Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 December 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
Scholarship
$17,500 (total value) Top-up + Stipend $33,511pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
Variations in Antarctic snowfall are poorly understood at all scales (Stokes et al. 2022). In Greenland, precipitation types (snowfall, rainfall, diamond dust) are critical to snowpack formation and densification (Mottram et al., 2021), while wind, temperature, vapour transport and snow metamorphism can further influence how snow densifies as it is buried. There is a knowledge gap in our understanding of surface snow processes in Antarctica. Understanding snow processes, and their weather/climate drivers, is crucial to understanding long term surface mass balance and the impact on ice sheet mass gain on the continental plateau versus ice losses at the coastal margin, with implications for sea level rise (Mottram et al. 2021).
This project combines ice core records, meteorological analyses and airborne ice-penetrating radar data to reconstruct snow accumulation in East Antarctica, shedding light on snowfall variability, snow density and metamorphism, and surface mass balance. The specific objectives are:
- Produce ice core records of East Antarctic snowfall accumulation.
- Reconstruct snowfall using radar-detected snow layers and density from ice cores.
- Determine the meteorological drivers of snowfall variability in East Antarctica.
Because snow compaction is poorly understood, objective 1 will focus on snow metamorphism and densification. Objective 2 will map snow layers using ice core density and layering from ice-penetrating radar to quantify regional snowfall over time. Objective 3 will establish the atmospheric drivers of snowfall variability. Based on past evidence, the project will estimate future snowfall variability, given future East Antarctic snowfall may reduce ice sheet contributions to sea level rise.
Stokes, C.R. et al., (2022). Response of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet to past and future climate change. Nature 608, 275–286.
Mottram, R. et al., (2021). What is the surface mass balance of Antarctica? An intercomparison of regional climate model estimates, The Cryosphere, 15, 3751–3784.
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Primary Supervisor
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance co-funded by ACEAS 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.
Additional funding
If successful, applicants will also receive a top-up scholarship, with a total value of $17,500, funded from ACEAS.
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 Antarctic studies, Earth science, geophysics, maths or a related discipline
- A passion for Antarctic science
- Good scientific communication skills, demonstrated by the production of a thesis or published manuscript or seminars.
- Ability to manage and manipulate large spatial and temporal datasets in Python or another coding language.
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Previous experience in spatial applications of statistics, especially in regard to ice core palaeoclimate studies and glaciology.
- Previous experience in numerical modelling or managing data.
- Theoretical understanding of glaciological processes.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Tessa Vance 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 December 2024.
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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