PhD Research Project: Investigating drainage beneath the British-Irish Ice Sheet: groundwater flow

Ice sheet behaviour is largely controlled by bed conditions. Observations beneath the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets reveal significant basal meltwater generation, storage and evacuation, which can lubricate the bed causing rapid ice-flow. Meltwater flow patterns beneath modern ice sheets are poorly understood. Glaciologists have often assumed the bed as an impermeable surface, but the weight of an overlying ice mass is likely to have a strong influence on the groundwater recharge rates, flow patterns, recharge rates and distribution. Detailing the complex aquifer--ice-sheet interactions is therefore crucial for understanding draining meltwater as well as landform and sediment genesis mechanisms.

In this project we will use data on the bed of the British-Irish Ice Sheet, which has fully retreated revealing a bewildering array of meltwater features, to develop a groundwater flow model that reconstructs the form, evolution and drainage of groundwater and basal meltwater over the last 70,000 years.

Candidates with knowledge/interests in hydrogeology, groundwater modelling, ice-sheet/glacial hydrology and glacial geomorphology are encouraged to apply. Preferred qualifications include: master degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines; good computer programming skills; and strong research motivation.

This is a collaborative project between the Civil and Structural Engineering Department and the Department of Geography at University of Sheffield, and the British Geological Survey, who is a CASE partner.

Additional Supervisors are: Dr. C. Jackson, British Geological Survey (crja@bgs.ac.uk) and Prof. C. Clark, University of Sheffield (c.clark@sheffield.ac.uk)

Funding Notes

Fully funded for a minimum of 3.5 years, studentships cover: (i) a tax-free stipend at the standard Research Council rate (at least £14,296 per annum for 2017-2018), (ii) research costs, and (iii) tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Studentship(s) are available to UK and EU students who meet the UK residency requirements. Students from EU countries who do not meet residency requirements may still be eligible for a fees-only award (stipend is not covered).

References

This PhD project is part of the NERC funded Doctoral Training Partnership “ACCE” (Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment). This is a partnership between the Universities of Sheffield, Liverpool, York and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

Selection process: shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to take place at the University of Sheffield the w/c 13th February 2017.