My research focus is ice-ocean interactions, particularly using high precision and high accuracy stable isotope and supercooling measurements to investigate critical thresholds for sea ice survival under warmer and higher CO2 conditions. I completed a University of Otago PhD on platelet ice formation in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica and followed this with two years as a postdoc at the University of East Anglia, researching the physical oceanography of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Since returning to New Zealand, I also lead a research team investigating greenhouse gas emissions from international transport, and been involved with research into energy use in buildings. I collaborate widely with modellers, observationalists, and remote sensing researchers from with Otago, New Zealand universities (especially the University of Canterbury and Victoria University of Wellington) and CRIs (NIWA and Callaghan Innovation), and internationally (particularly the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Washington). Potential MSc or PhD students are welcome to contact me about potential ice, oceans, or energy-related projects.
Antarctic ice-ocean interactions
Sea ice is a crucial climate system component, influencing Earth's radiation budget, controlling ocean-atmosphere heat and mass exchange, and driving deep ocean convection. In the Arctic, sea ice extent and thickness have been dramatically declining. In Antarctica, sea ice extent has been increasing in some areas, and decreasing in others, and there is a lack of thickness data. The overall aim of my research is to understand how Antarctic sea ice will change over the next century. Are there critical thresholds (“tipping points”) for Antarctic sea ice survival that will be crossed in the warmer and higher CO2 world of the future? My team will address this question through ice-ocean interactions research, particularly looking at the influence of ice shelf basal melting on sea ice properties. If you are enthusiastic about joining our team to do an MSc or PhD, and you have excellent marks and love cold places, please look at the potential research areas below and get in touch.
Potential MSc/PhD areas:
Sea ice formation processes: Arctic and Antarctic intercomparisons
Antarctic sea ice melting processes
Supercooling measurement and modelling
Physical oceanography
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is the strong, deep current encircling Antarctica that links the world's ocean basins. The ACC and its constituent fronts evolved over the last ~34 million years, and its transport of deep and surface waters has implications for sea ice extent and other polar ocean processes. If you are enthusiastic about joining our team to do an MSc or PhD, and you have excellent marks and love the ocean, please look at the potential research areas below and get in touch.
Potential MSc/PhD areas:
Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) relationships with sea ice extent
PHSI 426 Fluids, Instability and Transport Phenomena
Course Director
PHSI 426 Fluids, Instability and Transport Phenomena
Publications
Wongpan, P., Hughes, K. G., Langhorne, P. J., & Smith, I. J. (2018). Brine convection, temperature fluctuations, and permeability in winter Antarctic land‐fast sea ice. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 123(1), 216-230. doi: 10.1002/2017JC012999
Journal - Research Article
Wongpan, P., Meiners, K. M., Langhorne, P. J., Heil, P., Smith, I. J., Leonard, G. H., … Haskell, T. G. (2018). Estimation of Antarctic land-fast sea ice algal biomass and snow thickness From under-ice radiance spectra in two contrasting areas. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 123(3), 1907-1923. doi: 10.1002/2017JC013711
Journal - Research Article
Wongpan, P., Prior, D. J., Langhorne, P. J., Lilly, K., & Smith, I. J. (2018). Using electron backscatter diffraction to measure full crystallographic orientation in Antarctic land-fast sea ice. Journal of Glaciology, 64(247), 771-780. doi: 10.1017/jog.2018.67
Journal - Research Article
Smith, I. J., Eicken, H., Mahoney, A. R., Van Hale, R., Gough, A. J., Fukamachi, Y., & Jones, J. (2016). Surface water mass composition changes captured by cores of Arctic land-fast sea ice. Continental Shelf Research, 118, 154-164. doi: 10.1016/j.csr.2016.02.008
Journal - Research Article
Pauling, A. G., Bitz, C. M., Smith, I. J., & Langhorne, P. J. (2016). The response of the Southern Ocean and Antarctic sea ice to fresh water from ice shelves in an earth system model. Journal of Climate, 29, 1655-1672. doi: 10.1175/JCLI-D-15-0501.1
Journal - Research Article
