Detecting Outlet Glacier Process and Change Using Seismology and Combined Geophysical Approaches

About the research project

The East Antarctic Ice Sheet holds an enormous volume of ice, greater than 50 m of sea level rise equivalent. Many of its outlet glaciers act as a buttress that protects deep, ice-filled basins that extend well below present-day sea level, and as the warming ocean continues to melt ice in these deep basins, they will become vulnerable as tipping points in the global climate system. The magnitude and timing of ice loss through major Antarctic ice sheet outlets is of utmost significance, but is not easy to predict owing to the limited information available about Antarctic glacier ice bed conditions and glacier processes. Large-scale satellite data are available, however, many important processes remain hidden, e.g. sliding of ice over a slippery or rough ice bed, or are of short duration, e.g. subglacial lake drainage. Seismic data recording for remote polar investigations has taken a spectacular leap forward in recent years owing to improved low-power instrumentation. Cryoseismology, the analysis of icequakes and other cold-region environmental signals, is therefore an expanding field with great potential to inform the active processes and structure of frozen regions.

This project contributes to a team that is actively addressing the research question: What processes are active in, and potentially controlling, key outlet glacier systems in East Antarctica, and how are these systems evolving in response to changing climate influences? To help to address this question, the student will develop skills in field-based seismology, and other geophysical approaches, and make use of advanced computational approaches to analyse new and existing data. Detection and identification of glacier processes using seismology will be a research discovery in itself, and will also contribute to wider understanding of large glacier systems through providing inputs to modelling studies by other team members. At an exciting time for Antarctic research globally, there will be numerous opportunities to engage with international initiatives such as Antarctica InSync, which aims to connect observational field and ice sheet modelling initiatives between nations. Based at the University of Tasmania, the student will have access to excellent field instrument and computational resources, and wide collegial networks at other Australian universities, and European institutes. 

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Anya Reading

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with Australian Research Council (ARC) 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.

Additional Funding

If successful, applicants will also be considered for a Australian Research Council top-up scholarship of $5,000 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from Australian Research Council (ARC).

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.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must hold, or have a confirmed pending award of, a University degree in one of the following areas: geophysics, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, Earth sciences, environmental sciences, or a qualification equivalent to those listed. For international applicants, a Masters-level degree that includes a research project assessed through a written dissertation/thesis is preferred.

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:

• A demonstrated interest in, and aptitude for, the application of novel approaches to field data collection and analysis in the polar regions. A demonstrated interest in glacier processes and the wider context of global change.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Field experience in data collection using geophysical instruments.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor Anya Reading 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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