Carbon drawdown on debris-covered glaciers (Advert Reference: RDF19/EE/GES/BROCK)

This project aims to quantify the magnitude, variability and controls on fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), in supraglacial debris covers. The key output will be a robust estimate of the role of debris-covered glaciers in regional and global cycling of these important greenhouse gases. The worldwide significance of carbon and methane cycling in subglacial environments is well established, however, the magnitude and variability of similar processes at the surface of debris-covered glaciers is unknown. Supraglacial debris provide an ideal environment for high rates of microbial activity and chemical weathering: an abundance of fresh mechanically weathered rock, an unlimited supply of water and high levels of energy provided by sun and atmosphere. Initial gas flux measurements over an alpine glacier have identified very high CO2 drawdown rates. Debris-covered glaciers could therefore be important global sinks of carbon due to the extensive areas of debris-covered ice in the world’s mountain ranges. Data will be collected through fieldwork on debris-covered glaciers in the Italian Alps (Year 1) and Svalbard (Year 2), involving i) direct measurements of CO2 and CH4 fluxes using an eddy-covariance system and portable greenhouse gas analyser and ii) measurements and sampling of debris sediments for analysis. Follow-up laboratory work will determine the minerals, carbon content and microbial communities present in debris covers to determine the relative roles of chemical weathering and microbial activity in carbon gas cycling. Training will be provided in field and laboratory techniques, and there is potential for the student to develop new methods to simulate rock debris chemical weathering in a laboratory. Project supervision will be provided by staff at Northumbria University together with the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), with the opportunity for the student to spend an extended period learning techniques and undertaking analysis at UNIS.

Applicants should have a minimum of a strong first degree (upper second or first class honours) in one of the following areas Physical Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences or Atmospheric Sciences and be prepared to undertake fieldwork in glacial environments. Some previous fieldwork experience in cold environments would be preferable, but not essential.
The principal supervisor for this project is Benjamin Brock.

Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF19/EE/GES/BROCK) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: Friday 25 January 2019
Start Date: 1 October 2019

Northumbria University is an equal opportunities provider and in welcoming applications for studentships from all sectors of the community we strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.