BAS anticipates a studentship in the following topic in 2013
 (subject to funding)

Investigating the spatial distribution of Föhn conditions and their impact on surface melt over the Larsen Ice Shelf

Supervisors:
Dr Amélie Kirchgaessner (British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, CB3 0ET)
Dr. Andrew Ross (School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT)

1995 and 2002 saw the dramatic break-up and collapse of huge parts of the Larsen Ice Shelf, Antarctica. It is widely accepted that hydrofracturing (melt water enters crevasses and prevents their refreezing) is the mechanism behind the break-up of the Larsen A and Larsen B ice shelves. Adiabatic warming of the air on the lee side of mountains, so called Föhn winds, are thought to provide the atmospheric conditions for significant warming over the Larsen Ice Shelf thus leading to the initial firn densification and subsequently providing the melt water for hydrofracturing. Measurements have provided evidence that in some cases Föhn events reach an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) over 100km from the foot of the Antarctic Peninsula mountains.

This student project will use archived mesoscale model output from the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System AMPS to spatially analyse surface parameters during cases of Föhn events identified in AWS measurements during 2011.  The student will perform high resolution model simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to compare how the representation of these cases differs depending on model resolution. A combination of model data and AWS observations will be used to study the spatial and temporal distribution of Föhn events over the entire Larsen Ice Shelf, their impact on surface melt conditions, and their potential role in past and potential future ice shelf break ups in the area. 

This NERC PhD Studentship is linked to the British Antarctic Survey Climate Programme. In the Climate programme we use climate and weather model simulations together with observations from both polar regions to improve our understanding of how natural and human-induced factors contribute to climate change. More information about the programme can be found at http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/bas_research/our_research/current/programmes/climate/index.php  

The student will be based at BAS, supervised by Dr. Amélie Kirchgaessner and Dr. John King. The student will be registered in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds with Dr. Andrew Ross as University supervisor. A close link to NCAS will be provided through Dr. Ralph Burton, who will act as co-supervisor in Leeds. 

Applicants should hold or expect to gain a first or upper second-class degree in Meteorology/ Atmospheric Sciences/ Physics, or closely related relevant discipline. As the use of a sophisticated numerical model is an essential part of the project, candidates should be highly numerate and must be able to demonstrate evidence of good computing/IT skills. The studentship will provide excellent training in the analysis of large data sets and in numerical modelling. No fieldwork is planned for this project.

The studentship is expected to last 3.5 years from October 2013 subject to NERC funding.  Stipend for 2012/2013 was £13,590 p.a.  For eligibility criteria, please go to:
http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/available/postgrad/eligibility.asp

Requests for further information on this studentship should be addressed to Dr. Amélie Kirchgaessner ([log in to unmask]). Applications should include a cover letter, CV and the e-mail addresses of two referees, and should be sent to [log in to unmask] Please quote reference number BASDTG/kirc/3 

Closing date for applications is 31st January 2013.

For further details about the British Antarctic Survey please see: http://www.antarctica.ac.uk

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Dr. Amélie Kirchgessner FRMetS
British Antarctic Survey
email: [log in to unmask]
+44 (0)1223 211359
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