In this project the student will be involved in the design and analysis of numerical experiments of a numerical model (4SAIL) that combines the simulation of canopy reflectance profiles with soil/vegetation radiometric temperatures.
Department: Construction Management & Engineering
Supervised by: Dr. Christos H. Halios, Professor Stefan T. Smith and Dr. Samuelle Lo Piano
Optical radiative transfer models (e.g. canopy reflectance models such as PROSAIL) have been developed in the past to describe the interaction of solar radiation with vegetation and they allow for the retrieval of major canopy characteristics. When these models are coupled with the ability to simulate the temperature of the canopy-soil system, they provide valuable information on the interactions with the underlying surface. This is particularly important for urban areas where sparse vegetation results in different temperatures in the sunlit and shaded areas that depend on the solar radiation, physical state of the surface, and meteorological conditions. Models that combine the simulation of canopy reflectance profiles with soil/vegetation radiometric temperatures, require a large set of input parameters and the relationship between model's inputs and outcomes is not very well studied. The student will deploy a numerical model (4SAIL) to study the combined effects of the vegetation-soil system temperature and canopy reflectance. They will participate in the design and analysis of numerical experiments that will help explore the sensitivity of the model when input parameters (the leaf structure, chlorophyll-a and -b content, leaf area index and inclination angle, soil brightness, temperatures in the sunlit and shaded areas of the vegetation and underlying surface) vary simultaneously. This will be done using Global Sensitivity Analysis a novel method that helps elucidate the relationships between parameters/mechanisms and model outcomes by varying the parameters simultaneously over a large range of values. Once the simulations are performed, the output variability can be apportioned onto the input variability to address specific research questions.
A suggested time plan is given below, assuming a student is working 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Under supervision, the student will: • Review literature, familiarise with datasets and model. (week 1). • Model runs (weeks 2 and 3). • Global Sensitivity Analysis (weeks 4 and 5) • Writing of report and presenting the results at the research group meeting (week 6). The placement could comprise two 3-week periods, with model runs carried out in one block, and the Global Sensitivity Analysis in the second block.
Essential skills: • The student is expected to have a background in one or more of the following areas: environmental science/ mathematics/ physics/ meteorology/ engineering/ biology. • Experience in a computer programming language (e.g. Fortran, Python,). • The student will need to be flexible, reliable, and hardworking. • An understanding of the importance of the scientific method and an ability to accurately follow protocol are essential. • Willingness to attend the Energy and Environmental Engineering research group meetings. Desirable skills • Previous experience of handling data and knowledge of statistics is desirable. • Previous experience of running models will be welcome.
• The student will gain hands on experience in novel and state-of-the-art methods to investigate important biophysical processes with application to unresolved real world situations. • The supervisors will work with the student in meetings at least two and most probably several times a week at all stages to help them develop new skills and expertise in the relevant areas. • General transferable skills to be developed include independent and team-working, computing and analytical skills, report writing and presentations skills.
School of the Built Environment, Chancellors Building, 13 Suttons Park Ave, Earley, Reading RG6 6UR. Note that this placement is suitable for remote working if needed.
9am-5pm. Note that this placement is suitable for part-time work if desired, and the start and end dates are flexible.
Monday 10 June 2024 - Friday 19 July 2024
The deadline to apply for this project is 5pm on Friday 5th April 2024. To make an application, please go to the following link and complete the application form: https://forms.office.com/e/pMgea0dAHv. To find this project in the application form, please filter ‘school of project applying to’ and select School of the Built Environment