Research Studentship: Evaluation of Energy-balance Process Representations in Forest-snow Models, UK

June 17, 2010

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Job Description: The main aim of this project is to improve understanding of the energy balance of snow and vegetation in boreal landscapes. Innovative data collection techniques and fieldwork opportunities, made possible by the recently awarded NERC standard grant on Snow-Vegetation-Atmosphere interactions, will allow investigation of the influence of boreal forest canopy heterogeneity on the surface energy balance.
Objectives of this project are:
i. Review how currently available models represent forest-snow processes and the variability in model performance associated with different process representations (utilizing output from 33 models available in the SnowMIP2 database).
ii. Develop a minimal-complexity model of snowpack mass and energy balance to include vegetation canopies, which enables substitution of individual process representations.
iii. In support of model development and evaluation, obtain measurements of radiative fluxes and snow distributions under forest canopies characteristic of large parts of the boreal zone. Intensive field campaigns currently scheduled in Abisko, Sweden (March 2011), and Sodankylä, Finland (March 2012), will allow spatially-distributed sub-canopy energetics and forest canopy characteristics to be quantified.
iv. Evaluate two different techniques which are used to observe spatial distributions of sub-canopy energy fluxes: coincident observations to be made using spatially distributed arrays of radiometers and a continuously moving rail-mounted radiometer, Davos, Switzerland. Investigate the influence of data acquisition techniques on evaluation of model performance.
v. Evaluate the performance of different process representations within a minimal-complexity forest-snow model against: 1) independent radiative observations, and 2) a more complex canopy-resolving model that includes shortwave and longwave radiative transfer.
Details of research training to be undertaken as part of this project
This is an excellent opportunity for any student to develop expertise in cryospheric modelling. Training will be provided, however, preference will be made to applicants who have experience running or using output from environmental models, who have computer programming and data manipulation skills (experience of Matlab or Fortran is desirable) and who have previous experience of glaciological data collection techniques. It is essential that the successful applicant is enthusiastic, highly motivated, independent-thinking, and is prepared to work as part of a team in cold, potentially remote environments

Funding Notes
This PhD is funded by Northumbria University. This award , starting Autumn 2010, covers a three year stipend plus tuition fees at the UK / EU citizen rate. Non EU citizens will be subject to additional international fees, see http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/brochure/international/fees/ that are NOT covered by the award.

Informal Enquiries
Enquiries regarding this studentship should be made to Dr Nick Rutter via email nick.rutter@northumbria.ac.uk or on +44 (0) 191 227 4735

Eligibility
Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (in a relevant subject) from a British higher education institution, or equivalent. Students who are not UK/EU residents are eligible to apply, provided they hold the relevant academic qualifications (together with an IELTS score of at least 6.5).

How to Apply

You should apply using the University’s Research Studentship Application Form. Further details on the University’s Research Studentship Scheme, together with the Application Form, can be found on our website:
http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/researchstudentships

Applications should be submitted to:
Linda Barlow at sz.researchadmin@northumbria.ac.uk
Or
Linda Barlow School of Applied Sciences D111 Ellison Building Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST
Deadline for applications: 23 July 2010

Further Scholarship Information

Scholarship Tags: Studentship, UK, Vegetation