularly aim to use geodetic techniques to identify locations with substantial imbalances in water fluxes, especially those related to groundwater exploitation and depletion.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 6^th January 2025

Award duration: 3.5 Years

Sponsor: Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Newcastle University

Supervisors:

Achraf Koulali, Lecturer in Geospatial Engineering

Dr. Nigel Penna, Senior Lecturer in Geospatial Engineering

Pr. Peter Clarke, Professor of Geophysical Geodesy

Eligibility criteria:

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject or subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (inc. physics, geodesy, engineering etc.). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

This studentship is open to Home (UK) students only. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How to apply:

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8040F
• Research Area: Geospatial Engineering
• Select ‘PhD Geospatial Engineering (full time)' as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Questions’ section:  

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form
• The studentship code ENG105 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  
• When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert – and provide your own statement. 

Contact details: Dr. Achraf Koulali achraf.koulali@ncl.ac.uk

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