PhD student scholarship: Atmospheric boundary layer dynamics using mesoscale modelling

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Newport News, VIRGINIA

The atmospheric boundary layer research team at the University of Canterbury (UC) is pleased to announce the availability of one PhD student scholarship funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), New Zealand. The project is part of a wider collaborative international science program to develop a novel, integrated Aerobiological Surveillance and Prediction System (ASaP), using atmospheric modelling and Doppler wind LiDAR observations.

PhD Project title : Discovering the dynamics of the atmospheric boundary layer turbulent exchange mechanisms over the ocean and land interface using fluid trajectories from mesoscale atmospheric modelling

Project detail: Spatial and temporal variations of atmospheric turbulence at the ocean-land interface is fundamental for understanding long-range transport through ‘air-bridges’ between Australia and New Zealand. High resolution numerical simulations have the potential of resolving most of the scale-relevant turbulence within the free atmosphere and the boundary layer that carry aerosols. However, limited observational and modelling studies have been done to understand their role in entrainment (over the source region in Australia), long-range transport (over the Tasman Sea), and eventual turbulent deposition (in New Zealand). This air-bridge has the potential to adversely impact New Zealand’s ecosystem by introducing foreign organisms.

We are looking for a highly motivated and research driven candidate who has experience in atmospheric numerical model output analysis. The candidate will be working with a multidisciplinary team to communicate relevant information for the development of observational analysis to elucidate turbulent exchange over the ocean-land interface. Candidates with an understanding of atmospheric boundary-layer meteorology and/or experience with Lagrangian coherent structure analysis are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship: NZ $35,000 stipend per annum plus tuition fees waived for 36 months (excludes student services fee and insurance)

At least one international/domestic conference travel and registration costs are supported

Journal paper publications from student research outputs are strongly encouraged and financially supported.

Preferred start date: 01 June 2024

Please email your cover letter, CV and a copy of your academic transcripts to : [email protected]