PhD in Satellite Monitoring of Geotechnical Stability

PGR-P-1277

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Ongoing deadline
Project start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Non-funded
Supervisors: Professor David Connolly
Schools: School of Civil Engineering

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Satellite monitoring and Earth Observation technologies are rapidly changing how engineers monitor, inspect and manage the natural and built environment. This research theme focuses on using satellite data, remote sensing, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), multispectral imaging and AI to monitor terrain and geotechnical hazards. Core areas of investigation include tracking earthworks and slopes to monitor geotechnical subsidence, soil moisture anomalies, and landslide precursors on natural and manmade embankments. The theme also targets ground subsidence tracking caused by groundwater extraction, particularly in highly vulnerable low lying coastal zones, alongside measuring the degradation of sea defences and shoreline retreat. Projects within this theme can be adapted to suit a wide range of engineering and scientific backgrounds. By integrating spaceborne data with geotechnical principles, this theme aims to advance predictive asset management and regional risk tracking across vulnerable landscapes.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<h3 data-path-to-node="4">Detailed Description</h3> Geotechnical assets and natural slopes are increasingly exposed to unstable environmental conditions, making traditional ground based inspection methods highly challenging to scale. This research theme explores how advanced satellite observations can provide continuous, wide area diagnostic data for slopes, earthworks, and shifting terrain. By processing spaceborne data streams, it is possible to capture millimetric changes in ground elevation and trace the underlying mechanics of slope destabilisation before failures occur. A primary analytical focus within this theme is the application of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to capture historical and active ground movements. For natural embankments and manmade slope infrastructure, these satellite measurements allow for the early detection of localized creep and sliding precursors. The research also examines the complex relationship between soil moisture variations, changing vegetation indices, and slope stability by combining multispectral imagery with radar data. Furthermore, the theme investigates regional ground subsidence driven by groundwater extraction, with a specific focus on structural threats to low lying coastal zones and the physical degradation of coastal sea defences. You will investigate the computational and data fusion frameworks required to convert raw satellite observations into reliable engineering indicators for geotechnical safety. <h3 data-path-to-node="7">Why This Research is Important</h3> Landslides, embankment collapses, and regional ground subsidence pose catastrophic risks to human life, transport infrastructure, and coastal communities. Traditional geotechnical monitoring is heavily reliant on site specific instrumentation, which is expensive to install, maintain, and limited in spatial coverage. As extreme weather events become more common, relying solely on ground inspections leaves vast networks vulnerable to undetected, large scale geohazards. This research theme is vital because it introduces a proactive, scalable, and non invasive approach to regional hazard mitigation. Using spaceborne monitoring allows for the early identification of geotechnical distress across thousands of square kilometers simultaneously. By flagging instability precursors before an outright collapse occurs, asset managers and civil authorities can implement targeted engineering interventions, protect vulnerable populations, and safeguard critical infrastructure from shifting terrain. <h3 data-path-to-node="10">Example PhD Research Topics</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="11"> <li> Wide area InSAR monitoring for tracking landslide precursors on natural and engineering slopes </li> <li> Satellite monitoring of ground subsidence driven by groundwater extraction in low lying coastal zones </li> <li> Measuring the degradation of sea defences and shoreline retreat using high resolution remote sensing </li> <li> Integrating spaceborne soil moisture mapping with slope stability models for transport earthworks </li> <li> Machine learning frameworks for automated geotechnical hazard detection in regional satellite data </li> <li> Tracking long term settlement of large scale land reclamation projects using multi temporal radar imagery </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="12">Methods and Techniques</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="13"> <li> Multi temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) processing for ground deformation tracking </li> <li> Multispectral image analysis for tracking soil moisture, vegetation indexes, and coastal erosion </li> <li> Integration of remote sensing data with geotechnical limit equilibrium and finite element analysis </li> <li> Time series data processing and statistical anomaly detection for geohazard forecasting </li> <li> Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for spatial data modeling and regional hazard mapping </li> <li> Data fusion approaches combining satellite observations with in situ geotechnical instrumentation </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="14">Suitable Academic Backgrounds</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="15"> <li> Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering </li> <li> Engineering Geology or Earth Sciences </li> <li> Remote Sensing, Geomatics, or GIS </li> <li> Computer Science or Data Analytics </li> <li> Environmental Science or Applied Mathematics </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="16">FAQ</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="17"> <li> Can I propose my own PhD topic? Yes, the themes above are a guide only. </li> <li> Can I bring my own funding? Yes, I welcome applicants who are funded through government scholarships, employers or self funding. </li> <li> Do I need funding before contacting you? You should have at least identified your planned funder and commenced your application. </li> <li> Can I study interdisciplinary topics? Yes. Many of my current research interests combine multiple disciplines. </li> <li> When can I start? Start dates are in spring and autumn. Full details dates are available elsewhere on the University website </li> </ul> Useful links <ul> <li data-path-to-node="15,0,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/prof-david-p-connolly" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">University Profile</a> </li> <li data-path-to-node="15,1,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidconnolly/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">LinkedIn</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,2,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jzkpu9IAAAAJ&hl=en" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">Google Scholar</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,3,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Connolly-7" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">ResearchGate</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,4,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3950-8704" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">ORCID</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,5,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35098220800" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">Scopus</a></li> </ul>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for is PhD Civil Engineering FT, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Environment and climate monitoring using satellites as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/dr-david-p-connolly">Professor David Connolly</a> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, please state clearly the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed. If you are applying for University or School Scholarships for 2026/27 entry, with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application: <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply. Scholarship opportunities open from October 2025 UK – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2024">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> (closing date: 1 April 2026) and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> (closing date: 1 April 2026) are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. Non-UK – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China (closing date: 7 January 2026). The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. Please note that if you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. If you are applying for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarship, Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship, China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship or Leeds Marshall Scholarship, you will need to complete a separate application, specific to these scholarships, to be considered for funding. You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£340 in Session 2025/26), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award. Important: Please note that that the award does not cover the costs associated with moving to the UK. All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a> For further information about this project, please contact Professor David Connolly by email to <a href="mailto:D.Connolly@leeds.ac.uk">D.Connolly@leeds.ac.uk</a>