What are the drivers and impacts of ocean and climate variability for Caribbean Islands?

The Caribbean Small Island Developing States face a variety of impacts from climate variability and climate change. The Caribbean Sea surface temperatures change from year to year due to both natural variability (for example associated with El Niño or the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation) and anthropogenically forced climate change. Anomalously warm years can lead to an early start to the rainfall season, coral bleaching and more hurricanes or more intense hurricanes. In cooler years the start of the rainfall season is delayed. Both flooding and drought are a risk. Damage to corals can impact biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and weaken the defence they provide against stormy seas.

You will analyse observations of sea surface temperature, winds, rainfall and other key variables to determine the main patterns of climate variability that impact the Caribbean. You will assess how well these observed patterns are represented in a range of state-of-the-art climate models. You will use the model output to determine the key drivers of variability and determine any processes leading to model deficiencies. You will use model projections of future climate to understand how these patterns of climate variability might change.

You will join an active research group at UEA (which includes the Cefas Collaborative Centre for Sustainable use of the Seas) in meteorology, oceanography and climate. You will be trained in modelling the climate system and you will learn to use state-of-the-art computer systems to rigorously analyse large climate model datasets.

The project may be available to start at a later date but this should be discussed with David Stevens in the first instance.

Funding notes

This PhD project is offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with funding or those applying to funding sources. 

A bench fee is also payable on top of the tuition fee to cover specialist equipment or laboratory costs required for the research. Applicants should contact the primary supervisor for further information about the fee associated with the project.