Northumbria University

Homepage: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/

About the Project

This PhD is part of the Net Zero Polar Science DTP, which aims to make polar science possible in a net zero world. For further details visit https://nzps-dtp.ac.uk/

Supervisory Team:

• Dr Monika Markowska (Lead), Northumbria University
• Dr Julia Tindall, Leeds University
• Dr Hubert B. Vonhof, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry
• Dr Samuel L. Nicholson, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry

During the Pleistocene epoch, colossal ice sheets waxed and waned across the Northern Hemisphere, dramatically transforming rainfall patterns worldwide. Understanding how polar ice distributions impact global circulation patterns is crucial for predicting how our warming world will affect future rainfall distribution.

Using purpose-built climate modelling technology, you'll run sophisticated computer simulations to unlock how ice sheets influenced global atmospheric circulation through different glaciation scenarios. You'll manipulate virtual ice sheets and orbital parameters state-of-the-art isotope-enabled global climate models (i.e. HadCM3) to discover which factors - ice volume, Earth's orbital position, or atmospheric CO₂ - had the biggest impact on rainfall in water-scarce regions.

You'll be among the first researchers to directly compare climate model outputs with measurements of ancient rainfall composition from geological archives, matching simulated and observed isotope values spatially and temporally. The project includes field expeditions to international locations including Crete, Greece, for practical experience collecting geological archives, and placements at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and Alfred Wegener Institute.

This project uses climate modelling as a lower-carbon alternative to polar fieldwork. The net zero case study will conduct a cost-benefit analysis comparing carbon emissions and computational efficiency across different climate models and HPC facilities, developing a decision-tree framework for model selection balanced by research data requirements. Further, the case study will critically evaluate the skill of a statistical emulator in capturing subtropical rainfall amount and composition to assess whether the higher computational cost (and proportional carbon footprint) of moderate and high-resolution models justifies their enhanced capabilities for this specific research question.

Research Objectives:

• Conduct systematic isotope-enabled model simulations with varying polar ice extent to quantify cryospheric controls on subtropical precipitation
• Conduct attribution analyses to identify northern hemisphere glaciation controls on atmospheric circulation
• Validate model simulations through integrated paleoclimate proxy data-model comparison
• Net Zero Case Study: Develop computational efficiency framework comparing carbon emissions across models and HPC facilities

Technical Approaches: Isotope-enabled HadCM3 coupled atmosphere-ocean GCM with systematic sensitivity experiments varying ice sheet extent, orbital parameters, atmospheric CO₂, and Antarctic ice-sheet collapse. Statistical climate emulators - simplified approximations of the full model - trained on strategic simulations to efficiently explore numerous ice sheet and orbital configurations. Direct proxy-model validation through quantitative comparison of model predictions with ancient precipitation waters preserved in cave formations.

Training Opportunities: Hands-on experience at Max Planck Institute for Chemistry developing proxy reconstructions using mass spectrometry. Field expeditions to Crete supported by PI's Royal Society project. Potential placements at Alfred Wegener Institute gaining experience with different climate models (AWI-ESM2-WISO).

Desired Academic Background: Suitable for students with backgrounds in Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Physics, Geography, Mathematics, or related fields. Essential: interest in climate dynamics, basic programming or willingness to learn. Desirable: experience with data analysis (particularly R statistical software package), numerical methods, or track record in climate science research.

Eligibility

For entry to PhD study, applicants are expected to have at least one of the following:

* a first or upper second (2:1) class honours undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, or an equivalent international qualification,

* a relevant master’s qualification or equivalent evidence of prior professional practice.

International applicants and candidates from non-English speaking countries will need to meet the minimum language requirements for admission onto the programme of study for their Home institution.

To apply for a NZPS DTP studentship, please follow the guidance on the NZPS application process webpage.

Informal enquiries about the project and your application should be addressed to the project supervisor, Dr Monika Markowska - monika.markowska@northumbria.ac.uk

After you have discussed your application with the project supervisor and read the NZPS application guidance, you should:

1) Complete the online NZPS Application Form by 17.00GMT 7th January 2026.

2) Submit any additional application documents in the requested format to NZPS@northumbria.ac.uk by the closing date.

If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at nzps@northumbria.ac.uk