Vacancy: PhD Position at the University of Leeds (UK)
The successful candidate will have a good first or Masters degree in a physical or mathematical discipline, such as mathematics, physics, geophysics, engineering or meteorology.
*Title:* Model Evaluation of Dust Uplift
*Supervisors:* Peter Knippertz and Doug Parker
*Location:* School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds, UK
*Starting date:* winter/spring 2010/11
*Project description:*
Mineral dust is one of the most important natural contributors to fine particles in the atmosphere and is currently heavily researched due to its effects on climate and weather. Recently numerical models have been developed that simulate the dust cycle on a global or regional scale. Evaluating the process of dust uplift from desert soils in such models is a major challenge due to the limited availability of observations from the often-remote dust source areas.
This project will use data from recent and future field campaigns to northern Africa and newly developed satellite products to evaluate near-surface wind speeds and dust uplift across a wide range of model types and horizontal resolutions. In contrast to previous studies the evaluation will be done on the level of different meteorological mechanisms of peak-wind generation such as the break-down of nocturnal low-level jets, convective cold pools and dust devils to allow for a much more systematic insight into model deficiencies and strengths.
The successful candidate will have a good first or Masters degree in a physical or mathematical discipline, such as mathematics, physics, geophysics, engineering or meteorology. At Leeds he/she will be part of Dr Peter Knippertz's lively and supportive research group and join a team of 3 Postdoctorial researchers and 1 other PhD student working together under a larger project funded by the European Research Council. The group is based within the Institute of Climate and Atmospheric Sciences and the School of Earth an Environment, taking advantage of a
new purpose built building (see www.see.leeds.ac.uk). He/she will have the opportunity to actively participate in field campaigns to northern Africa.
*Funding Notes*
Only UK/EU students are eligible. The PhD comes with an annual stipend of 13590 GBP and all fees paid.
*Informal Inquiries and Applications
*For inquiries about the project please contact Dr. Peter Knippertz (p.knippertz@leeds.ac.uk). Information on how to apply can be found at <http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/study/phd/ias-degrees.htm>. Deadline for application is 30 September 2010.
