Coastal sediment dynamics on the North Coast of Northern Ireland at decadal to centennial time scale.

Summary

Up-to-date shoreline models, lacking reliable long-term data to be calibrated with, fail to predict the consequences generated by the current and future context of sea level rise and climate change.

The exploitation of reliable and unexplored long-term 3D data of coastal change from the past could contribute to fill this knowledge gap despite extracting and quantifying good quality data from historical records is still a challenge.

New applications of the Structure-from-Motion-Multi-View-Stereo (SfM-MVS) technique will be used to acquire long-term 3D data of coastal change from historical aerial photos. The technique will be applied on selected study sites on the North Coast of Northern Ireland (UK) from the earliest aerial archives available (1950’s) to recent years, aiming to build a time series of data of about 70 years. Spatially accurate Digital Surface Models (DSMs) and shoreline positions will be produced for each past date and potentially integrated with coeval bathymetric data and with data derived from satellite images, historical maps, LiDAR, GNSS and/or UAVs in order to enrich and extend the spatio-temporal coverage. Volume calculations (using GIS software) and forcing analyses will improve sediment budget calculations on several coastal sectors.

The PhD work will contribute to better understand the long-term drivers of coastal change on a largely heterogeneous coastal landscape ranging from several geological and geomorphological features, diverse hydrodynamics forcing and a certain degree of human intervention. The project will also define the sediment interactions within adjacent coastal sectors and help to delineate the coastal sediment circulation on a local scale. The knowledge produced at the end of this project will largely benefits local and international coastal policy plans together with fundamental scientific progresses in coastal geomorphology and processing techniques of remote sensed data.

Please note: A project proposal is not required with this application.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.