About the Project
Scientific background
Polar mesoscale cyclones are smaller scale (<1000 km) rapidly developing Arctic storm systems that occur over sub-polar and polar waters. They are challenging to forecast and a significant natural hazard for people living or visiting polar regions. The strongest class, known as polar lows, occur in winter and have gale force windspeeds with high surface heat and moisture fluxes leading to water mass transformation; so are critical in coupling the atmosphere and ocean within the climate system.
Research methodology
This PhD project will develop a climatology of polar lows for the future using an ensemble of climate projections, investigate the impacts of polar low changes on the climate system, and examine some polar low cases in a coupled forecast model. The student will
- use cyclone detection and tracking tools to quantify the numbers and distribution of polar lows in future projections from a high-resolution climate model;
- investigate the impacts of changes in polar low frequencies and distribution on the ocean and on sea ice;
- examine one or two polar low case studies, making use of our existing aircraft-based observations, or other in situ observations, and new atmosphere–ice–ocean numerical weather prediction simulations using a Met Office model that has the same science configuration as the climate model.
Training
You will receive training in the use and analysis of climate model output as well as scientific training in the dynamics and physics of weather systems and the climate system. You will receive guidance in the use of cyclone tracking software and the visualisation of climate diagnostics, as well as how to interpret meteorological observations from various research platforms. You will also have training in using a state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction model – the Met Office Momentum system – and in the use and analyses of its output. There may be the opportunity to take part in field work.
Person Specification
A degree in a quantitative science. An interest in data analysis of climate model output and numerical modelling of weather systems is essential, while some experience in coding is desirable.
Entry Requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category)
Mode of Study
Full-time or Part-time
Start Date
1 October 2027
Funding Notes
ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI's eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Projects have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential.
After submitting their application for the relevant ARIES project(s), applicants are expected to complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form Applicants - 2027 Entry – Fill in form. One form is required per application, so applicants applying to more than one project must complete a separate form for each.
Please visit www.aries-dtp.ac.uk for further information.
References
Renfrew, I.A., Sergeev, D.E., 2026. Polar Lows. In: Robinson, W.A. (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 1. Elsevier, Academic Press, pp. 803-815. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-96026-7.00102-8
Sergeev, D. E., I. A. Renfrew, T. Spengler, S. R. Dorling, 2017: Structure of a shear-line polar low, Quarterly J. Royal Meteorological Society, 143, 12-26. 10.1002/qj.2911
Bresson, H., K. I. Hodges, L. C. Shaffrey, G. Zappa, and R. Schiemann 2022: The response of Northern Hemisphere polar lows to climate change in a 25-km high‐resolution global climate model. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 127, no. 4, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JD035610
Condron, A. and I.A. Renfrew, 2013: The impact of polar mesoscale storms on northeast Atlantic Ocean circulation, Nature Geoscience, 6, 34-37. doi:10.1038/ngeo1661
Renfrew, I.A., R. S. Pickart, et al. 2019: The Iceland Greenland Seas Project, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 100, 1795–1817. doi:10.1175/BAMS-D-18-0217.1