Arctic Wintertime Storms In A Changing Climate

Project Code: RENFREW_UEA_ARIES27

Arctic Wintertime Storms In A Changing Climate

Project Code: RENFREW_UEA_ARIES27

Project Description

Supervisors

Professor Ian Renfrew, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia – contact me

Dr Denis Sergeev, University of Bristol

Professor Manoj Joshi, UEA

 

Scientific Background:

Polar mesoscale cyclones are smaller scale (<1000 km) rapidly developing Arctic storm systems that occur over sub-polar and polar waters. They are challenging to forecast and a significant natural hazard for people living or visiting polar regions. The strongest class, known as polar lows, occur in winter and have gale force windspeeds with high surface heat and moisture fluxes leading to water mass transformation; so are critical in coupling the atmosphere and ocean within the climate system.

 

Research Methodology

This PhD project will develop a climatology of polar lows for the future using an ensemble of climate projections, investigate the impacts of polar low changes on the climate system, and examine some polar low cases in a coupled forecast model. The student will

  • use cyclone detection and tracking tools to quantify the numbers and distribution of polar lows in future projections from a high-resolution climate model;
  • investigate the impacts of changes in polar low frequencies and distribution on the ocean and on sea ice;
  • examine one or two polar low case studies, making use of our existing aircraft-based observations, or other in situ observations, and new atmosphere–ice–ocean numerical weather prediction simulations using a Met Office model that has the same science configuration as the climate model.

 

Training

You will receive training in the use and analysis of climate model output as well as scientific training in the dynamics and physics of weather systems and the climate system. You will receive guidance in the use of cyclone tracking software and the visualisation of climate diagnostics, as well as how to interpret meteorological observations from various research platforms. You will also have training in using a state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction model – the Met Office Momentum system – and in the use and analyses of its output. There may be the opportunity to take part in field work.

 

Person Specification:

A degree in a quantitative science. An interest in data analysis of climate model output and numerical modelling of weather systems is essential, while some experience in coding is desirable.

Acceptable first degree subject(s): Maths, Meteorology, Oceanography, Geophysics or a similar quantitative science.

References

  • Renfrew, I.A., Sergeev, D.E., 2026. Polar Lows. In: Robinson, W.A. (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 1. Elsevier, Academic Press, pp. 803-815. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-96026-7.00102-8
  • Sergeev, D. E., I. A. Renfrew, T. Spengler, S. R. Dorling, 2017: Structure of a shear-line polar low, Quarterly J. Royal Meteorological Society, 143, 12-26. 10.1002/qj.2911
  • Bresson, H., K. I. Hodges, L. C. Shaffrey, G. Zappa, and R. Schiemann 2022: The response of Northern Hemisphere polar lows to climate change in a 25-km high‐resolution global climate model. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 127, no. 4, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JD035610
  • Condron, A. and I.A. Renfrew, 2013: The impact of polar mesoscale storms on northeast Atlantic Ocean circulation, Nature Geoscience, 6, 34-37. doi:10.1038/ngeo1661
  • Renfrew, I.A., R. S. Pickart, et al. 2019: The Iceland Greenland Seas Project, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 100, 1795–1817. doi:10.1175/BAMS-D-18-0217.1

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2027. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 16 December 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). 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 postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke 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. 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 immigration 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 asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are 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. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via the University of East Anglia Application Portal