Shallow subsurface analyses of glaciated environments and implications for the energy transition

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Shallow subsurface analyses of glaciated environments and implications for the energy transition

• Shallow subsurface analyses of glaciated environments and implications for the energy transition: School of Natural and Built Environment | PHD Applications are now CLOSED
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Overview

This fully funded PhD project is part of the QUARTILES Doctoral Landscape Award, a BBSRC and NERC-funded research and training programme designed to equip PhD students with the skills, expertise, outlook, and real-world experience needed to become the next generation of scientific leaders capable of addressing pressing environmental grand challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainability. The production of global offshore wind is potentially going to experience a 10-fold increase by 2050 (IRENA, 2019). These requirements for the energy transition mean that there is a need for wholesale planting of windfarms in offshore environments. At the national scale, the UK currently has 14 GW of offshore wind capacity, but the Climate Change Committee (2020) estimates that by 2050 up to 125 GW could be needed. This is a significant task to deliver, not least of all because the UK continental shelf and its shallow subsurface, where the wind turbines and their cables would be planted, has an extremely complicated geological past. This is because the shelf has been subjected to dynamic changes through multiple depositional/erosional processes across numerous glacial-interglacial cycles. This has left behind a heterogenous submarine landscape with complex structures, extreme variations in the geotechnical properties (e.g., boulder beds), steeply dipping and abruptly ending layering, overconsolidated sediments, and softer sands and muds that may be intercalated with layers of peat and methane gas. This is the case for all submarine landscapes that have been subjected to the actions of glaciation.

The complexities of the substrate in these regions, has sparked a new wave of geophysical data acquisition by industry across potential windfarm areas of the North Sea. The parameters of these data mean that it provides a suite of higher resolution information about the subsurface in these areas than was previously known. This project will utilise some of these data, and combine it with a range of subsurface data from other glacial settings. This includes Greenland and Iceland, where the available data for each region varies in type, complexity, and resolution. The benefits of a multi-scale approach is not just developing a range of different research skills and techniques, but the fact that the insights from one dataset can help provide insights on the uncertainties within another. The student will have flexibility on what they choose to focus on with regards to their priority, it may relate to the application of ground-penetrating radar from Iceland, high-resolution reflection seismic from the North Sea linked with geotechnical and geological boreholes, or core and borehole petrophysics integrated with 3D seismic from Greenland, but they will also spend time exploring how the different scales can be used together. The supervisory team already have access to these data. The primary deliverables of the project will be to provide insights on the subsurface characteristics and origin of glacial deposits, the geohazard potential that they provide, and the implications of this for the siting of offshore energy infrastructure. There will be other deliverables in the form of insights on landscape development, glacial processes, and ground engineering investigation workflows. The outputs of the project and the technical development of the student will provide them with a skillset allowing them to go from simple description of geotechnical data to the more complex building of 3D geophysical models that capture cm-to-km scale details. All future offshore windfarm developments and shallow ground engineering in UK and further afield are going to require these sorts of skills to help reduce risks and improve success landscape development during the energy transition. The skills and experience developed from integration of different datasets will push the student even further beyond this and will create significant potential for a highly employable candidate whose career can span a range of sectors that require detailed subsurface characterisation. --------------------------------- ELIGIBILITY: The student will have a background in physical geography/geology/geoscience and ideally they will have experience in geophysics (seismic/GPR – though training will be given). Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion is core to the QUARTILES Doctoral Landscape Award. We actively encourage applications from diverse career paths and backgrounds and across all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status, amongst other protected characteristics. We also invite applications from those returning from a career break, industry or other roles. We typically require a minimum 2:1 in your first degree (or equivalent), but exceptions can be made where applicants can demonstrate excellence in alternative ways, including, but not limited to, performance in masters courses, professional placements, internships or employment – this will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and is dependent upon approval from the relevant host institution. We offer flexible study arrangements such as part-time study (minimum 50%), however this does depend on the nature of the project/research so will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please email us at quartiles-admissions@abdn.ac.uk --------------------------------- APPLICATION PROCEDURE: • Please visit this page for full application information: https://quartiles-dla.ac.uk/how-to-apply/ • Please send your completed QUARTILES application form, along with academic transcripts and certificates to quartiles-admissions@abdn.ac.uk • Please provide two academic references (we are unable to directly request references from your referees. If you would like to include references to support your application, please ensure they are provided directly to us. Some project supervisors may choose to contact your referees – please also include their contact details on your CV. • Please ensure you submit all the required information and documentation. • 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 quartiles-admissions@abdn.ac.uk

