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PhD Research Project: Developing global ionospheric data assimilation models to improve forecasting

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Feb 1, 2017

Job Details

Details

Comprehensive, global and timely specifications of the earth’s ionosphere are required to ensure the effective operation, planning and management of many radio frequency systems. Ionospheric data assimilation systems are currently under development to model the large-scale structures in the ionosphere (>100 km). Such models include AENeAS that is under development in the Space Environment and Radio Engineering (SERENE) Group at the University of Birmingham. AENeAS will combine disparate ionospheric measurements with a physics based ionospheric model using a local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF).

Small scale structures (<1 km) can also form in the ionosphere. These often occur on the edges of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) where steep electron density gradients can drive the development of Rayleigh–Taylor (R-T) instabilities. The small scale ionospheric structures can cause radio scintillation (fast variability in phase, amplitude and direction of arrival) which adversely impact trans-ionospheric radio systems such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) satellite communications. Although global ionospheric models cannot directly model small scale ionospheric structures, the occurrence of EPBs is strongly associated with upward drifts in the post-sunset ionosphere. The overall aim of the project is to explore whether AENeAS can be used to the forecast the onset of scintillation

The PhD project will address three areas:
• Investigating the role of vertical ionosondes in improving scintillation prediction skill.
• Extending AENeAS to include the assimilation of GPS radio occultation (RO) measurements. The project will make use of the RO from the upcoming COSMIC-II satellite constellation.
• Exploration of how the AENeAS lower boundary conditions may be improved using of inputs from meteorological models.

UK/EU students with interests in upper atmospheric modelling and data assimilation are invited to apply for this fully funded post. Applications are open to students that have, or expect to obtain, a 1st class degree (or equivalent) in a wide variety of scientific disciplines including mathematics, physics and engineering. Due to the nature of the project, the applicant must be able to demonstrate a high level of mathematical and programming ability.

To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in the School and guidance on making your application, you can order a copy of our Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/drp

Funding Notes

The studentship is being jointly funded by the University of Birmingham and the UK Met Office.

The studentship covers University fees plus a stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) of £14,296 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further two years. UK/EU students only.

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