About the project
The principal aim is to understand how enhanced melting of the Antarctic ice sheet affects global ocean circulation, sea level and climate. Proxy records of glacial discharge for past high sea-levels will be used with model simulations to resolve the processes and impacts of greater freshwater-flux to the Southern Ocean.
Ice that has built up in Antarctica and Greenland over thousands of years is discharging into the ocean at an accelerating rate. Injecting fresh, cold water into the ocean can slow circulation and reduce the transfer of heat, carbon, oxygen and nutrients throughout the global ocean.
This project combines proxy and modelling components to impart a truly multi-disciplinary approach to understand the global impacts of Antarctica’s meltwater inputs.
The results of this project will deliver timely evidence of Antarctica’s role in ocean circulation, GMSL rise and climate change to a broad range of research themes such as SCAR’s (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) INSTANT Scientific Research Programme, WCRP’s (World Climate Research Programme) CliC Project and the PAGES (Past Global Changes) CLIVASH2k, QUIGS and PALSEA working groups.
The INSPIRE DTP programme provides comprehensive personal and professional development training alongside extensive opportunities for students to expand their multi-disciplinary outlook through interactions with a wide network of academic, research and industrial/policy partners. The student will be registered at the University of Southampton and hosted at the British Antarctic Survey. Specific training will include:
Proxy component: The diatom-based oxygen isotope (δ18O(diatom)) proxy for Antarctic glacial discharge will be anlysed on LIG and recent sediments from the iceberg alley in the deep Southern Ocean. δ18O(diatom) and other proxies (eg. ice-rafted debris, diatom assemblages) will be employed to resolve Antarctic ice sheet discharge events. Modelling component: There are multiple benefits that arise from including water tracers in climate models, including the ability to assess relationships between isotopic concentrations and ocean-climate variables, ensuing the most accurate interpretation of stable water isotopic measurement from sediment cores to provide important long-term records of past changes, and representation of water tracers and isotopes within UKESM2 (UK Earth System Model) allows us to gain a better understanding of crucial hydrological processes within the model and better predict how the earth system will respond to Antarctic meltwater events under future climate change.
A suitable first degree would be in any Earth or Environmental Science discipline, oceanography or marine science.
Supervisory team
The supervisory team includes supervisors from several organisations, including our INSPIRE Partners. Please contact the Lead Supervisor for more information about the team.
Training
The INSPIRE DTP programme provides comprehensive personal and professional development training alongside extensive opportunities for students to expand their multi-disciplinary outlook through interactions with a wide network of academic, research and industrial/policy partners. The student will be registered at the University of Southampton and hosted at the British Antarctic Survey.
Specific training will include:
Proxy component: The diatom-based oxygen isotope (δ18O(diatom)) proxy for Antarctic glacial discharge will be anlysed on LIG and recent sediments from the iceberg alley in the deep Southern Ocean. δ18O(diatom) and other proxies (eg. ice-rafted debris, diatom assemblages) will be employed to resolve Antarctic ice sheet discharge events.
Modelling component: There are multiple benefits that arise from including water tracers in climate models, including
- the ability to assess relationships between isotopic concentrations and ocean-climate variables, ensuing the most accurate interpretation of stable water isotopic measurement from sediment cores to provide important long-term records of past changes
- representation of water tracers and isotopes within UKESM2 (UK Earth System Model) allows us to gain a better understanding of crucial hydrological processes within the model and better predict how the earth system will respond to Antarctic meltwater events under future climate change
Potential supervisors
Lead supervisor
Dr Alessandro Silvano
NERC Independent Research Fellow
Entry requirements
At least 1 of the following:
- A UK BSc or MSci 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent
- A UK MSc or MRes master’s degree with Merit or Distinction (over 60%)
- Evidence of significant and relevant professional experience, equivalent to master’s level
And, if English is not your first language, at least 1 of the following:
- IELTS overall score: 6.5
- TOEFL overall score: 92 (Band C)
Fees and funding
INSPIRE studentships are funded by the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC). The stipend is in line with UKRI stipend levels.
All studentships are fully funded for 3.5 years.
Both UK and non-UK candidates are eligible to apply.
How to apply
Applications should include:
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 reference letters
- degree transcripts to date, translated to English if applicable
- IELTS or TOEFL certificate, if applicable
Contact us
Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences
If you have a general question, please contact our doctoral college:
- Email: fels-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 23 8212 6521
Project information
For an initial conversation about the project, please contact: csall@bas.ac.uk
