The Solar Physics Group at Northumbria University is pleased to offer a fully funded 3 year PhD studentship funded by Northumbria University, beginning on 1 October 2014.
Project title: Observing the dynamic Sun: Investigating energy transfer via MHD waves (advert)
Principal Supervisor: Richard Morton – Mathematics and Information Sciences

A huge amount of mechanical energy is required to maintain the hot solar atmosphere and to accelerate the solar wind. The mechanism(s) behind these phenomena has remained a mystery for the last 60 years, with many details on how the energy is transferred and dissipated still missing. One of the mechanisms available to transfer the energy is magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves, which are guided by the Sun’s complex magnetic field. Recent results suggest that the solar atmosphere is highly dynamic and the majority of this behaviour can be interpreted in terms of MHD waves. However, the role these waves play in energy transfer is still unclear.

The project will utilise data from current space- (e.g. SDO, Hi-C, Hinode) and ground- (e.g. ROSA, IBIS, CRiSP, CoMP) based instruments to analyse the fundamental properties of waves in the solar atmosphere and test wave-based theories of energy transfer. A key aspect of the project will be the development of image-processing techniques and automated software to enable statistically significant studies.

On completing the project, the student will have gained a thorough knowledge of MHD waves in space plasmas, developed skills in the analysis of solar data (both imaging and spectroscopic), programming, and techniques in image processing. The student will also be aware of how modern observations are performed, with the opportunity for first-hand experience in obtaining data at ground-based solar facilities.

Informal Enquiries: Enquiries regarding this studentship should be made to: richard.morton at northumbria.ac.uk

Eligibility criteria: Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (in a relevant subject) from a British higher education institution, or equivalent. Students who are not UK/EU residents are eligible to apply, provided they hold the relevant academic qualifications, together with an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

To apply, e-mail ee.pgradministration@northumbria.ac.uk to request the appropriate application form, quoting the advert reference EE/DRFCEIR7/53593.

Deadline for applications: 7 April 2014

http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/researchandconsultancy/graduateschool/100studentships/opportunities/