Project Description
Supervisors
Professor Martin King, Faculty of Science, Royal Holloway, University of London – contact me
Dr Rebecca Fisher, RHUL
Dr Joseph Cook, Arctic Research
Scientific Background
Sea ice plays a vital role in the Earth system, supporting polar ecosystems and regulating the global radiation budget. However, light-absorbing impurities such as black carbon, volcanic ash and mineral dust can reduce sea-ice albedo, allowing more solar energy to be absorbed. This may accelerate polar climate change. Understanding these processes is important for climate prediction and satellite observation. The project will investigate how sea-ice reflectivity changes with impurity loading, temperature, thickness and evolution[AD1.1].
Research Methodology
The researcher will combine laboratory experiments, potential field observations and modelling. Laboratory sea ice will be produced in large refrigerated tanks, with controlled temperature, salinity and impurity concentrations. Its reflectivity and light penetration will be measured across ultraviolet and visible wavelengths, alongside measurements of temperature, brine content and microstructure. Potential field measurements will investigate the bidirectional reflectance of real sea ice and snow-covered sea ice through the seasonal transition from winter to summer in Svalbard (where ARD have a facility), including melt ponds. Experimental and field observations will be used to develop and validate radiative-transfer models. These models will quantify changes in albedo, heating and photosynthetically active radiation reaching the underlying ocean, and support satellite observation.
Training
The researcher will receive training in experimental design, cryogenic laboratory techniques, optical and spectroscopic measurements, field research, data analysis and modelling. They will use specialist instrumentation and large datasets, and gain experience communicating research through publications and conferences. The project also offers an exceptional opportunity to engage with Arctic Research and Development, a high-latitude technology company developing autonomy, hardware and software for Arctic environments. This partnership offers insight into translating scientific questions into field-ready technology and working across research, engineering and operational teams, with potential exposure to Arctic deployments and testing.
Person Specification
We seek an enthusiastic and motivated individual with an interest in climate science, polar environments, environmental physics or a discipline. Applicants should demonstrate analytical and problem-solving abilities, careful experimental practice and enthusiasm for developing skills. Experience of programming, modelling, laboratory experimentation, spectroscopy or fieldwork would be advantageous, but is not essential. The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team is important, together with clear communication skills.
Acceptable first degree subject(s): Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science