High-resolution geochemical analysis of Greenland ice cores to identify early warning signals of rapid climate change

Are you passionate about climate research and keen to make a real impact? Are you keen to develop advanced research skills that can equip you for a wide range of future careers? Join an exciting, cutting-edge PhD project focused on obtaining and analysing high-resolution geochemical records from Greenland ice cores.

This fully funded PhD is available at the British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge. The project is part of a multi-million-pound interdisciplinary research consortium aimed at developing early warning systems and forecasting tipping points in the Greenland Ice Sheet and the Subpolar Gyre. A particular emphasis for this project is the 8.2 kyr event—a period marked by abrupt cooling in the North Atlantic region.

Using state-of-the-art Time-of-Flight Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (TOF-ICP-MS), you’ll analyse trace elements and isotopes to reconstruct changes in atmospheric circulation and source conditions. Your findings will provide critical insights into the mechanisms behind abrupt climate shifts and directly inform climate modelers within the wider research consortium, enhancing predictive models for future climate tipping points.

This project is hosted at the British Antarctic Survey, within a world-leading team at the forefront of ice core research, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, training, and contributing to major international projects like the Beyond EPICA – Oldest Ice Project.

Research Objectives:

The aim of this project is to obtain high-resolution geochemical records from Greenland ice cores, focusing on trace elements and isotopic signatures using TOF-ICP-MS. The student will analyse specific periods of rapid climate change, including the 8.2 kyr event, to identify potential early warning signals of abrupt transitions. The student will use the elemental data to reconstruct shifts in atmospheric circulation patterns and source regions of aerosols and dust during past climate transitions.

The objective is to incorporate these geochemical findings into predictive frameworks aimed at identifying early warning signals for future climate tipping points. The student will collaborate with leading climate modelers across this major new research theme, working closely with fellow students within the VERIFY consortium and wider programme. We will compare the geochemical signals from different time periods to understand common drivers and mechanisms behind rapid climate changes.

Methodology:

The project will employ TOF-ICP-MS to achieve ultra-high temporal resolution in the geochemical analysis of ice core samples. This technique allows for simultaneous detection of a broad range of elements, enabling detailed reconstructions of past atmospheric composition and circulation patterns. The interpretation of marine species in the ice will be enhanced by comparison with new palaeoceanographic records and synthesis efforts generated as part of this consortium. The candidate will focus on key elemental proxies (e.g., Na, Ca, Fe, Mg, Al, and rare earth elements) to trace changes in dust provenance, volcanic activity, and ocean-atmosphere interactions.

The data will be subjected to advanced statistical analyses, including time-series analysis and signal detection techniques, to identify potential early warning indicators such as critical slowing down or increased variance preceding tipping points. The candidate will work closely with paleoceanographers and climate modelers to ensure the seamless integration of empirical data into climate simulations.

Interdisciplinary and International Collaboration:

As part of the consortium, the PhD student will collaborate with leading experts in paleoclimatology, geochemistry, atmospheric science, and climate modelling. The student will also work closely with leading experts in the Greenland ice sheet at the Centre for Ice and Climate, Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen. Including a laboratory visit to sample the Greenland ice cores currently in the Danish archive. Regular workshops and cross-institutional meetings will provide opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, joint publications, and international conference participation.

Candidate Profile:

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a background in (geo)chemistry, climate science, Earth or environmental sciences, or related fields. Strong quantitative skills, including proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., R, MATLAB), and an interest in interdisciplinary research are essential. Familiarity with ice core research and paleoclimate data, or experience with geochemical techniques, would be advantageous.

Impact:

This research will contribute to the broader understanding of how past climate systems responded to natural forcings, providing critical insights into the mechanisms and early warning signals of abrupt climate change. By informing climate models with high-resolution empirical data, the project will enhance predictive capabilities for future climate risks, supporting global efforts to develop robust early warning systems and inform policy decisions on climate adaptation.