Eurizon.eu

Organization: University of Southampton - Global Environmental Change And Earth Observation

Location: Southampton, UK

Field: Environmental Sciences

Requirements:

Candidates must have or expect to gain a first or strong upper second class degree, in Geography, Environmental Science, Ecological Science, Computational science, atmospheric science or a related subject. A recognised MSc would be an advantage but is not essential as full training will be given. Familiarity with computer bases image processing and knowledge of programming (Matlab, C etc.) is desirable. Details on how to apply are available from Julie Drewitt, email J.A.Drewitt@soton.ac.uk . Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Jadu Dash (Telephone 023 8059 2203 - email J.Dash@soton.ac.uk). For the latest information on funding opportunities, please visit the Geography website at www.southampton.ac.uk/geography/

Abstract:

In the UK approximately twelve million people suffer from Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, commonly referred as Hay fever...

Description:

In the UK approximately twelve million people suffer from Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, commonly referred as Hay fever. The primary source of this allergy can be attributed to two key pollens produced by grass and birch. Current methods of pollen forecasting in the UK rely upon process modelling using meteorological data and/or seasonal empirical relationship derived from observed pollen count at selected stations. However, they do not consider explicitly the spatial distribution of species and their phenological development. Understanding the phenological cycle of key allergen producing species will enable to identify specific phases in the vegetation growth cycle, such as flowering, associated with release of pollen. Satellite derived time series data can be used to predict different phenological phases and in turn, can provide specific timing and location of the source of pollens. In addition, depending on the size, pollen can be transported to a great distance and hence local observation of phenology may not be consistence with pollen distribution at specific time. Therefore it is important to incorporate an atmospheric transport model by using metrological forecast of wind speed and relative humidity within the surface boundary layer to predict pollen transportation and distribution at a regional scale. The aim of this project is to identify the timing and spatial distribution of source of pollen from time series of satellite data and incorporate these information into an atmospheric transport model to forecast pollen distribution. The specific objectives are:

• Accurate prediction and validation of flowering ( or pollen release) dates  of key allergen species from medium resolution (~250m)  satellite time series data
• Incorporation of  the above information into atmospheric transportation model ( such as the DREAM (Dust Regional Atmospheric Model) to predict pollen distribution
• Validation of the pollen prediction by using pollen count data ground stations such as those maintained by National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU) 

*The studentship will cover tuition fees as well as living expenses.  Please note however that this only covers tuition fees up to the level of home/EU students.  International students are welcome to apply but must be able to cover the difference between home and international tuition fees

Deadline: 19-02-2011

Contacts:

Link: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/geography/

Email: J.Dash@soton.ac.uk

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