Funding
Funded
Application of ultra-high resolution geophysical data for deciphering the Middle to Late Pleistocene evolution of the North Sea and improving ground models for offshore wind developments
School of Natural and Built Environment | PHD
Applications are now CLOSED
Reference Number
NBE/2024/GEO2
Application Deadline
30 June 2024
Start Date
1 October 2024
Overview
The growth in windfarm planning to meet net-zero sustainability targets means that large swaths of continental shelf offshore the UK are experiencing a renaissance in the collection of geophysical data. The shallow geology of the UK continental shelf is complicated by the the nature of landscape processes over the last ~500,000 years, meaning that it needs detailed investigation before windfarms can be sited, which requires the building of ground models from geological data. Ground models come in a variety of ways, from the simple description of geotechnical data, to the complex which integrates the geotechnical with geophysical data to build 3D models that capture the varability of the subsurface at sub-metre to kilometre scale. All future windfarm developments will require these ground models to help reduce the risks and geohazard potential so that the most appropriate cable routes and foundation solutions can be implemented.
The climate emergency and energy transition requirements have led to a move towards more sustainable energy infrastructure, in particular the wholesale planting of windfarms in offshore environments previously inhabited by marine fauna and oil and gas platforms. It is expected that global offshore wind could experience a 10-fold increase by 2050 (IRENA, 2019). In the UK there is currently 14 GW of offshore wind capacity, but the Climate Change Committee (2020) estimate that up to 125 GW could be needed by 2050. This is a sizeable task because the planting of wind turbines on the continental shelf areas around the UK is complicated by its geological past, where the dynamics of multiple geomorphological processes associated with numerous glacial-interglacial cycles have created a heterogeneous submarine landscape. This includes the development of complex structures, extreme variations in the geotechnical properties of the substrate (e.g., boulder beds), steeply dipping and abruptly ending layering, overconsolidated sediments, and softer sands and muds that may be intercalated with layers of peat and methane gas.
The complexities of the substrate in these regions, combined with the impetus of the energy transition, have sparked a new wave of geophysical data acquisition across potential windfarm areas. These data leverage much higher frequency imaging than conventional oil and gas data, while having access to the same processing toolbox. This has resulted in unprecedented detail in the upper 200 m of the subsurface being captured with newly acquired data. The better and more abundant data pose a problem to the survey companies who have to develop tools to crunch through the data effectively and developing tools and workflows to do so is an important avenue for research. The advantage of the new data is the unprecedented imaging of depositional, erosional and deformational structures that allow an order of magnitude more detailed insights. This means that the data can provide profound insights into glacial-interglacial dynamics of the Middle-Late Pleistocene and the marine archaeology of these offshore areas. This project will develop new tools and workflows for effective interpretation of these vast datasets and integration with geotechnical boreholes, some of which will have geotechnical and seismic records allowing a detailed tie between the datasets, which is essential for the development of 3D geophysically constrained geotechnical ground models. The exact scope and datasets to be examined will depend on student skillset and interests and the availability of datasets with timely relevance. A selection of integrated and very high quality datasets already exist in house which will be used as back up in case newer case study data are either delayed or insufficient to deliver the project.
At the successful completion of the project, the graduate will have a range of flexible career options. This might involve the traditional academic research route, or a direct path into industry, with the potential to work for any part of the energy industry that uses geophysical methods.
References
CCC (2020), The Sixth Carbon Budget: The UK’s path to Net Zero, Climate Change Committee, London.
IRENA (2019), Future of wind: Deployment, investment, technology, grid integration and socio-economic aspects
(A Global Energy Transformation paper), International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi.
ESSENTIAL BACKGROUND OF CANDIDATES
Minimum of a strong upper second class (2.1) honours degree (completed or in the final stages of completion) in Earth science (physical geography, geology, geophysics, geoscience). The student needs to be confident in working with complex data and the application of some mathematical methods.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL - GUIDANCE FOR APPLICANTS
Please note that applicants are not required to upload a research proposal as part of the application. Instead, interested candidates should upload a copy of their CV and a covering letter outlining their motivation to undertake a PhD on this theme, and describing any relevant experience in: physical geography, geology, geophysics, geotechnics, reflection seismic, geoscience.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
• To apply, visit https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php (link to the QUB Direct Application Portal)
• Apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in ‘Geography’ at Queen's University Belfast, School of Natural and Built Environment.
• State name of lead supervisor on application form ‘Dr Andrew Newton’.
• State the intended source of funding on your application as EPSRC.
• Include your CV and a covering letter.
Funding Information
PLEASE NOTE: These EPSRC studentships are open to candidates who are classed as Home, UK or Republic of Ireland, and candidates with settled status or ILTR. They are not open to international candidates. The value of an award includes the cost of approved fees as well as maintenance support (stipend). As an indicator, the level for 2023/2024 is currently £18,622.
Please note that this research project is one of several advertised projects at Queen’s which are in competition for funding. The selection will be based on the projects which receive the best application.
Project Summary
Supervisor
Dr Andrew Newton
Mode of Study
Full-time: 3.5 years
Funding Body
EPSRC