PhD Studentship: Arctic Ocean circulation in a changing climate

Primary Supervisor - Dr Xiaoming Zhai

Scientific background 

The Arctic Ocean has undergone rapid changes in recent decades, with far-reaching impacts on both the Arctic region’s environment and the global climate system. An increased intrusion of the warm, saline Atlantic Water has led to the so-called the Atlantification of the Arctic Ocean. The continued decline in sea ice extent has exposed larger areas of the ocean surface to direct solar radiation and wind forcing. These changes are profoundly altering the Arctic Ocean circulation, modifying freshwater and heat storage and export, and potentially intensifying upper ocean mixing processes. However, major gaps in our understanding remain due to challenges in observing and modelling the Arctic Ocean.  

Research Methodology 

The aim of this project is to investigate the Arctic Ocean’s circulation in a changing climate using both the state-of-the-art Arctic and Subpolar Gyre State Estimate (ASTE) and high-resolution ocean modelling. Specifically, you can 

• Examine the pathways and fate of the Atlantic Water that enters the Arctic Ocean through virtual particle tracking and heat budget analysis.  
• Study how sea ice losses influence ocean-atmosphere-ice exchanges, and how these changes, in turn, affect the Arctic gyre circulation, freshwater storage and release, and the properties of Arctic outflow to the Atlantic. 
• Assess the impact of enhanced cyclone activity and reduced sea ice cover on the generation of wind-induced internal waves, and investigate their contribution to vertical mixing and the ventilation of warm Atlantic Water. 

Training 

You will join a productive team of ocean modellers and polar climate scientists at UEA and Cefas (the CASE partner). The project will provide you with a thorough training in polar oceanography, air-sea interaction and advanced ocean/sea-ice modelling techniques. You will gain valuable practical experience from CASE work with Cefas. There will be opportunities to attend summer schools. You will present your work at national and international conferences. There may also be opportunities to undertake polar fieldwork to gain an appreciation of observational data. 

Person specification 

We seek an enthusiastic candidate with strong scientific interests and self-motivation. They will have a degree in physics, mathematics, oceanography, meteorology, or a related science with good computing and numerical skills. 

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). 

Acceptable first degree: Physics, mathematics, oceanography, meteorology, or similar science. 

Mode of Study

Full- time

Start Date

1 October 2026

Funding Information

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 (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) 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.  

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