This research theme encompasses developing new knowledge in the physics of Planet Earth and space, including observational astrophysics and understanding many of the geophysical properties of our planet.
Dr Robert Ferdman’s research focuses on observational astrophysics, with an emphasis on the study of pulsars and analysing pulsar data. Pulsars are the neutron star (NS) remnants of supernova explosions that emit radio waves from their magnetic poles. They often display exceptional rotational stability, approaching that of atomic clocks over timescales of several years. Dr Samuel Lander develops theories to describe the properties of pulsars and neutron stars, including evolution of magnetic fields and crustal structure.
This theme also includes researchers based in The School of Environmental Sciences whose areas of expertise are centred around geophysical properties of Planet Earth. The School of Environmental Sciences at UEA is one of the largest Environmental Sciences departments in the UK, undertaking critical research on climate change, oceanography and natural hazards in the world. Our physics expertise helps to inform on various problems in the environmental sciences, but most notably in the field of geophysics. Dr Jessica Johnson is a Solid Earth Geophysics Lecturer at UEA who conducts fascinating research on the movement of fluid (such as magma, water and gas) in the earth, investigating the way in which its behaviour impacts on geophysical phenomena like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, ground deformation and hydrothermal productivity.
Other Environmental Scientists working primarily in Oceanography and Meteorology, such as Professor Karen Heywood, are utilising physics techniques to investigate the role of oceans and the atmosphere in climate change. Professor Heywood recently received the Challenger Medal for her extraordinary contribution to the field.