Mitigation of hydrological challenges in a peri-urban landscape

The research addresses key scientific challenges in relation to pluvial flood management: 1) Improving the understanding and modelling of processes related to storm runoff across the urban landscape; and, 2) Identification of suitable adaptation and mitigation options. The project builds on existing CEH/BGS collaboration investigating storm infiltration and runoff in urban areas (Pathfinder project), and the ongoing CEH peri-urban monitoring programme in a sub-catchment encompassing north Swindon.

This PhD project will comprise the following research activities:
• Undertake detailed mapping of impervious sources across the catchment through GIS processing of aerial photography and OS maps, identifying temporal development patterns, such as incremental curtailage development. Field calibration will be undertaken to ensure landscape surface classification is accurate.
• In-situ field based measurements of flow and soil moisture at strategic locations to enable a more detailed understanding of hydrological fluxes across housing development types; building on existing monitoring. The research will require the analysis of past rainfall and evaporation data and implementation of new strategic monitoring within the catchment to collect this data.
• Produce an enhanced understanding of hydrological processes (notably surface runoff and infiltration) in the urban environment through the development of an integrated hydrological/hydraulic modelling system.
• Compare impacts of urbanisation and climate change through scenario analysis, and test effectiveness of mitigation strategies to climatic change and potential benefits of different SuDS when implemented strategically within the drainage network.

Testing of mitigation strategies will be undertaken through the integrated modelling system, and will be compared to current best practice regarding the application of SuDS. The project will investigate appropriate mitigation strategies and measures requiring implementation to balance the need for continued expansions and development of peri-urban areas against the hydrological environment impacts and increased risks associated with flooding and pollution events. These mitigation measures include the installation of surface water drainage systems (SuDS), rainwater harvesting, and preservation of green space.

The student will benefit from a variety of research training with a focus in technical and analytical areas: (i) Large data set quality assessment and management; (ii) understanding of technical water monitoring and collation; (iii) statistical analysis of spatial and temporal data; (iv) the development and application of GIS database and flow modelling; and (v) development and application in SuDS, specifically retrofitting.

The studentship would be based at CEH Wallingford and the University of Liverpool, where they will undertake the postgraduate training programme. Supervision will be divided between: Dr Thomas Kjeldsen and James Miller (CEH) providing expertise in project management, computer programming, flow modelling and analysis, rainfall variability and runoff modelling. Dr Neil Macdonald (UoL) who will provide supervision in relation to flood risk mitigation technologies, hydrological data analysis, climatic variation and GIS. Dr Rachel Dearden (BGS) will provide expert advice on best practice for use of SuDS systems.

Candidates with expertise in the Environmental Sciences (Geography, Geology and Environmental Science) and Engineering are encouraged to apply. An MSc in a relevant field would be desirable. Applicants with experience in hydrological modelling, environmental monitoring, SuDS or/and GIS are sought.