PhD projects in Meteorology and Earth Science
Below are some examples of PhD projects in mathematical meteorology. Alternative Projects might be formulated following discussions with individual staff members, just contact the staff member or PhD admissions tutor Dr Gianne Derks.
Numerical weather prediction: multi-scale variational data assimilation and high-resolution models (Supervisor: Prof. Ian Roulstone)
Assessing risk from extremes of weather and climate, evaluating sustainable energy resources, and generally improving our ability to adapt to a changing climate, all require detailed knowledge of how weather patterns will affect our lives in the future. Reliable weather forecasts are currently issued for 3 to 4 days ahead at continental and global scales, though more detailed local/regional information from higher-resolution weather prediction models requires a radical new approach (because relatively rapid, unstable nonlinear processes become more important).
This project will contribute to the development of high-resolution numerical weather prediction systems (which are recognized as an important part of evaluating the impact of climate change at local or regional scales) and their use to generate meaningful information for end users e.g. where forecasts are used as part of a flood warning system. Success will lead to immediate benefits for all users of forecasts (e.g. Environment Agencies, Aviation Authorities (e.g. CAA), etc.).