Geographical Sciences (Physical Geography)

Research groups

The school's physical geography research is focused on a number of themes. These are based on UK Research Council priority areas and the interests of industrial and other stakeholders. Our three research groups are:

The Bristol Research Initiative for the Dynamic Global Environment (BRIDGE) group aims to improve the understanding of natural climate and environmental variability and the relationship between global carbon cycling and climate. This knowledge is used to improve our predictions of future change and its impact on all aspects of ecosystems and human society.

The Bristol Glaciology Centre leads world-class research into ice sheet processes, subglacial environments and sea level change. Its aim is to increase understanding of the present, past and future behaviour of ice sheets and glaciers, and the links between the cryosphere, oceans and atmosphere under changing climatic conditions.

The Hydrology Research Group focuses on research into the modelling of hydrologic and hydraulic problems using advanced numerical methods. In particular, it specialises in modelling river flooding, water quality monitoring, uncertainty analysis techniques, catchment and hillslope transport processes, combined with field monitoring and large-scale experimental work.

Careers

Students who complete a PhD in Physical Geography typically move on to careers in academia (postdoctoral research, lectureships), further research in government or private institutes, environmental consultancy, teaching, the civil service, computer programming or IT consultancy.