PhD Studentship available

[gillibrandpa]

PhD Studentship: Structure and Coherence of Flow through a Tidally Energetic Channel measured by HF Radar

With funding secured from Marine Scotland Science (MSS) through the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS), the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) has a fully-funded 3.5 year PhD studentship available.

Coastal HF radar systems offer a relatively new method of measuring tidal and residual ocean circulation, permitting estimates of volume transport on shelf seas. In a demonstration deployment (the Brahan Project) a two-station system has been installed, with HF Radars based at locations in Orkney and Shetland providing current vector data for the Fair Isle Channel either side of the Fair Isle Gap. While HF Radar has a strong track record of contributing to coastal ocean observing systems, the performance of the Fair Isle system needs to be fundamentally assessed. The proposed study will focus on using the HF radar data, together with the other available data such as moored current meter observations, meteorological data and numerical model output, to understand the spatial structure and coherence of the Fair Isle Current inflow into the North Sea. By combining the horizontal surface current data from the radar with other sources of observational data and numerical model output, the study will seek to understand the three-dimensional nature of the flow by setting the surface current data from the radar in the context of depth-resolving data. Further data may be gathered over the course of the studentship that will contribute to the dataset for analysis, and the student will be given the opportunity to participate in sea-going cruises with MSS to the northern North Sea.

The studentship will be supervised by Dr Philip Gillibrand (UHI), Dr Bill Turrell (MSS) and Dr Barbara Berx (MSS).

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree in mathematics, physics, oceanography or other relevant discipline. The studentship will receive an annual stipend starting at £14,057 and have the opportunity to participate in the MASTS Graduate School. For a full project description and details of how to apply please visit: http://www.eri.ac.uk/eri/eri_aca/recruitment.aspx

Application Deadline: Wednesday 8th July 2015. Open to UK, European and international students. (International students will have to cover the difference in cost between home and overseas fees).

The ERI is part of the North Highland College, an academic partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). Situated in Thurso in the northern Highlands of Scotland, the ERI provides a high quality, dynamic environment well equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities and access to some world class natural environments. Our energetic research team aims 'to address contemporary environmental issues and advance understanding in the sustainable use of the earth's natural resources through research excellence and innovative scientific leadership'.