PhD Studentship: Winds and Waves in the Alpine Mountains

Scientific background:

Mountains (or "orography") have a substantial effect on the atmospheric circulation. This includes atmospheric disturbances known as orographic gravity waves, generated by the winds flowing over orography. These waves propagate upwards and eventually become unstable and break down, which results in orographic gravity wave drag. This is a frictional force that decelerates upper-level winds and causes clear-air turbulence. However, a lack of understanding of these processes results in a poor representation of orographic gravity wave drag in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, which subsequently leads to large errors in their representation of atmospheric circulation and thus weather forecasts. Due to the importance of this problem, a major international atmospheric research programme called TEAMx took place over the Alps in 2025 with the aim to improve weather forecasts in complex terrain, which included measurements from weather balloons and aircraft of orographic gravity waves.   

Research methodology

The individual will use the measurements from the TEAMx campaign to improve our process-based knowledge of orographic gravity wave drag and its representation in NWP models. Specifically:

• Identify case studies periods with substantial orographic gravity wave activity.
• Use the observations to investigate how orographic gravity waves are generated for the case studies, and how they propagate upwards and eventually break down.
• Conduct multi-scale simulations of the case studies using Met Office NWP models and assess how realistically they capture orographic gravity waves and their effects.
• Optimise these models and improve their accuracy

Training:

The individual will receive training in mountain meteorological processes and fluid dynamics, running Met Office NWP models, and data analysis. They will have the opportunity to work alongside other scientists at the British Antarctic Survey and the University of Bath working on another TEAMx project on orographic gravity waves, including opportunities to attend project meetings, as well as international TEAMx meetings. They will also receive cohort residential training, and dedicated funding for conferences and skills development.

Person specification:

The individual should have a degree in Meteorology, Physics, Maths or a similar quantitative science. An interest in meteorology, data analysis and numerical modelling is essential.

Funding Details

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.

For further information please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Closing Date: 23:59 on 16 December 2026 

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