PhD Studentship: Calculating Ice-coverage on the Ocean Surface from Bottom Pressure Data: An Inverse Problem

Primary Supervisor – Prof. Mark Blyth

The ability to evaluate the characteristics of ice coverage in seas and oceans, such as its thickness and distribution, is crucial for understanding the dynamics of polar regions. The interaction between ocean waves and ice plays a key role, affecting ice break-up and, in turn, solar energy absorption, which impacts global warming. Obtaining accurate information from satellites is often difficult. In this project we will carry out a mathematical study to use our understanding of fluid dynamics to demonstrate how knowledge of the hydrodynamic pressure on the ocean floor can be used to calculate surface wave features. In essence this is an inverse problem, and such problems are notoriously difficult from a mathematical point of view. We can nevertheless make progress in two-dimensions by bringing to bear the power of complex variable theory, which can be used when the flow is assumed to be inviscid and irrotational. Extending beyond this, flow with vorticity, surface recovery over an uneven bottom, and three-dimensional flow will also be studied. The mathematical tools that will be developed during the project will improve our understanding of and ability to monitor the complex relationship between ocean waves and sea ice.

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237 (for a maximum 3 years)

Closing Date: 27 November 2024 (at 11.59 pm) 

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