Smith, I. J., Gough, A. J., Langhorne, P. J., Mahoney, A. R., Leonard, G. H., Van Hale, R., Jendersie, S., & Haskell, T. G. (2015). First-year land-fast Antarctic sea ice as an archive of ice shelf meltwater fluxes. Cold Regions Science & Technology, 113, 63-70. doi: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2015.01.007
Journal - Research Article
Langhorne, P. J., Hughes, K. G., Gough, A. J., Smith, I. J., Williams, M. J. M., Robinson, N. J., … Leonard, G. H., … Haskell, T. G. (2015). Observed platelet ice distributions in Antarctic sea ice: An index for ocean-ice shelf heat flux. Geophysical Research Letters, 42(13), 5442-5451. doi: 10.1002/2015GL064508
Journal - Research Article
Mager, S. M., Leonard, G. H., Pauling, A. G., & Smith, I. J. (2015). A framework for estimating anchor ice extent at potential formation sites in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Annals of Glaciology, 56(69), 394-404. doi: 10.3189/2015AoG69A711
Journal - Research Article
Leonard, G. H., Mager, S. M., Pauling, A. G., Hughes, K. G., & Smith, I. J. (2014). Towards a process model for predicting potential anchor ice formation sites in coastal Antarctic waters. Journal of Spatial Science, 59(2), 297-312. doi: 10.1080/14498596.2014.913271
Journal - Research Article
Mager, S. M., Smith, I. J., Kempema, E., Thomson, B. J., & Leonard, G. H. (2013). Anchor ice in polar oceans. Progress in Physical Geography, 37(4), 468-483. doi: 10.1177/0309133313479815
Journal - Research Article
Toyota, T., Smith, I. J., Gough, A. J., Langhorne, P. J., Leonard, G. H., Van Hale, R. J., Mahoney, A. R., & Haskell, T. G. (2013). Oxygen isotope fractionation during the freezing of sea water. Journal of Glaciology, 59(216), 697-710. doi: 10.3189/2013JoG12J163
Journal - Research Article
Smith, I. J., Langhorne, P. J., Frew, R. D., Vennell, R., & Haskell, T. G. (2012). Sea ice growth rates near ice shelves. Cold Regions Science & Technology, 83-84, 57-70. doi: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2012.06.005
Journal - Research Article
Fitzgerald, W. B., Fahmy, M., Smith, I. J., Carruthers, M. A., Carson, B. R., Sun, Z., & Bassett, M. R. (2011). An assessment of roof space solar gains in a temperate maritime climate. Energy & Buildings, 43(7), 1580-1588. doi: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2011.03.001
Journal - Research Article
Fitzgerald, W. B., Howitt, O. J. A., & Smith, I. J. (2011). Greenhouse gas emissions from the international maritime transport of New Zealand's imports and exports. Energy Policy, 39(3), 1521-1531. doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2010.12.026
Journal - Research Article
Fitzgerald, W. B., Howitt, O. J. A., Smith, I. J., & Hume, A. (2011). Energy use of integral refrigerated containers in maritime transportation. Energy Policy, 39(4), 1885-1896. doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2010.12.015
Journal - Research Article
Howitt, O. J. A., Carruthers, M. A., Smith, I. J., & Rodger, C. J. (2011). Carbon dioxide emissions from international air freight. Atmospheric Environment, 45(39), 7036-7045. doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2011.09.051
Journal - Research Article
Smith, I. J., Langhorne, P. J., Leonard, G. H., Gough, A. J., Frew, R. D., Trodahl, H. J., Mahoney, A. R., & Haskell, T. G. (2011). Sea ice thicknesses: Results from the 2010 Antarctic winter. Proceedings of the New Zealand Snow and Ice Research Group (SIRG) Annual Workshop. (pp. 21). Retrieved from http://www.sirg.org.nz/abstracts/SIRG2011FoxGlacier_Programme.pdf
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Howitt, O. J. A., Revol, V. G. N., Smith, I. J., & Rodger, C. J. (2010). Carbon emissions from international cruise ship passengers' travel to and from New Zealand. Energy Policy, 38(5), 2552-2560. doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2009.12.050
Journal - Research Article
Smith, I. J., Stevens, D. P., Heywood, K. J., & Meredith, M. P. (2010). The flow of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current over the North Scotia Ridge. Deep Sea Research Part I, 57(1), 14-28. doi: 10.1016/j.dsr.2009.10.010
Journal - Research Article
Smith, I. J., Howitt, O. J. A., Revol, V. G. N., Fitzgerald, W. B., & Rodger, C. J. (2010). Greenhouse gas emissions from international maritime transport: The science in a New Zealand and Australian context. Australian & New Zealand Maritime Law Journal.24(1), (pp. 31-35). [Full Paper]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Carruthers, M. A., Smith, I. J., Howitt, O. J. A., & Rodger, C. J. (2010). International air freight: New Zealand as a case study of air transport carbon emissions. Proceedings of the LCANZ and NZLCM Centre Conference: Life Cycle Assessment & Footprinting: Bridging the Gap Between Tools and Practice. Retrieved from http://www.lcanz.org.nz/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Fitzgerald, W. B., Fahmy, M., Smith, I. J., Carruthers, M. A., Carson, B. R., Sun, Z., & Bassett, M. R. (2010). New Zealand roof space temperatures: Modelling results. Proceedings of the Otago Energy Research Centre (OERC) Symposium: Energy Future. Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/oerc/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Fitzgerald, W. B., Howitt, O. J. A., & Smith, I. J. (2010). Greenhouse gas emissions from refrigerated shipping: A New Zealand case study. Proceedings of the LCANZ and NZLCM Centre Conference: Life Cycle Assessment & Footprinting: Bridging the Gap Between Tools and Practice. Retrieved from http://www.lcanz.org.nz/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Howitt, O. J. A., Fitzgerald, W. B., Smith, I. J., Carruthers, M. A., Rodger, C. J., & Revol, V. G. N. (2010). New Zealand's fossil fuel dependency. Proceedings of the Otago Energy Research Centre (OERC) Symposium: Energy Future. Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/oerc/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Smith, I. J., Langhorne, P. J., Gough, A. J., Frew, R. D., Mahoney, A. R., & Haskell, T. G. (2010). Measurement of rates of increase in sea ice thicknesses: A fieldwork-based comparison of techniques. International Glaciological Society International Symposium on Sea Ice in the Physical and Biogeochemical System. IGS. Retrieved from http://www.igs2010.org/index.html
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Smith, I. J., Langhorne, P. J., Gough, A. J., Frew, R. D., Mahoney, A. R., & Haskell, T. G. (2010). Determining the location of a growing sea ice-water interface through the use of temperature sensors and other methods. Proceedings of the Annual Antarctic Conference: A Taste of the Ice. (pp. 65). Christchurch, New Zealand: Antarctica New Zealand. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Smith, I. J., Langhorne, P. J., Leonard, G. H., Gough, A. J., Frew, R. D., Mahoney, A. R., & Haskell, T. G. (2010). Sea ice thickness: Measurement techniques used in the field. Proceedings of the New Zealand Snow and Ice Research Group (SIRG) Annual Workshop. (pp. 36). Retrieved from http://www.sirg.org.nz/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Graham, J. B., Stephenson, J. R., & Smith, I. J. (2009). Public perceptions of wind energy developments: Case studies from New Zealand. Energy Policy, 37(9), 3348-3357. doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2008.12.035
Journal - Research Article
Smith, I. J., & Rodger, C. J. (2009). Carbon emission offsets for aviation-generated emissions due to international travel to and from New Zealand. Energy Policy, 37(9), 3438-3447. doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2008.10.046
Journal - Research Article
Smith, I. J., Langhorne, P. J., Frew, R. D., & Haskell, T. G. (2009). The use of oxygen isotopes to determine sea ice growth rates. Proceedings of the New Zealand Snow and Ice Research Group (SIRG) Annual Workshop. (pp. 28). Retrieved from http://www.sirg.org.nz/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Revol, V. G. N., Howitt, O. J. A., Smith, I. J., & Rodger, C. J. (2009, April). The state of the data for calculating carbon emissions from international transport to and from New Zealand. Poster session presented at the National Energy Research Institute Second Energy Research Conference: NERI'09, Wellington, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)
Smith, I. J., Rodger, C. J., & Bodeker, G. E. (2009, July). Determining the impacts of aviation on climate: Perspectives from New Zealand. Poster session presented at the Gordon Conference on Radiation and Climate, New London, NH.
Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)
Lloyd, C. R., Callau, M. F., Bishop, T., & Smith, I. J. (2008). The efficacy of an energy efficient upgrade program in New Zealand. Energy & Buildings, 40(7), 1228-1239. doi: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2007.11.006
Journal - Research Article
Smith, I. J., Carson, B. R., & Bassett, M. R. (2008). Is there free heat in the roof spaces of New Zealand houses? Mechanical ventilation systems and heat transfer. Proceedings of the 3rd International Solar Energy Society, Asia Pacific Region and the 46th Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society Conference. [CD-ROM] [Full Paper]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Langhorne, P. J., Purdie, C. R., Smith, I. J., Leonard, G., Kempema, E. W., Petrich, C., Gribble, M. A., Bond, P. E., & Haskell, T. G. (2006). Antarctic landfast sea ice: The role of platelet ice. Proceedings of the 18th International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research International Symposium on Ice. (pp. 285-292). IAHR. Retrieved from http://web2.clarkson.edu/projects/iahrice/IAHR%202006/program.html
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
