PhD Student Gravity wave ray tracing for climate prediction

PhD Student Gravity wave ray tracing for climate prediction
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

For a research project at the Institute of Chemistry and Dynamics of the Geosphere (ICG-1) we are seeking a PhD Student in Gravity wave ray tracing for climate prediction for a three-year PhD project.

Background:
The dynamics of the middle atmosphere is largely governed by the momentum conveyed by atmospheric waves. Recently, interest has focused on atmospheric gravity waves since they are a major source of uncertainty in climate prediction. Gravity waves are too small in scale to be resolved in global climate models and their effects are therefore taken into account in global models by strongly simplified sub-models. For example, traditional gravity wave parameterization schemes assume gravity waves to propagate in the vertical only, but in reality gravity waves can traverse several 10 degrees of latitude. As part of a DFG PhD project, we aim to develop a novel, improved parameterization scheme avoiding the simplifications of traditional schemes.

The PhD project will be part of the EOS interdisciplinary network of the Helmholtz Association (http://www.netzwerk -eos.dlr. de/themes/ atmosphere_ ge.html) , offering regular summer schools and close cooperation with other PhD students working on related topics. Forschungszentrum Jülich also offers courses for PhD students to acquire complementary skills. The project will be performed in close international cooperation (including opportunities for research abroad) with other leading groups in the field, linked by the SPARC gravity wave initiative.

Tasks:
Based on the existing model code for gravity wave ray tracing (GROGRAT), a ray-tracing parameterization scheme will be developed. The code is to be implemented in a general circulation model (HAMMONIA). A launch distribution has to be determined which allows stable operation of the global model and which is, at the same time, consistent with global observations of gravity waves in the atmosphere. A link to a future ESA explorer mission will be established. The results will be published in the peer-reviewed literature.

Requirements:
A master’s degree or equivalent in science (physics, mathematics, meteorology) with a good final grade (in the German system 2.0 or better); sound programming skills (preferentially Unix/Linux operating systems); a well-developed ability to work in a team with international colleagues; ability to work independently. A sound understanding of the physics of atmospheric waves and skills in operating a global atmospheric model on a high-performance computer can be acquired in the course of the project.

For further information visit our website at
http://www.fz- juelich.de/ icg/icg-1/ index.php? index=230
or contact:
Dr. Peter Preusse
Email: p.preusse[at] fz-juelich. de

Equal opportunity is a cornerstone of our staff policy. Applications from disabled persons are welcomed. Payment of the PhD fellow will be based on salary grade 13/2 Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD). Depending on the candidate's profile and the subject of his/her PhD thesis an additional allowance may be granted.

Please send your application with the relevant documentation until December 17,2009, quoting the refence code D035/2009-SJ to:
Mr K. Beumers,
Institut für Chemie und Dynamik der Geosphäre (ICG),
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH,
52425 Jülich, Germany
e-mail: k.beumers[at] fz-juelich. de