Anelastic Modelling of Antarctica

Advanced numerical modelling of viscoelastic deformation of Antarctica

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 February 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

Scholarship

$32,192pa for 3.5 years

About the research project

The Earth beneath is constantly changing shape due to phenomena such as earthquakes, glacial melting and even the tides. Small deformations in the Earth's surface (of the millimetre or even sub-millimetre scale) can now be measured due to the advent of precise GPS positioning technologies. In recent years, the theories underpinning these deformations have lagged behind the observations, necessitating the development of advanced numerical models capable of simulating Earth-scale deformation.  Seismic data indicates there are large variations in the viscosity of the mantle beneath Antarctica. This variability can affect the accuracy of models such as the Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA), which are used to correct satellite measurements of ice mass change.

Focusing on ongoing deformation of Antarctica, this project will further develop advanced three-dimensional large strain finite element models of the Earth, incorporating heterogeneous structural properties and viscoelastic behaviour to examine geomechanical processes underpinning Earth-scale deformation and deformation associated with one or more of these major forcings:

  1. Earthquake processes
  2. Glacial melting
  3. Tides – either direct gravitational forcing or due to the changing mass of the ocean tides
  4. Heating and cooling of the Earth over days and seasons and years

Models will be compared with precise GPS or GNSS coordinate time series.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Ali Tolooiyan

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Applicants from the following disciplines are encouraged to apply:

  • Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering discipline background only

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • A solid knowledge of fluid-solid interaction
  • A solid knowledge of numerical modelling methods such as Finite Element and Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Knowledge of a programming language (e.g. Python and MATLAB)
  • Strong academic background in engineering and capability to work independently
  • Motivated to learn and have a scientific mindset and team spirit

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Ali Tolooiyan to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 February 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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