High Latitude Electrodynamics Data Assimilation for Operational Space Weather Forecasting

Space weather is, or is fast becoming, a critical interest across the space, aviation, defence, power delivery, navigation, and communications industries. Mitigation of space weather impacts on these systems begins with the creation of efficient operational models that can provide snapshots of the current state of the near-Earth space environment and short-term forecasts. To mitigate the impact of the ionosphere and thermosphere on these systems, numerical and statistical modelling approaches, akin to those used to model conventional atmospheric weather, are essential.

At high latitudes, the ionosphere is coupled with the magnetosphere and solar wind which impose rapidly varying electric fields and currents through the conductive plasma. These processes dominate the large-scale transport of ionospheric plasma, drive the heating of ions and neutral species, and act as an energy source of travelling ionospheric disturbances. These electrodynamics are poorly modelled, and are thus a major limitation on our ability to forecast space weather. To address some of these limitations, the Space Environment and Radio Engineering (SERENE) group at the University of Birmingham has developed a broad range of ionospheric and thermospheric models and assimilation systems.

The successful applicant will conduct research to address the following questions:

1) How can existing measurements (SuperDARN, magnetometers) be used in new and non-traditional ways?

2) What data assimilation techniques (Monte Carlo methods, variational methods, machine learning, etc.) are best suited for operational electrodynamics modelling?

3) What impact can improved electrodynamics have on existing space weather forecasts?

These questions will be addressed through the use of nonlinear data assimilation techniques applied to the wide range of ionospheric/thermospheric modelling and data assimilation systems developed at SERENE.

The University of Birmingham is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, included and empowered to succeed. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community, and continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work.

Applicants should have or expect a First or Upper Second Class MSci, MEng, MPhys or equivalent degree in Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline. Holders of BSc honours degrees are eligible but successful BSc applicants typically have additional research experience.

The successful applicant will join a growing Space Environment research group spanning research interests from atmosphere-ionosphere coupling to thermospheric modelling to magnetospheric physics and the subsequent impacts of these systems on satellite drag and communications, navigation, and remote sensing systems.

This project will rely heavily on computer programming and data analysis, and so prior experience and/or interest in computer programming is an asset. Prior knowledge of space/plasma physics is not necessary.

Funding notes:

This PhD studentship is fully funded at the standard UKRI rate for a full 3.5 years. Fees are fully covered at the UK home student rate