Welcome to INTRAMIF
INitial TRAining network in Mass Independent Fractionation

A Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN)





ESR project 13: Incorporation of MIF in the water reservoirs: Relation to climate and the hydrological cycle

APPLICATION CLOSED, CANDIDATE FOUND!

Laboratoire des Sciences du Climate et de l'Environnement (LSCE), Gif sur Yvette, France
supervisor A. Landais, LSCE >e-mail
co-supervisor M. Leuenberger, CEP

Small variations of the MIF signal in polar precipitation have been observed over the last 150 kyrs [Landais et al., 2008]. Since the water precipitating over polar regions is not expected to exchange strongly with the stratosphere, it is believed that these variations are mainly due to changes in the mass-dependent fractionation processes linked to climate and hydrological cycle variations. In contrast, the tropical precipitation system is strongly affected by convection and stratospheric inputs are expected to be important. In order to disentangle mass-dependent and mass-independent effects on the triple isotope composition of oxygen in water on Earth, we will study the spatial and temporal variability of Δ17O in different reservoirs. For the spatial variability, precipitation and water vapor from tropical, temperate and polar regions will be studied. To cover a wide temporal range, we will exploit the large network of ice cores that have been gathered from various periods. The results will be studied using water isotope modeling in general circulation models in order to understand and decipher the different mechanisms involved. In particular, we aim at separating and quantifying the effects of local temperature, climatic conditions over the evaporative regions, and along the air mass trajectory on the isotopic composition of the precipitation. We will combine the oxygen isotope information with d-excess values that are available at LSCE. This project also involves analysis of a suite of mineral waters together with our associated partner Danone in order to investigate the use of MIF for groundwater studies.

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must not already hold a PhD degree.
  • At the time of selection for this position, you must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of your research career. This is measured from the date when you obtained the degree which would formally entitle you to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in France.
  • In line with EU requirements, successful applicants must demonstrate trans-national mobility, i.e. they must move to France from their present country of residence. The project is not generally open to applicants who are presently in France. Please check section II.1 of the FP 7 PEOPLE Work Programme for details.

Benefits:

This is a fully funded 3-year PhD project. Successful applicants will be paid a salary for three years to cover their living expenses. In addition to conducting their research projects, they will attend associated training modules that include summer schools, skills courses, scientific meetings etc. They are also eligible for additional payments towards their travel and relocation costs as well as a "Career Exploratory" allowance. Fellows will be able to start their three-year fellowships from 1 October 2009 on.

How to apply:

  • If you want to apply for this project, please follow the guidelines here
  • Applications must be received by 1 july 2009.
  • Women researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.
  • For further questions, please contact the supervisor of the project.