Earth Systems Science and Energy at Bangor brings together interdisciplinary researchers from the Schools of Ocean Sciences, Environmental and Natural Sciences and Computer Science and Engineering to study the energy systems engineering and their complex interactions with the Earth's spheres - geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere.
We investigate the dynamic processes shaping our planet, including climate, weather patterns, landforms, ecosystems, and their interconnectedness. By examining feedback loops, energy flows, and the impacts of human activities, we provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth's past, present, and future states. Additionally, we focus on the development and optimization of energy technologies, to address the pressing need for clean and sustainable energy sources.
Researchers in our theme also explore ways to enhance the efficiency and affordability of energy systems, including nuclear, solar and wind power. Furthermore, we analyse the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of low carbon energy deployment and propose policies to facilitate its adoption. This research theme plays a crucial role in and mitigating climate change while ensuring energy security and economic growth. Our research informs decision-making, promotes sustainability, and guides efforts to mitigate environmental challenges for the benefit of all life on Earth.
Featured researchers
Dr Sophie Ward
Sophie is a physical oceanographer who uses computational ocean models to consider the response of the oceans to climate change and anthropogenic stressors, and to explore potential sustainable use of marine resources.
Dr Sopan Patil
Sopan is a catchment hydrologist currently researching how climate and land use change impact the provision of ecosystem services, such as flood mitigation, biodiversity, and hydropower, across different types of landscapes.
Dr Walter Villanueva
Dr Villanueva is a Reader in Nuclear Engineering currently doing research that will help accelerate the development of next generation of nuclear reactors, such as Lead-cooled Fast Reactors which can offer increased sustainability, safety, reliability, and proliferation resistance.
Dr Sophie-Berenice Wilmes
Sophie-Berenice Wilmes explores the drivers of Archaen climate, the period in Earth's history when life on Earth first formed, using different climate models. Her work also looks at impacts of changes of tidal dynamics during the Last Glacial Maximum on climate and ocean circulation.
Prof Yueng-Djern Lenn
Yueng is a physical oceanographer who studies how the oceans store and move heat around the globe in ways that can impact weather, climate and the cryosphere.
Prof Simon Neill
Global expert in ocean renewable energy: characterizing the wave and tidal energy resource, understanding wave-tide interaction, optimizing grid integration of arrays of marine renewable energy devices, and quantifying the environmental impacts of extracting energy from the oceans.
Dr Lynda Yorke
A Quaternary geomorphologist, with principal emphasis in fluvial and pro-glacial sequences.
Dr Haoran Shi
Haoran Shi is a hydrodynamic modeller, who's research focuses on river and lake hydrodynamics. He is particularly interested in simulating the impacts of climate change on lakes.
Dr Richard Dallison
Dr Richard Dallison is a hydroclimatologist currently researching how climate change affects surface waters and impacts available water resources for sectors such as hydropower and public water supply.
Dr Lynda Yorke
Lynda is a geographer currently researching better communication around climate change and cultural heritage with coastal communities.
Full researcher list
- Dr Margot Saher (climate reconstruction, foraminifera, sea level, glaciation)
- Professor Simon Neill (renewable energy, marine pollution (plastics))
- Dr Richard Dallison (hydrology, climate change, water resources)
- Professor Yueng Djern Lenn (oceans, climate, cryosphere)
- Professor Iestyn Pierce (control and instrumentation for power systems)
- Dr Panagiotis Ritsos (information visualization, visual analytics, mixed and virtual reality, human-computer interaction)
- Dr Tim Peters (forestry, plant microbe symbiosis, tree nursery sustainability)
- Peter Robins (physical oceanography, estuary hazards, marine pollution)
- Dr Lynda Yorke (geomorphology, heritage, communities)
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Key projects
Researchers in this theme work on a wide variety of applied projects.
See our work through the eyes of our researchers
Recent news and blog
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5 January 2024How will freshwater from the Arctic change our weather and climate?
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13 December 2023Antarctic study proves glacier has undergone irreversible retreat – highlighting potential for widespread ice loss
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3 November 2023High-latitude lakes warming at a rapid pace
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22 May 2023Lakes reflect the pace of shifting seasons
At Bangor, research underpins our teaching. You can study a wide variety of courses, at all levels, which build on the world-leading research we are doing in this field.
At Bangor, research underpins our teaching. You can study a wide variety of courses, at all levels, which build on the world-leading research we are doing in this field.