Funding Information

This 45 Month opportunity is open to UK and International students (The proportion of international students appointed to the QUARTILES DLA is capped at 30% by UKRI). QUARTILES studentships include a tax-free UKRI doctoral stipend (estimated at £19,795 for the 2025/2026 academic year), plus a training grant of £9,000 to support data collection activities throughout the PhD. QUARTILES does not provide funding to cover visa and associated healthcare surcharges for international students.

Dr Andrew Newton

More Information

a.newton@qub.ac.uk

Research Profile

Full-time: 45 months

Geography overview

The research undertaken within Geography falls under three interdisciplinary Research Cells; PAST, PEOPLE and PLANET. Physical Geography-related projects (PLANET Research Cell) focus on themes such as climate change, long-term landscape and environmental change, resilience of ecosystems, environmental change impacts on heritage structures, and analysis of contaminated lands. Investigative approaches include a range of geo-spatial technologies such as remote sensing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), big data analysis and spatial and temporal modelling. Much of our research spans several disciplines, for example projects on the restoration of peatlands, climate change implications for resilience and stability of soil, geoforensics and coastal geomorphology. The PAST and PEOPLE Research Cells focus on a number of themes in human geography, both historical and contemporary, which consider the relationships between human society, spatiality and culture. The four main research themes are: The Geographies of Knowledge: Research is focused on the geographies of knowledge, with particular emphasis on the cultures of science. The cluster has expertise on the relationships between science, race and religion since 1650; the historical geographies of scientific knowledge; the cultures of botanic gardens in the age of empire; the reception of Darwinism; the role of climate in debates about human cultures; the geopolitics of apocalyptic thought, and the ways in which cultures of science, technology and outer space are connected to questions of place, landscape and identity in the twentieth century. Landscapes, Critical Cartography and GIS: Research consists of quantitative spatial analyses of socio-economic data and qualitative cultural analyses of landscapes and cartographic knowledge from the medieval to the modern period. Critical cartographic/GIS techniques have been deployed to interrogate the veracity of the knowledge universe of the map, while digitally-translated documentary data have been used to re-configure our understanding of medieval urbanism and agrarian economies, as well as the spatial dynamics of religion and the politics of cartographic rhetoric. Political Geography: Research is focused on nationalism and regional conflict; critical geopolitics of religion; monumental landscapes and the politics of memory; international relations in a globalised world; colonial and postcolonial geographies of India; the processes of border making, geographies of embodiment and the securitisation of public spaces. This work has been carried out from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The Population Dynamics of Contemporary Societies: Research is focused on the population dynamics of contemporary societies and includes census analysis; research on travel to work; employability and labour markets; as well as social and religious segregation particularly in divided cities such as Belfast; the study of borders and external migration. Mode of study / duration Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your PhD thesis at the end of three years of full-time or 6 years of part-time registration.

Geography at Queens is in the Top 200 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU, 2021).

