Interested in getting a PhD on evaporation, water stress and droughts with observations and simple, physical theory? We have a new opening within the most recent call of the International Max-Planck Research School on global BioGeochemical Cycles (IMPRS-gBGC). Apply through the website by 21 August 2023.
To what extent can water stress be inferred from diurnal temperature variations measured by geostationary satellites or routinely monitored at weather stations? The basic idea of this project stems from a recent theoretical approach which shows that the diurnal temperature range is mainly determined by solar radiation and water limitation. Since the diurnal temperature range and solar radiation can both be inferred from geostationary satellites, this provides a simple yet physically based approach to infer water limitation in ecosystems. This project will evaluate this approach with satellite datasets and field observations, and relate it to other proxies for water limitation at regional scales. Further research will include quantification of uncertainties and may be extended to comparison with climate model simulations, global climate change and/or paleoclimatological proxies.
The PhD candidate will work in the Biospheric Theory and Modelling group of Axel Kleidon in close collaboration with Roland Zech from the University of Jena. There will be opportunities for further collaborations at the institute as well as to join existing collaborations in Germany, Italy, India, and the US.
Requirements
We welcome applications from open-minded and highly motivated students with a completed degree in geosciences, geography, atmospheric science, geoecology, hydrology or similar; scientific curiosity to find things out; ability to write and communicate in English; interest and background in quantitative environmental data or model analysis.
The Max Planck Society (MPS) strives for gender equality and diversity. The MPS aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from all fields. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.
Background material
Interested in learning a bit more about our recent activities?
The general background of how thermodynamics applies to the Earth system and simplifies its functioning is described in a recently accepted review paper in ESD.
A recent application of our thermodynamically-based energy balance approach was published in this paper in PNAS, where Sarosh showed that the climatological variations in daily mean temperatures are mostly shaped by clouds and thermodynamics.
Work on the diurnal cycle and its relation to evaporation using Fluxnet and ERA-5 data is nicely summarized in Annu’s last paper from her PhD in Journal of Climate.
And an example for how much one can see in weather station observations if one looks at data in an informed way is given by Muye Du’s work on temperature trends and global warming in China, published in this paper in JGR.
You can also check out our blog (you are already here, check out other postings).
Earthsystem.org 