PhD studentship: Reconstructing historical storminess in the North Sea from climate and sediment ar

Climate change is causing sea-level rise, impacting on coastlines and threatening coastal societies. The 1990s saw a shifting north of storm tracks and increased storminess in the Atlantic-European sector, however, confidence in longer term trends in storminess is low(1). Knowing the long-term variability of storm tracks, as well as the return period of severe storms is critical for present coastal management(2), particularly given future rising sea-levels and that winter cyclone activity is projected to increase in the future in this region(3). The return period for the major 1953 storm was thought to be ~50 years but may be less in the future(4). Whilst advances in hydrological modeling have been made to better predict peak storm tide height along coastlines refinement requires a better understanding of beach parameters and other coastal zone factors(2). To achieve this also “require an understanding of how specific segments of the coastline have responded over millennial timescales”(5).

Predictions of change in extreme storm return intervals can be improved by answering the following:
1. What was the pre-instrumental return interval of extreme storms?
2. What coasts were affected and how often?
3. What synoptic climatic conditions cause extreme storm events in the North Sea?
The above allows local predictions for coastal management when added to model-based (IPCC) predictions as currently done by UKCIP/Defra. (3) defines the causes allowing provision for future effective flood defenses and risk assessment

Objectives:
[1] Collate relevant documentary sources and meteorological observations from ships’ logbooks to provide storm frequency and magnitude record for last 500 years.
[2] For the late 19th and early 20th century use historical climatic reanalysis data to establish the synoptic patterns of storms
[3] Apply portable luminescence techniques to a range of coastal dune systems to establish sedimentary archive of storms over last 500 years
[4] Combine the above to better understand the frequency, magnitude, and spatiality of landfall of storms in the North Sea.
Novelty and Timeliness: This project will take a unique approach in combining documentary evidence (including ships logs), newly available climate reanalysis approaches and sediment dune archive data using novel portable luminescence dating6 to investigate past storm events in the North Sea.

Applicants should have a background in Physical Geography including geomorphology and climatology. The experience of fieldwork or use of documentary evidence would be an advantage. Successful applicants will be trained in luminescence dating, sedimentology, use of archives and climate analysis and models. It is hoped project outcomes will lead to high impact scientific publications and through interaction with coastal managers will be able to contribute to the future management of the coastal zone.
For further information please e-mail: m.d.bateman@sheffield.ac.uk

References
1. IPCC 2015. Working Group1, Chapter 14.
2. Lewis et al 2013. Coastal and Shelf Science 123 19-25.
3. Feser et al. 2014. Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc.141: 350–382.
4. Wolf and Flather 2005. Phils. Trans. R. Soc. London Ser. A 363, 1359–1375.
5. Andrews et al 2000. , London, Special Publications 166, 219-251.
6.Bateman et al 2015. Quaternary Geochronology 30, 141-146.

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.

References

This Ph.D. 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.