Mapping of meltwater landforms and bedforms beneath the former Scandinavian Ice Sheet to understand drainage networks and evolution and to advance process modelling
Project Description Currently there is major uncertainty surrounding the contributions of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets to future sea-level rise. Observations made beneath these ice sheets reveal significant basal meltwater generation, storage and evacuation, which can lubricate the bed causing rapid ice-flow. Unfortunately, the pattern and evolution of meltwater flow beneath modern ice sheets is poorly understood. This project tackles the problem by using the beds of palaeo-ice sheets, which have fully retreated revealing a bewildering array of landforms created by flowing meltwater. These landforms can be used to determine ice sheet hydrological properties and inform reconstructions of ice sheet geometry, dynamics and retreat. In this PhD project we will use newly available high-resolution elevation datasets (e.g. ArcticDEM and Lidar) to map meltwater landforms across the former Scandinavian Ice Sheet. Mapping will be used to determine the spatial organisation, morphology and geometries of meltwater landforms, such as tunnel valleys and eskers, and to reconstruct their evolution during retreat. These data will be used along with numerical and / or physical modelling approaches to advance understanding of how subglacial water produces landforms, and their effect on ice flow. Funding Notes Fully funded for of 3 years, studentship covers: (i) a tax-free stipend at the standard Research Council rate (£14,777 per annum for 2018-2019), (ii) research costs, and (iii) tuition fees References The candidate will need a background in Quaternary science and geomorphology and a strong desire to search and discover new information from digital elevation models. GIS expertise is helpful but can easily be picked up. A 1st or 2i class degree is required, MSc not essential. You will join Sheffield’s Ice and ClimatE Research (ICERs) group and gain from its world-leading expertise and enthusiasm for palaeoglaciology. You will benefit from being part of the PALGLAC (Palaeoglaciology) team comprising three other PhD students, four postdoctoral researchers and around 6 staff members. This team is funded by an ERC Advanced Grant project (2018-2023) led by Chris Clark. Some fieldwork opportunities are expected to arise if interested. Candidates should indicate on the application form under Funding Source details that they wish to be considered for the “Mapping of meltwater landforms”. Applications should include a CV in the “personal supporting documents” section of the application form. Note that there is no need to provide a research proposal with this application – please provide a covering letter in this field of the application. Selection process: Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified by email. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to take place at the University of Sheffield the w/c 10th Sept 2018 – interviews via Skype (or similar) will be available. Apply: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgradapplication/www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgradapplication/
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April 2021
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