• Geography at Queen’s has a long-standing record of inter-disciplinary approaches to understanding the relationship between humans and their natural and cultural environments. Our graduates are equipped with high levels of expertise relevant to some of the leading challenges faced by the world today. In addition to support from expert staff in Geography, the University’s flagship Graduate School provides postgraduate students with a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary hub to support their personal and professional development. QUB’s Researcher Plus scheme provides PhD students with an opportunity to develop skills which are transferable beyond their research degrees, and the Researcher Plus award provides them with official recognition for the skills acquired in addition to their research. Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in educational practice, the public sector or within NGO’s. https://www.qub.ac.uk/graduate-school/
• Geography hosts three QUB research centres, the Centre for Data Digitisation and Analysis, the Centre for Canadian Studies and the Centre for GIS and Geomatics. Strong links exist between physical geography and the QUB Centre for Climate, the Environment and Chronology (14C Chrono )and with the School of Biological Sciences. Human geography has significant and extensive links with the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics (HAPP) and a number of staff are Fellows of the University's Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. The University's Core Technology Units (CTUs) provide researchers and graduate students with high-quality training in advanced laboratory techniques and access to state-of-the-art equipment. The Advanced Informatics unit helps us to maintain a comprehensive and systematic data management framework for our research data. The University’s McClay Library brings together wide-ranging library, computing and media services in a single location, blending the best features of a traditional library with the latest technology and provides state-of-the-art study facilities. https://www.qub.ac.uk/about/Campus-and-facilities/The-McClay-Library/ https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/NBE/Research/facilities-infrastructure/
• Postgraduates form an intrinsic part of our research community and are actively involved in the School's cross-disciplinary Research Groups. Visit our School website and read about the exciting research being undertaken by our current PhD students. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/NBE/Study/PostgraduateResearch/
• Research students are encouraged to play a full and active role in relation to the wide range of research activities undertaken within the School and there are many resources available including: Access to the Queen’s University Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme. Office accommodation with access to computing facilities and support to attend conferences for full-time PhD students. Access to the research infrastructure is provided by the School's range of Research Centres and laboratory facilities and by the University’s Core Technology Units. A Geography research seminar series and 'lunch and learn' feedback sessions.

Course content

Associated Research Research Cells attract funding from a range of sources including; NERC, EPSRC, ESRC; AHRC, British Academy, Leverhulme Trust, and JISC. The clusters have developed an international reputation in the themes identified in the overview as demonstrated by an impressive record of scholarly monographs and publishing agenda-setting articles that have informed and influenced research directions within the wider discipline of Geography. The Cells research themes are carried out over a wide range of different geographical contexts and from the Medieval period to the present. Current research is focused on the UK, Ireland, Korea, Italy, Israel/Palestine, the Balkans, USA, Canada, Burma, and India. There are strong connections with cognate disciplines in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences in addition to cross-faculty supervision of a number of PhD projects.

Introduction For further information on career opportunities at PhD level please contact the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Recruitment Team on askEPS@qub.ac.uk. Our advisors - in consultation with the School - will be happy to provide further information on your research area, possible career prospects and your research application.

Dr Alastair Ruffell Reader Natural and Built Environment a.ruffell@qub.ac.uk

Dr Andrew Newton Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment A.Newton@qub.ac.uk

Dr Diarmid Finnegan Reader Natural and Built Environment https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/NBE/Research/find-a-phd-supervisor/dr-diarmid-finnegan.html

Dr Donal Mullan Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment D.Mullan@qub.ac.uk

Dr Ian Shuttleworth Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment i.shuttleworth@qub.ac.uk

Dr Merav Amir Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment m.amir@qub.ac.uk

Dr Oliver Dunnett Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment o.dunnett@qub.ac.uk

Dr Tristan Sturm Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment t.sturm@qub.ac.uk

Prof Gemma Catney Professor Natural and Built Environment g.catney@qub.ac.uk

Prof Helen Roe Professor, Head of PLANET Research Cell Natural and Built Environment h.roe@qub.ac.uk

Professor Christopher Lloyd Professor, Head of PEOPLE Research Cell Natural and Built Environment c.lloyd@qub.ac.uk

Professor Graeme Swindles Professor of Physical Geography, Head of Geography & Archaeo-Palaeoecology Natural and Built Environment g.swindles@qub.ac.uk

Professor Jennifer McKinley Professor Natural and Built Environment j.mckinley@qub.ac.uk

Professor Keith Lilley Professor, Head of PAST Research Cell Natural and Built Environment k.lilley@qub.ac.uk

Assessment processes for a research degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually. This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year. The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Entrance requirements

Graduate The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country .

Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs .

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC

EU Other 3 | £28,900

International | £28,900

1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees .

Geography costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

Additional course costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.

How do I fund my study?

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We offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.

The Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.

Information on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students .

The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply .

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here .

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

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