PhD Studentship: Submesoscales, stirring, and mixing in the southwest Atlantic. Ocean Science PhD (University of Exeter Funded)

How do our oceans flow deep below the surface-layers? This PhD project is aimed at better understanding the generation and roll of sub-surface currents that span scales of tens of metres to tens of kilometers, otherwise known as submesoscale currents. Submesoscale flows matter because they provide a pathway to harness energy from the winds and tides, using it to stir and mix different water masses around the globe, along with the properties that they carry. However, these currents are profoundly under-sampled by observations and poorly represented in models. One global hotspot of submesoscale ocean activity is thought to be the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence (BMC) located off the coast of Argentina and Uruguay. Here sub-tropical waters from the Atlantic collide with polar waters from the Southern Ocean. Water mass exchanges at this confluence, which are likely driven by submesoscale currents, play a key role in the distribution of heat, salt, carbon and life sustaining nutrients and oxygen throughout the global oceans. We are seeking a PhD student to join an international team seeking to improve our understanding of submesoscale currents in BMC zone. You will help to analyse a pioneering set of ocean data collected in January 2025 aimed at capturing submesoscale flows and the mixing, stirring and water-mass transformations they generate. This PhD will lead the analysis of physical and biogeochemical data collected by the autonomous vehicle, the Autosub Long Range 6000, a.k.a. ‘Boaty McBoatface’, and a highly instrumented mooring. Part of a wider Future Leader Fellowship project,

COSSMoSS, the PhD presents exciting opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking with world leading ocean scientists. For example, you will help linking the observational data to new model simulations being developed at the University of California, Los Angeles and Fudan University. Based on the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, you will join an active and supportive group of PhD and post-doctoral students studying a range of subjects in Geography, Environmental and Earth Sciences. This PhD scholarship is suitable for students with a background in oceanography/marine science, physics, physical/environmental sciences, mathematics or computer science. The studentship will cover fees for Home students only plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for 3 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. In addition, a £3,500 grant is provided for training, professional development and conference/meeting attendance. The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend. International applicants should also be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD. Start date: end of September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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