Winds and Waves in the Alpine Mountains REP 2026

Winds and Waves in the Alpine Mountains REP 2026

Lead Supervisor:
Andrew Orr

Locations:
British Antarctic Survey

Duration:
8 weeks

Suitable undergraduate degrees:
Mathematics, Meteorology, Physics, Similar quantitative science

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Project background

Scientific Background

Mountains and hills (or “orography”) have a substantial effect on the atmospheric circulation, including both local weather systems and the global circulation. Consequently, it is vital that the effects of orography are represented accurately in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models used by the UK Met Office, such as the Unified Model (MetUM).

One of the main ways that orography can disturb the atmospheric circulation is by exerting a frictional drag force, which is generated by winds flowing over orography. This creates atmospheric disturbances known as orographic gravity waves. These waves propagate upwards and eventually become unstable and break down, which results in orographic gravity wave drag. This is a frictional force that decelerates upper-level winds and also causes clear-air turbulence. However, a lack of observational understanding of these processes results in their poor representation in NWP models such as the MetUM. This subsequently leads to large errors in the atmospheric circulation simulated by these models, and thus weather forecasts.

Due to the importance of this problem, a major international atmospheric research programme called TEAMx took place over the Alps in 2025, which included intensive summer and winter measurement campaigns. This included measurements from aircraft and weather balloons of orographic gravity waves.

 

Research Methodology

In this project, the individual will use the measurements from the TEAMx campaign to investigate how orographic gravity waves are generated, and how they propagate upwards and eventually break down. In particular, they will analyse the radiosonde observations to identify case study periods and run sub-km scale simulations of these periods using the MetUM. Examination of case study periods for summer could be especially interesting, as the formation of orographic gravity waves during summer is under studied. Outputs from the MetUM simulations will then be compared with the observations to assess how realistically the model can capture the flow / orographic gravity waves. The simulations will also be used to quantify the vertical and horizontal distribution of orographic drag, and how this depends on flow characteristics (e.g., wind direction, wind shear, boundary layer).

Eligibilty criteria

Students must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed below to apply for a REP:

  • Be undertaking their first undergraduate degree studies (or integrated Masters) – note that students in in their final year who have graduated and no longer have student status at the time the placement starts are not eligible;
  • Be eligible for subsequent NERC PhD funding (please see the relevant text in the ‘Terms and conditions for training funding’ and associated guidance for further information – https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/); and
  • Have the right to work in the UK.

 

Students from outside the UK who do not already have right to work in the UK should not apply.

How to apply

The deadline for applications will be midday (12 noon BST) on Wednesday 20 May 2026.  

In order to be considered for a placement, please apply to aries.dtp@uea.ac.uk providing the following:

  • A supporting statement explaining your motivation for applying for this project. Please include answers to the following questions:
    • which project are you applying for?
    • why have you applied for this project (e.g. what interested you about this project, what in particular made you want to undertake this research)?
    • what do you hope to achieve by undertaking this placement (e.g. is it for experience, to gain skills, to develop your interests)?
    • what skills do you have that make you an ideal candidate for this placement (e.g. what skills have you developed during your degree that might apply)?
    • what do you hope to do when you complete your degree (e.g. have you considered a working in scientific research in the future, or is this your first experience)?
  • A recent CV
  • A reference from your personal tutor (please ask your tutor to send this to us directly)
  • An interim transcript if available
  • Please also complete the online EDI form (this form is a mandatory part of the application process, but contains ‘prefer not to say’ options for all questions asked)
Selection process
  • Applications are screened for eligibility
  • Applications are forwarded to supervisors (the EDI form is not included)
  • Supervisors shortlist candidates and interview for the placement.

 

Candidates will be scored according to the following criteria:

  • Fit to project (e.g. your current skills, area of study, interests)
  • Enthusiasm for environmental research (e.g. what you hope to achieve through undertaking this placement, why you chose this project in particular)
  • Evidence of suitability to undertake a research placement (e.g. evidence from your tutor reference, transcript, and CV that you are an engaged student)

 

Successful candidates will be informed by Friday 12 June 2026.