Examining meteorologicl data from high-elevation environments

This project will compile, check and analyse data collected using automatic meteorological stations from high-elevation sites in the tien Shan, Central Asia

Department: Archaeology

Supervised by: Maria Shahgedanova

The Placement Project

The student will compile, verify and analyse meteorological data sets obtained using automatic weather stations (AWS) at several high-elevation sites in Central Asia. The AWS were collecting data along the elevational profile (from 700 m to 4000 m) since 2015 accumulating a wealth of data including variables which were not measured in the region before. The data need to be quality controlled and recompiled for further analysis. Data analysis will include generating climatologies, analysing trends, and statistics of extreme events. The student will be based at Reading but will work in collaboration with an international research group involved in data collection. There will be weekly meetings with the supervisor and another supervisor (Miss Zarina Saidaliyeva, PhD student involved in runnig the AWS measurements) will be appointed. There will be a publication, in which the student will be involved, and the generated data set will be contributed to the international GEO Mountains data base. This work will be conducted in collaboration with the International Mountain Observatories working group run by a global research network Mountain Research Initiative (MRI).

Tasks

(i) Compile data sets from 10-minute measurements of about 20 variables measured at three sites; (ii) Apply an existing code (which the student is welcome to improve) to quality control the data and recompile the data set into hourly and daily values; (iii) Perform statistical analysis of the data and interpret the outcomes; (iv) Contribute to research and / or data paper; (v) Prepare the data for the submission to an international database.

Skills, knowledge and experience required

Using data management and statistical packages / software, knowledge of basic statistical analyses

Skills which will be developed during the placement

The main skills will be (i) data management, (ii) statistical analysis, (iii) coding, and (iv) scientific writing. The selected candidate will work with an international research team and a network and participating in the Mountain Observatories group meetings. The student will be encouraged to join MRI who runs many interesting networking activities for students and early career researchers. This experience will improve networking skills, widen research / professional network, and contribute to employability. In addition, the application process will improve job application writing and interview skills.

Place of Work

Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading with a possibility of working remotely. Although the placement is six weeks, it will be possible to break it to accommodate holidays, field trip, etc.

Hours of Work

225 (six weeks)

Approximate Start and End Dates (not fixed)

Monday 19 June 2023 - Wednesday 20 September 2023

How to Apply

The deadline to apply for this opportunity is Monday 3rd April 2023. Students should submit their CV and Cover Letter directly to the Project Supervisor (click on supervisor name at the top of the page for email). Successful candidates will be invited for an interview.