NERC IAPETUS PhD Studentship: Laboratory Modelling of Internal Tsunami Deneration Due to Ice Calving

Award summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate). Significant additional funding given to cover laboratory costs and, national and international travel (conferences and collaboration).

Overview

IAPETUS is a partnership that joins leading research universities in a united approach to doctoral research and training the next generation of leaders in the science of the natural environment.

Working in collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), this PhD will investigate the generation and behaviour of sub-surface waves, termed internal tsunamis. Internal tsunamis propagate on density interfaces within a stably stratified water column where stratification is due to vertical variations in salinity and/or temperature. Recent observations have shown that glacier calving can be responsible for the generation of internal tsunamis which in turn play an important role in driving regional shelf mixing. This has significant implications for glacier dynamics, ice shelf retreats, sea ice, and marine productivity, thus affecting global sea level and climate.

In this project a laboratory-based method will be used to investigate how internal tsunamis are generated by calving events. The studentship will address the following (i) how does internal tsunami generation depend on calving magnitude and type? (ii) how does stratification influence the characteristics of the internal tsunami signature? and (iii) how do internal tsunamis mix the water column and dissipate their energy?

The student will be trained to carry out experimental research and learn how to analyse results and compare with numerical simulations to scale up experiments to the field-scale. The student will be part of a strong, internationally-leading team working across three institutions (Newcastle, BAS and SAMS). The student will get exposure to international collaborators and the opportunity to become part of a global network. There may be opportunities to gain experience and develop skills in polar fieldwork.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 1st October 2025

Award duration: 3.5 years

Application closing date: 3rd January 2025 at 12pm GMT

Sponsor: Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

Supervisors

Dr Magda Carr (Newcastle University), Dr Dave Munday (BAS), Prof Michael Meredith (BAS), Prof Mark Inall (SAMS)

Eligibility criteria:

2:1 Bachelor Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline (mathematics, physics, engineering, physical oceanography). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

Home and International students (Inc. EU) are welcome to apply. IAPETUS have a limited number of International awards available, however any International applicants that are offered a place at Newcastle will have the difference between Home and International fees covered by the university.

How to apply

Please see the IAPETUS website for full application information.

To apply for this project you must initially complete the online IAPETUS application form. The School of Mathematics, Statistics & Physics will review your application and decide whether to put you forward for consideration by the IAPETUS Studentship Panel.

If you are shortlisted you will need to make a PhD application using the Apply to Newcastle Portal. You will be guided through this process.

Contact details: magda.carr@newcastle.ac.uk

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