Climate-Cooling Twins: Investigating the drivers of methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide ocean emissions

ORAM_UENV25ARIES

Climate-Cooling Twins: Investigating the drivers of methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide ocean emissions

ORAM_UENV25ARIES

Project Description

Supervisors

Professor David Oram, Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia – contact me

Dr Charel Wohl, UEA-ENV

Dr Grant Forster, UEA-ENV

Dr Ming-xi Yang, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, UK

 

Scientific background

The oceans emit substantial amounts of volatile sulfur in the form of MeSH and DMS. Produced by marine biota, these compounds play a crucial role in cooling the planet by forming aerosol that seed clouds. Historically, DMS has received all the attention as the main source of volatile marine sulfur, but recent work, including that by the supervisory team, has suggested substantial global emissions of MeSH. However, large uncertainties remain, especially with regards to the gas transfer velocity and other factors controlling MeSH fluxes. This study will address some key scientific questions:

What are the concentrations and fluxes of MeSH in tropical and mid-latitude environments?

Do current models calculate MeSH and gas transfer velocities correctly?

Research methodology

You will deploy a state-of-the-art, time-of-flight mass spectrometer in two contrasting coastal observatories to collect novel datasets of MeSH and DMS concentrations in air and seawater. The data will be used to calculate emissions from the ocean using two complementary techniques. The measurement sites are Cape Verde (tropical Atlantic, warm, high irradiance) and Penlee Point (Cornwall, cool, low irradiance). Measurements under these contrasting conditions will assess and improve our understanding of the oceanic air-sea fluxes of these gases.

Training

You will receive training in the use of specialised analytical equipment and coding for data processing (Igor Pro, Python and R). You will be given training opportunities in transferable professional skills e.g. through attendance at NCAS and ARIES events. We will pursue the possibility for you to attend the SOLAS summer school.

Person specification

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to investigate the drivers of sea-to-air fluxes of the twin climate-cooling gases methanethiol (MeSH) and dimethyl sulfide (DMS).

You will have an aptitude for practical work and robust skills in mathematics (prior experience of coding is desirable). Enjoyment of travel is essential. You will have skills in critical thinking and problem solving. You are motivated by pushing the boundaries of knowledge and publishing your insights in peer-reviewed journals.

We encourage you to embark on a journey to take ground-breaking measurements and make a significant contribution to environmental science.

Acceptable first degree subjects: chemistry, physics, related discipline or a suitable branch of environmental sciences

References

  • Novak, G. A., Kilgour, D. B., Jernigan, C. M., Vermeuel, M. P., and Bertram, T. H.: Oceanic emissions of dimethyl sulfide and methanethiol and their contribution to sulfur dioxide production in the marine atmosphere, Atmospheric Chem. Phys., 22, 6309–6325, 2022.
  • Wohl, C., Li, Q., Cuevas, C. A., Fernandez, R. P., Yang, M., Saiz-Lopez, A., and Simó, R.: Marine biogenic emissions of benzene and toluene and their contribution to secondary organic aerosols over the polar oceans, Science Advances, 9, 1–11, 2023.
  • Hien, T. T., Huy, D. H., Dominutti, P. A., Thien Chi, N. D., Hopkins, J. R., Shaw, M., Forster, G., Mills, G., Le, H. A., and Oram, D.: Comprehensive volatile organic compound measurements and their implications for ground-level ozone formation in the two main urban areas of Vietnam, Atmospheric Environment, 269, 118872, 2022.
  • Li, F., Huang, D. D., Tian, L., Yuan, B., Tan, W., Zhu, L., Ye, P., Worsnop, D., Hoi, K. I., Mok, K. M., and Li, Y. J.: Response of protonated, adduct, and fragmented ions in Vocus proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS), Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, 17, 2415–2427, 2024.
  • Phillips, D. P., Hopkins, F. E., Bell, T. G., Liss, P. S., Nightingale, P. D., Reeves, C. E., Wohl, C., and Yang, M.: Air–sea exchange of acetone, acetaldehyde, DMS and isoprene at a UK coastal site, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 2021.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2025. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 8th January 2025.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£19,237 p.a. for 2024/25) and research funding. A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgradute researcher (PGRs) benefit from bespoke graduate training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or imigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive, and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential, and will be stored on the UEA sharepoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships, and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be ask to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • If funded under the BBSRC-NERC DLA scheme, ARIES studentships will be subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. See https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information

Apply Now

Apply via the  University of East Anglia application portal