MSCA PhD Position : Uncertainties in the source and environment description: influence on noise impact assessment

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 (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 run for 4 years from January 2024.

MSCA PhD Position : Uncertainties in the source and environment description: influence on noise impact assessment

Reliable assessments of potential noise exposure are essential for effective upstream regulation of polluting activities in the oceans. The reliability of the noise predictions strongly depends on the use of the optimal numerical propagation schemes that can model the required wave physics in the environment under consideration, and on the quality of the input data related to the noise source and the environment, particularly at low frequencies (LF) as recommended in the EU MSFD. In practice, noise propagation modeling is often carried out using approximate models with limited and/or biased environmental data. This results in at best high uncertainties in the noise assessments, at worst unreliable results making regulatory decision complex. While another PhD student from SEASOUNDS network will investigate the influence of the selected numerical method on the noise predictions, the candidate will focus on the input data (e.g. bathymetry, sound speed profile in water, seabed properties, sea surface…) and their spatial and temporal variability. In contrast to previous works, their impact will be investigated both in a qualitative and quantitative way for typical marine environments by mainly relying on HPC simulations of the full wave propagation, adjoint-based sensitivity analysis, and comparison with field observations. The main objective here is to identify what needs to be known (and at which accuracy degree) to reliable noise assessment.

Supervisors: Dr P. Cristini (main), Dr V. Monteiller, Dr Nathalie Favretto-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) and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU, Norway)

You will be offered:

To work within an interdisciplinary environment combining ocean acoustics and seismology, 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: 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 Computational Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Geosciences, Acoustics, or Simulation engineering. The candidate will ideally have a good knowledge of acoustic and/or elastic waves, and/or partial differential equations. It will be an asset if the candidate has prior research experience in numerical modeling and/or ocean acoustics. 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. 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.