About the project
This project will undertake a detailed comparative analysis of the evolution of a natural tidal inlet subjected to adaptive management (Pagham Harbour) and a managed realignment site (Medmerry) to improve understanding of how inlet schemes will respond to the intervention measures designed to mitigate the risks of erosion and flooding.
Managed realignment is an important tool for coastal adaptation against the combined risks of erosion and flooding. Open coast schemes implemented over the last 10-20 years have demonstrated the benefits but also the limits to our understanding of how inlet schemes will respond to the intervention measures. The natural tidal inlet subjected to adaptive management (Pagham Harbour) and a managed realignment site (Medmerry) have exhibited significant annual morphological change, making site management challenging. Using historical data, data analysis and numerical modelling, this research will seek to explain the dominant causes of the observed dynamics and aim to evaluate tools and models that could be used when planning future schemes.
This project will undertake a detailed comparative analysis of the evolution of each site primarily using the historical data. A numerical model will be used to isolate and understand key processes and evaluate the model’s ability to hindcast the observed changes, especially the switching between delta and spit formations. Field work to collect any additional data needed to setup and validate the model will be integral to the project. Consideration will be given to a suitable application of Machine Learning and the development of an aggregated (appropriate complexity) model that captures the key processes identified.
These two sites provide a unique opportunity for a detailed investigation of some complex morphodynamics. Through this project, the student will engage with the agencies and stakeholders active in ongoing site management (EA, NE, RSPB, ABPmer, CCO, Pagham Advisory Group) and international researchers active on this topic.
You will also be supervised by organisations other than the University of Southampton, including:
- Dr Constantinos Matsoukis from the National Oceanography Centre
- Dr Uwe Dornbusch from the Enviornment Agency
Potential supervisors
Lead supervisor
Dr Hachem Kassem
Lecturer
Research interests
- Nearshore hydrodynamics and coastal sediment dynamics
- Coastal and ocean engineering and flow-structure-seabed-biota interactions
- Adaptive, nature-inclusive solutions to climate-mediated geohazards, including flooding, erosion and habitat degradation
Supervisors
Dr Charlie Thompson
Associate Professor
Research interests
- Coastal Monitoring
- Coastal Processes
- Sediment Stability, Resuspension and Exchange processes
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or higher in a relevant subject.
You can also have its international equivalent.
International applications
If English is not your first language, you will need an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components.
Visit our English language proficiency pages to find out about other qualifications we accept.
Fees and funding
This project is eligible for full funding. Learn more about the funding scheme here.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences
- choose PhD in IGNITE (full time)
- add your supervisor in section 2
Applications should include:
- a personal statement
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts to date
It is essential for overseas applicants to make contact with the lead supervisor prior to applying.
Contact us
Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences
If you have a general question, email our doctoral college: fels-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk.
Project leader
For an initial conversation, please email Hachem Kassem hachem.kassem@soton.ac.uk.
