Advancing Antarctic marginal ice zone knowledge with machine learning

About the research project

The Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ) is the region of sea ice impacted by its proximity to the open ocean processes. Around Antarctica, the MIZ occupies a region around 200 km wide where sea ice borders the open ocean. In the MIZ, waves from the ocean penetrate into (and are attenuated by) sea ice. As such, the MIZ is a dynamic region of intensive wave-ocean-ice-atmosphere interaction. 

The extent of and variability within the MIZ are thought to be drivers of recent trends in Antarctic sea-ice extent, including the dramatic decline since 2015. However, research is held back by our current inability to assess the MIZ on a large scale from satellite data. Recently, satellite altimeters (both laser and radar) have been demonstrated to successfully retrieve the wave-affected MIZ around Antarctica, but the applications of these new techniques have yet to be fully validated and applications to be explored. 

This PhD project will advance our knowledge by:

• Using machine learning techniques for improved detection of Antarctic MIZ width from multi-sensor remote sensing data
• Identifying rapid sea-ice retreat and correlate these with storms and associated waves/swell
• Using our new dataset to derive novel knowledge of sea-ice physical properties in the Antarctic MIZ
• Use other datasets in conjunction with the wave-affected MIZ width to identify the physical processes occurring in the MIZ
• Apply and adapt satellite radar methods to study Antarctic marginal ice zone properties, such as ice extent, ice type, and floe characteristics, using Sentinel-1 and potentially other SAR data, with validation against complementary observations.
• Work within a team (including modellers) to advance the state of MIZ representation in numerical models.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Alex Fraser

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 for 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.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

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 essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• An Honours or Masters degree in geophysics or a related field
• Strong mathematics and physics background
• Demonstrated experience with programming to support scientific analysis
• An ability to drive world-leading research on our changing climate

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Machine learning experience to support geoscience
• Remote sensing experience - particularly with satellite altimetry and imagery
• Python programming experience
• Sea ice research experience

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Alex Fraser 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 October 2026.

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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