Local recruitment: PhD: Assessment of open water evaporation in water supply reservoirs in Wales

Bangor University

Bangor, UK 🇬🇧

Bangor University, School of Ocean Sciences

Project ID: BUK2E096
Annual Stipend: ÂŁ13,131
Application Deadline: 20 January 2023.

Applications are invited for this one-year fully funded Masters by Research (MScRes) at Bangor University, simulating and validating models of open water evaporation in lakes and reservoirs. The research project is being undertaken jointly with Dwr Cymru – a not-for-profit company which supplies drinking water to Wales. The aim of this research project is to improve the way Dwr Cymru account for open water evaporation within their water resources modelling. Critically, whilst evaporation from reservoirs and lakes is known to be significant, the rates at which water is lost is highly uncertain. Following prolonged periods of hot and dry weather in 2018, 2020 and 2022, Dwr Cymru have identified the need to better understand this process and the potential volumes that could evaporate from their water supply reservoirs. This will allow them to be more confident in their planning process, support better investment decisions and ultimately help ensure they can supply all their customers even in the driest of years.

Some of the key questions to be addressed in this project include: (i) How should open water evaporation be estimated? (ii) What are the potential rates and degrees of uncertainty in evaporation estimates? (iii) How can Dwr Cymru better account for evaporation within their water resources modelling?

This project will give the student a unique and highly valuable interdisciplinary skillset spanning across environmental sciences. The student will also acquire the skills to communicate with multiple audiences, including industry, policymakers, and academics. Moreover, the student would gain operational experience in water resources modelling and understanding supply systems, both are highly valuable skills in the water industry.

The successful candidate will be based in the School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, and will work under the supervision of Dr Iestyn Woolway and Prof Tom Rippeth. The candidate will also work closely with Dr Joanne Cullen (Dwr Cymru). During the project, a wide range of training will be provided including in data analysis and computer modelling. This project would be suitable for students with a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level in hydrology, mathematics, computer science, earth sciences, or a closely related environmental or physical science. Although not essential, it would be beneficial for the student to have some experience of using a programming language such as Python, R, and/or MATLAB.

To apply for this studentship, please e-mail a CV, a degree transcript and a covering letter, along with one reference letter, to Dr Iestyn Woolway (iestyn.woolway@bangor.ac.uk) and cc p.j.dowdney@bangor.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 20 January 2023. For enquiries, please e-mail iestyn.woolway@bangor.ac.uk.

Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS 2 East) is a pan-Wales higher level skills initiative led by Bangor University on behalf of the HE sector in Wales. It is part funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund (ESF) convergence programme for East Wales.

Due to ESF funding, eligibility restrictions apply to this scholarship. To be eligible, the successful candidate will need to be resident in East Wales on University registration,  and must have the right to work in the region on qualification.


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

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