Mysteries of the sulfur cycle on Venus

Project highlights:

• The sulfur cycle on Venus is critical to the composition of the Venusian atmosphere but still puzzles us to this day
• This project will investigate components of the sulfur cycle to investigate its observed spatiotemporal distribution
• Opportunity to participate in the ESA EnVision mission preparations to Venus in the 2030s

Project description:

The sulfur cycle is a vital chemical cycle in the atmosphere of Venus; sulfur dioxide is transported from the lower atmosphere to the middle atmosphere where it is then dissociated by UV light to form multiple sulfur-bearing species essential for the formation of Venus’ sulfuric acid clouds and haze. The atmospheric dynamics on Venus can also be traced through the long-lived sulfur dioxide in its atmosphere. This project will involve the use of the state of the art Venus Planetary Climate Model [2] that now includes a comprehensive photochemistry module [3] to investigate the Venusian sulfur cycle and the atmospheric processes that control its observed distribution.

Several mysteries related to the sulfur cycle on Venus still puzzle scientists to this day. Spatial variations in sulfur dioxide have been observed by multiple spacecraft that are extremely difficult to explain by known atmospheric physical, chemical or dynamical processes[4,5]. The gradient of sulfur dioxide from the lower atmosphere to the upper atmosphere is also massively underestimated from current understanding of atmospheric processes, hinting at missing atmospheric processes that are not yet accounted for.

The project will involve the simulation of chemistry and dynamics in the atmosphere of Venus and detailed comparison of model predictions with observations made by orbiting spacecraft and historical data. The cause of observed spatial and temporal variations in sulfur dioxide will be investigated.

Modelling work in this project will be closely linked to past and present observations of sulfur species taken by multiple satellites that have observed the atmosphere of Venus. There are also several upcoming missions destined for Venus in the 2030s, one being the European Space Agency’s EnVision mission that includes as part of its payload suite the VenSpec-U instrument, which our team at the Open University is involved in. This project will provide preparations for the science observations and analysis from this mission, through involvement in the instrument team.

Qualifications required: Suitable for graduates with a physics, mathematics or related numerate undergraduate degree.

How to apply

If you would like to apply then please read the guidance on applying for a PhD studentship here and e-mail the following to STEM-SPS-PHD@open.ac.uk by the application deadline 23rd January 2025 :

• a completed Application form UK if you are classed as a home student, or Application form non-UK if you are an international student.
• an up to date CV.
• a list of individual courses taken and grades obtained.
• a personal statement.
• any other relevant information that you think may support your case for consideration.

You do not need to submit a research proposal, as it is already defined by us. You are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor of the project(s) for any informal enquiries.

Interviews will take place remotely on 5-7 February 2025. 

 Advice and Guidance

Please contact STEM-SPS-PHD@open.ac.uk with any questions about general administration, eligibility, suitability, funding or the nature of the PhD research. Our PhD administrators Debbie Briggs/Charlotte Coakley and postgraduate research tutor Richard Greenwood will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you have questions about specific projects, please contact the lead supervisor named on the project.

We are committed to widening participation and awarding PhD studentships to a diverse community of applicants. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups. Equal Opportunity is University policy.