Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Ice sheets contributions to sea level rise have grown significantly over the last two decades as a direct consequence of climate change (Bell et al. 2018). Because air temperatures are increasing, more water is formed on the glacier surface and this melt water often finds its way to the base through cracks and fractures (Young et al. 2022). However, there is a scarcity of direct observations to tell us how the water is stored and how glaciers respond. This knowledge gap is a problem because accurate projection of ice sheet contributions to sea level rise require time-varying friction processes to be included in models. Resolving the properties of the glacier bed and the basal motion of ice sheets is therefore essential (Law et al. 2023).
Extending from earlier work by Law et al. (2023), this project will develop a novel model of glaciers' basal environment to advance our understanding of the frictional properties that governs the flow of ice in Antarctica. The project will examine how water is distributed in cavities, concentrated in large channels or stored in basal sediment, each mechanism influencing the basal friction in its own way. The overall aim of the research is to understand basal friction and its co-evolution with hydrology and deformational ice-flow processes.
To guide the research, the following objectives will be addressed:
- Simulate the ice-bed interface with a high-resolution 3D model that captures deforming ice, basal slip, cavity growth and either sediment or rock depending on setting.
- Conduct up-scaled experiments with a 3D model of a drainage basin, using outcomes from (1) to guide the implementation of basal processes and the most suitable friction law.
- Project sea level rise by 2100 with realistic basal motion from hydro-dynamic processes which are not currently included in ice sheet models.
This project will advance our understanding of poorly understood processes and mechanisms that exert a key control on the Antarctic Ice Sheet through complex interaction. The work will enable more accurate projection of sea level rise, and it directly engages with the 'deep uncertainty' of ice sheet processes.
Bell, R.E. et al. Antarctic surface hydrology and impacts on ice-sheet mass balance. Nature Climate Change 8, 1044–1052 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-018-0326-3
Law, R ., Chrosffersen, P. et al. Complex motion of Greenland Ice Sheet outlet glaciers with basal temperate ice. Science Advances 9, eabq5180 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abq5180
Young, T. J., Christoffersen, P. et al., Rapid basal melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet from surface meltwater drainage. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 119, e2116036119 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2116036119
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Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- BSc (Hons) or Master's degree in earth science, geophysics, geography or a related discipline
- A passion for Antarctica, polar regions and earth's climate
- Good communication skills, demonstrated by the production of a thesis or published manuscript, or an interview
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Knowledge in glaciology or polar science
- mathematical expertise or ability to manage data and models with Python, Matlab or Fortran
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Prof Poul Christoffersen to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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