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
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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.