Internal ice layers and basal influences on ice dynamics, through the automated mapping of englacial stratigraphy and ice sheet modelling.

About the research project

Antarctica's future ice loss constitutes the largest source of uncertainty in projections of global sea level rise over the coming centuries. Despite its vast size – containing approximately 90% of Antarctica’s sea level equivalent – ice loss from the East Antarctic Ice Sheet remains particularly poorly understood. Projections of future evolution of this ice sheet under climate change are hampered by a limited understanding of how complex interactions within the ice-bed interface zone (IBIZ) influence ice dynamics and fundamental processes of ice flow. Past and present ice sheet dynamics can be examined by investigation of internal layers of constant age (isochrones) through the ice column using ice-penetrating radar. Internal layer architecture within the ice sheet is strongly influenced by the characteristics of the IBIZ: subglacial hydrology, bed topography, and geothermal heat flow work in concert to vary basal melting and sliding, altering the internal ice flow field.

The PhD project will develop an automated methodology for tracing internal layers from ice-penetrating radar, and integrate this dataset with stratigraphic and numerical ice sheet models. It addresses the challenge of attributing variability in internal layers to specific basal drivers through improving the sparse mapping of internal layers within Antarctica at a sufficiently high resolution, and potentially addressing large gaps in our understanding of how local characteristics of the IBIZ propagate into the englacial layer structure. By combining observed internal layer architecture with ice flow models, the project will investigate the role of various basal properties in influencing ice flow dynamics and internal ice structure. We will focus on regions of East Antarctica that have highly variable subglacial hydrology, bed topography, and geothermal heat flow, such as the Transantarctic Mountains, the Aurora Subglacial Basin, and Princess Elizabeth Land. The project will contribute to reduced uncertainties in future East Antarctic sea level rise contributions.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Anya Reading

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which 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.

Additional Funding

If successful, applicants will also receive a Australian Research Council Laureate top-up scholarship of $5,000 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from 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: physical geography (glaciology), geophysics, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, Earth 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:

Experience in data-driven computing applied to geophysical data, and/or experience in ice sheet modelling.

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 15 January 2027.

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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