Dynamic Ice-Ocean Feedbacks And Future Sea-Level Contributions from East Antarctica

About the research project

Marine-based sectors of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet contain large volumes of ice grounded below sea level, and the future stability of these regions is closely linked to interactions with the Southern Ocean. Observations at Totten, Denman and Cook Glaciers show that ocean heat, ice-shelf buttressing and local bed geometry can strongly influence glacier retreat and ice discharge rates. Deep inland troughs can provide pathways for glacial retreat, while elevated ridges and other topographic features can constrain grounding-line migration, highlighting that East Antarctica cannot be expected to respond uniformly and synchronously to future warming.

Most century- to multi-century Antarctic projections nevertheless use stand-alone ice-sheet models in which ocean-driven basal melting is prescribed or represented through empirically-derived parameterisations based on the historical observed state of the ice sheet. These approaches allow the ice geometry to evolve, but the ocean cannot respond dynamically to changes in cavity shape, water column thickness, meltwater input or pathways of heat transport. This matters because existing coupled modelling studies show that ice-ocean feedbacks can later both the magnitude and direction of glacier response: coupling may amplify retreat in some circumstances, while changes in cavity circulation and meltwater can reduce heat delivery and basal melting in others. A key uncertainty is therefore how an evolving ice-ocean system transforms future ocean warming into basal melt, grounding-line dynamics and ice loss.

This project will investigate how dynamic ice-ocean coupling changes projections of East Antarctic ice loss over the next 100-300 years. The successful candidate will first develop and evaluate regional ice-sheet simulations using the Ice Sheet and Sea-level System Model (ISSM) for a representative marine-based East Antarctic domain. They will then configure and evaluate a cavity-enabled Modular Ocean Model version 6 (MOM6) coupled to ISSM through the ACCESS NUOPC/ESMF infrastructure.

Paired ice-only and coupled simulations under consistent future climate forcing will reveal how evolving ocean circulation and cavity geometry affect basal melting, ice-shelf buttressing, grounding-line retreat and grounded-ice mass loss. Spatial patterns of projected ice loss will then be translated into global-mean and regional sea-level change, with particular attention to Australia and Pacific communities.

The project is suited to a quantitatively strong candidate interested in glaciology, physical oceanography, climate modelling or computational geoscience. It will provide experience in numerical modelling, high-performance computing, analysis of large geophysical datasets and the communication of climate-change science.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Chen Zhao

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.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

Applicants must meet the entry requirements for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the University of Tasmania.

Applicants should hold:

• A First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as glaciology, physical oceanography, climate science, geophysics, physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, Earth science, or a related quantitative field; or
• A research Masters degree in a relevant discipline; or
• Other qualifications and research experience deemed equivalent by the University of Tasmania.

International applicants must satisfy the University of Tasmania's English language requirements for HDR candidature.

The position is open to domestic and international applicants. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the capacity to undertake independent research and meet any scholarship eligibility requirements associated with the advertised funding scheme.

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:

The successful candidate should have a strong quantitative background in a relevant discipline such as glaciology, physical oceanography, geophysics, physics, mathematics, climate science or computational science. They should have:

• Demonstrated quantitative and analytical skills, including a sound foundation in mathematics and/or physics.
• Experience using Python and/or Matlab for scientific programming, and the analysis of scientific datasets.
• The ability to analyse and interpret complex scientific data and communicate results clearly
• An interest in applying numerical modelling to problems in Antarctic, ocean, climate and Earth-system science.
• The capacity to undertake independent research while working effectively within a collaborative research environment.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

The following skills and experience would enhance a candidate’s capacity to undertake the project but are not required:

• Experience programming in Fortran and/or C++
• Previous experience with numerical models in glaciology, oceanography, climate science or another earth-science discipline.
• Familiarity with Linux-based scientific computing and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Experience working with large geophysical, climate-model or observational datasets.
• Familiarity with version-control and collaborative software-development tools such as Git.
• Knowledge of Antarctic ice-sheet dynamics, ice-ocean interactions, physical oceanography or sea-level change.
• Previous exposure to models such as ISSM, MOM6, or other ice-sheet/ocean models.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Chen Zhao 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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