[UK] PhD Studentship in Atmospheric/Space Physics, University of Bath
PhD Studentship - Dynamics & Coupling of the Mesosphere & Lower Thermosphere
A fully-funded, PPARC PhD project studentship, available from October 2007
Based in the Centre for Space, Atmospheric & Oceanic Science, Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, The University of Bath
Applications are invited from graduates holding, or students expecting to receive, a first or upper second class Honours degree in physics, mathematics, engineering or a suitable numerate discipline.
The PhD Project
The mesosphere and lower thermosphere is that part of the atmosphere at heights between ~ 50 and 110 km. It includes the sharp temperature minimum of the mesopause, the coldest naturally-occurring place on Earth where temperatures can be below 130 K. It is this region where meteors burn up and deposit particulate matter that can act as condensation nuclei for polar mesospheric clouds, the highest clouds in the Earth’s atmosphere. The dynamics of this region are dominated by large-amplitude atmospheric waves and tides launched from below.The project will use ground-based radar and satellite data to study waves, tides, meteors and clouds in the mesosphere. In particular, the student will use data from the international EISCAT radar in Norway and from the University of Bath’s meteor radars deployed in the polar regions to investigate the physics involved in the coupling of atmospheric waves and tides and to examine the impact of solar variability on such processes. Data from the NASA AIM satellite will be used to study the impact of dynamics on polar mesospheric clouds. Radars in the Arctic and Antarctic will be used to investigate differences between the polar regions during the International Polar Year.
The student will receive the full range of training offered to PhD students at Bath and by PPARC and will benefit from interaction with staff and students of the Centre for Space, Atmospheric & Oceanic Science.
The student will attend the EISCAT training course in Arctic Norway, the installation of a meteor radar in the USA and various international meetings.
The Research Group
The student will join the Centre for Space, Atmospheric & Oceanic Science in the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering. The CSAOS combines the research interests of some 10 academics and about 25 PhD students and post-docs. Details can be found here: www.bath.ac.uk/csaos/. The project will be supervised by Prof. Nick Mitchell (http://people.bath.ac.uk/eesnjm/) and Dr Ivan Astin (http://people.bath.ac.uk/eesia/).
How to Apply
Applicants will need to satisfy the PPARC eligibility requirements. See www.pparc.ac.uk/Pg/Stu/studentships.asp
More details and an informal discussion of the project are available from Prof Nick Mitchell (N.J.Mitchell@bath.ac.uk).
Closing date: April 15, 2007
Filed under: Postgraduate
