Research

Modelling
We test the models used for predicting future climate change by running them in the past when we have a good idea of what the climatic conditions were like. For example…GENIE and ORMEN

Palaeoclimate data integration
We also compile large palaeoclimate datasets that can be used to test climate models against. For example… Global Palaeofire Working Group and MOTIF

Generating and interpreting palaeoclimate data
The emphasis of our work here is the use of Sr isotopes for extracting palaeoclimate information preserved in the sediments of semi-enclosed seas like the Mediterranean.

Other BRIDGE-related research in Bristol

QUEST and the carbon cycle
QUEST is the new NERC thematic programme and will be led from Bristol. The development and application of new and improved carbon cycle models and their thorough evaluation using observational data.

Atmospheric Chemistry
A range of models (including an interactive atmosphere-biosphere model), have been developed to investigate how the composition of the troposphere is changing on global, regional and urban scales. Such models are essential for future-impact and past climate studies.

Hydrology
The Hydrology Research Group develops numerical models for a range of complex environmental flow and transport problems. These include flood hydraulic simulation, groundwater flow, pollutant transport and slope stability. There are strong research links between the Science and Engineering faculties. The Water and Environmental Management Research Centre (led by Prof. Ian Cluckie) are also working on regional climate/weather models similar to the global climate modelling group with a specific focus on rainfall processes at a variety of scales derived using dynamic downscaling procedures.

Glaciology
Bristol Glaciology Centre is involved in a number of climate modelling studies aimed at combining expertise in various branches of Earth System Science (ESS) modelling to provide understanding of the various interactions and feedbacks between different components of the system. A particular aim of the group is the assimilation of the huge quantities of high-resolution data now available from satellites.

Atomistic modelling of trace impurities in geological formations
The research uses advanced simulation and modelling techniques to understand the solid-state properties of materials at pressures in excess of millions of atmospheres. The research gives insight into the incorporation of trace elements into minerals and melts of geological and environmental importance.

Volcanology
Current research on natural hazards involves numerical models of complex multiphase flows, such as occur in volcanic eruptions and avalanches. There is also a strong link of this modelling research, in combination with empirical information and estimation of uncertainties, to generate quantitative hazard and risk assessments of natural hazards with development of ensemble models that analyse hazards and risks in probabilistic terms.

Carbonate Processes
The modelling of carbonate diagenesis and pore systems, includes coupled density dependent groundwater flow and reaction transport modelling.