The PhD position is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network SEASOUNDS (Innovative marine soundscape characterization to effectively mitigate ocean and sea noise pollution) which is coordinated by CNRS, and more specifically by the Laboratory of Mechanics and Acoustics.

SEASOUNDS aims to better characterize and predict marine soundscapes, in order to provide recommendations for appropriate and proportionate underwater noise mitigation solutions, for improved know-how, decision-making and standards setting for a sustainable Blue Growth limiting the impact on marine wildlife. The project addresses important knowledge gaps related to understanding, characterization and modeling of the entire noise transfer chain, from the noise source (e.g. offshore foundation installation, UXO disposal, shipping) to the receiver (whether a technological tool or an animal). SEASOUNDS’ methodological approach incorporates concepts, models, and tools from a variety of disciplines including underwater acoustics, seismology, mechanics, bioacoustics, and marine biology. Thus, SEASOUNDS will train 10 PhD students with high multidisciplinary, inter-sectoral, and transverse skills (see https://laboratoire-mecanique-acoustique.fr/actualites/1166-the-doctora…), who will comprehend noise pollution issues in a holistic way. The Network gathers 15 partners from France, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Monaco and USA (see https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101119769) and will be running for 4 years from January 2024.

MSCA PhD Position : Noise pollution generated by historical Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) disposal in shallow waters

Historical UXO disposal by explosion in shallow waters generates highly-energetic low-frequency waves of different kinds propagating in both water and seabed, and interacting with each other in a complex way. While the seismic risks induced by large UXO detonations have been recently assessed, there are still few studies on the impact of underwater explosions on marine life and the potential mitigation solutions. In addition, noise assessment in shallow waters still largely relies on propagation models with strong assumptions (e.g., fluid seabed, no interface wave propagation at the seabed). Unlike previous works, the PhD work will account for seabed shear properties and interface wave propagation. It aims to study the explosion-induced noise propagation according to the UXO disposal location (on seabed or in water column) and to define optimal UXO disposal conditions limiting the impact on marine life. The work will rely mainly on 3D High-Performance Computing (HPC) simulations of the full seismo-acoustic wave propagation in a spatially-variable marine environment, and on analysis of real shock pressure, acoustic and seismic data. Bio-acousticians and marine biologists of the SEASOUNDS network will help to define and interpret the sound exposure level and vibration maps, and to evaluate the noise impact on marine life (including invertebrates and plants).

Supervision, Host institution and Secondments

Supervisors: Dr Nathalie Favretto-Cristini (main) and Dr P. Cristini

Host institution/Research group: CNRS / Laboratory of Mechanics and Acoustics - Marine acoustics & Seismic Imaging group (Marseille, France)

Duration : 36 months (preferred starting date : 01 October 2024)

PhD program : ED353 – Engineering Sciences : Mechanics, Physics, Micro and Nano-electronics

Secondments (short visits) at Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine (Shom, France), ENSTA Bretagne (France), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU, Norway), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC, Spain) and Aarhus University (Denmark)

Contact information: nathalie.favretto-cristini@cnrs.fr

You will be offered :

To work within an interdisciplinary environment combining seismo-acoustics, High-Performance Computing (HPC) simulations and real data, receiving training from leading experts in a full-time PhD position for 36 months, in which living and mobility costs will be fully covered with a gross salary of 3 043 € /month. If applicable, additional allowances may be granted, e.g., family allowance if the candidate is married (or equivalent relationship) or has dependent children. For candidates with disabilities certified by a competent national authority, the salary may also comprise a special needs allowance, if not already funded from another source.

We are looking for:

An enthusiastic candidate who has a strong quantitative background, with a M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Geosciences, Computational Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Acoustics, or Simulation engineering. The candidate will ideally have a good knowledge of acoustic and/or elastic waves (preferably, in ocean acoustics or geophysics), and/or partial differential equations. It will be an asset if the candidate has prior research experience in numerical modeling and/or ocean acoustics or geophysics. A good knowledge of scientific programming (i.e. Python, C, Fortran) is essential.

We will also take into account that you have:

Interdisciplinary skills: Ability to work at the intersection of ocean acoustics and seismics, applying numerical modeling to understand experimental results, and vice versa. Ability to interact with Bioacousticians. Effective written and verbal communication skills: To collaborate with researchers within and outside the lab, and share findings. Adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to take personal interviews with a selection committee composed of the supervisors and possibly the secondment supervisors.