Vacation Student: Joule Heating Effects on Atmospheric Dynamics

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), part of the Natural Environment Research Council, aims to undertake a world-class programme of scientific research, and to sustain for the UK an active and influential regional presence and a leadership role in Antarctic affairs. 

A 10 week project is offered studying atmospheric physics within the Climate Programme of BAS. This project will examine the role that energy input to the Earth’s magnetic field from the solar wind has on the dynamics of the middle atmosphere. The charged portion of the Earth’s atmosphere (the ionosphere) transfers energy to the upper neutral atmosphere (thermosphere) via Joule heating; this is one of the major energy sources of the upper atmosphere and it is related to activity in the solar wind. Joule Heating is thought to have a large impact on the temperature and winds, not only in the thermosphere but also lower down via vertical coupling of the atmosphere. Joule Heating events will be identified using available techniques and instrumentation. Their impact on the middle atmosphere will be assessed using data from Antarctic instrumentation via a series of case studies and epoch analyses with the aim of addressing the key question: how much of an effect does Joule heating have on the middle and lower atmosphere and what, if any, are its consequences for regional climate?

Qualifications: This project is aimed at a university undergraduate who has practical experience of coding and some familiarity with data analysis techniques. It is expected that they should be interested in atmospheric physics and have the ability to work on their own initiative.

Duration: 10 weeks

Salary: Salary will be in the range of £14,620 to £18,910 per annum, pro-rata. We offer benefits such as free car parking, flexible working hours and 30 days annual leave per annum, pro-rata.

On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment

These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508. 

Please quote reference: BAS 50/12
Closing date for receipt of application forms is 13th May 2012
Interviews are scheduled to be held w/c 28th May 2012