PhD Studentship: Investigating Iceberg Impacts on Greenland’s Fjord Ecosystems

This PhD position at the University of Sheffield focuses on understanding how icebergs influence heat transfer, freshwater export, and marine productivity in Greenland’s fjords. As part of the UKRI-funded FEISO project, the successful candidate will investigate the interactions between icebergs, fjord circulation, and marine ecosystems in Ilulissat Kangerlua, a fjord hosting one of the world’s fastest glaciers. The project combines ocean circulation modelling and remote sensing to quantify iceberg-induced changes in glacier melt rates, freshwater distribution, and nutrient upwelling dynamics. The research aims to bridge gaps in current models and improve projections of ice sheet behaviour, climate change impacts, and coastal ecosystem productivity. Applicants will have the flexibility to tailor their research focus within the project’s scope, supported by a multidisciplinary team.

• Develop and apply ocean circulation models to simulate iceberg-induced changes in fjord dynamics and glacier melt rates over the past three decades.
• Use remote sensing data to quantify iceberg deterioration, freshwater distribution, and nutrient upwelling in Ilulissat Kangerlua fjord.
• Conduct tracer experiments to track the fate of iceberg meltwater as it transits through fjords and exits into the ocean.
• Analyze the impact of iceberg concentration, depth, and distribution on primary productivity and marine ecosystem sustainability.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to integrate findings into broader projections of Greenland Ice Sheet behaviour and climate change impacts.
• Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Adapt research objectives based on emerging data and interests, within the scope of the FEISO project.