Master’s Thesis Opportunity: Modelling Snow Dynamics in the Nordic Region

Are you interested in Cryospheric Science, Hydrological Modelling, and High-Performance Computing?

We are looking for a highly motivated Master’s student (University of Trento) to join a cutting-edge research project focused on snowpack dynamics across the Nordic Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.

Project Title

A Multi-Modal Comparison of Snow Dynamics (SWE & Sublimation) in the Nordic Region

The Science

Snow is a critical component of the hydrological cycle in high latitudes. However, quantifying how much snow is on the ground (Snow Water Equivalent - SWE) and how much evaporates directly into the atmosphere (Sublimation) remains a challenge for numerical models.

In this work, you will evaluate the performance of three state-of-the-art physics-based models across the diverse landscapes of Finland, Sweden, and Norway:

1. SnowPack
2. GEOtop
3. SNOWModel

Methodology

You will employ a dual-scale approach:

1. Spatial Simulation: You will run spatially continuous simulations across the entire Nordic region using ERA5 reanalysis data. You will implement a “Virtual Point” methodology to run these models grid-wise on High-Performance Computing (HPC) clusters.
2. Point Validation: You will validate model performance against in-situ data from ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System) and other available sites, representing key ecosystems like Arctic, boreal forests, and peatlands environments.

Supervision

You will work in an international research environment.

• Supervisor: John Mohd Wani (University of Trento)
• Co-Supervisor: Dr. Shaakir Shabir Dar (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Oulu, Finland). Dr. Dar brings world-class expertise in snow hydrology and modelling.

What We Are Looking For

• Background: Civil/Environmental Engineering, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, or relevant fields.
• Interests: Numerical modelling and cold-region hydrology.
• Essential Skills: Experience with Python (for scripting model runs and data analysis).
• Bonus Skills: Knowledge of GIS and Linux/Unix environments.

Why Apply?

• International Experience: Possibility of a paid research stay in Oulu, Finland.
• Skill Development: Master advanced hydrological models and big data analysis.
• Impact: Contribute to research that helps us understand water resources in a changing climate.