PhD Research Studentship
PhD Research Studentship:
Effect of mesoscale variability of water masses in a shallow sea on acoustic
wave propagation
University of Plymouth, Faculty of Science and
Technology
Supervisors: Professor Georgy Shapiro, Dr Richard Thain and Dr Duncan
Priestley, University of Plymouth.
Underwater acoustics is widely used for navigational, scientific and military
purposes. Knowledge of the dispersion and strength of acoustic signal in coastal
waters is also important in order to assess the potential impact of industrial and
naval use of sonars on marine mammals. The properties of underwater sound
propagation are highly influenced by the marine physical environment. The direction
and intensity of sound propagation is determined by the sound speed gradients in
the water column, which in turn are dependent upon variations in temperature and
salinity. These variations occur on a range of scales - from climatic (tens of years) to
the mesoscale (days and weeks). The shallow seas are an extremely dynamic
environment featuring complex bottom topography, strong density fronts, eddies,
filaments and other mesoscale features.
The purpose of this study is to estimate the range of distortion of acoustic waves in a
shallow sea under various climate and weather conditions using a combination of
oceanographic and acoustic modelling. This project will benefit from support from the
Centre of Excellence in Naval Oceanographic Research and Education (CENORE)
and its partners, including the Royal Navy’s Hydrography and Meteorology school
(FOST HM), the UK Hydrographic Office, and the Met Office.
The student will receive training in the use of numerical models. In addition, the
student will receive specialist training in Applied Marine Science including a number
of post-graduate modules at the University of Plymouth. The student will also
receive training in computer programming (FORTRAN and MATLAB), and the use of
oceanographic and acoustic numerical models, in model validation and
interpretation. The student will be offered the opportunity to take the General
teaching Association (GTA) course, which is designed specifically with PhD students
in mind, to support and develop their skills as they begin to engage in teaching
activities.
Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a high grade Bachelors or Masters
Degree in Ocean Science or similar subject area. The candidate must have good
programming skills (experience in FORTRAN and/or MATLAB is desired) and a
strong motivation for research.
The PhD studentship consists of an annual bursary of £13,590 plus UK fees of
£3,475.00 for 2010/2011. The duration of the studentship is for 3 years. Bursaries
and fees are subject to annual review and for subsequent years will be at the
prevailing rates at the time.
Applications from overseas students will be considered but overseas candidates will
have to show that they can cover the difference between Home/EU fees and
overseas fees for the duration of the project i.e. £9,275 per year for three years.
For further information about the project, please contact Prof Georgy Shapiro
(gshapiro@plymouth.ac.uk) or Dr Richard Thain (rthain@plymouth.ac.uk) Applicants
should send a completed application form
(http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pghowtoapply), CV, and a letter detailing their suitability
for the post as well as contact details of two academic referees to Mrs C Watson,
Faculty of Science and Technology, Plymouth PL4 8AA or e-mail
c.watson@plymouth.ac.uk
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 1st September 2010 – Deadline
Extended to Wednesday 6th October 2010.