Dr Paul Quinn
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
This project is part of the ONE Planet DTP. Find out more here: https://research.ncl.ac.uk/one-planet/
This exciting project involves working at two unique NFM research sites in the UK: (1) Upper Weardale NFM Demonstration project (EA): Approximately 100km2 is being instrumented at multiple scales, and several new NFM schemes are being created; (2) Eddleston NFM Catchment Project (Tweed Forum), 50km2 but leading onto Peebles at 100km2. This is a well-established research site with ongoing work with Newcastle Uni. Multiple flow gauges and instrumented features are already in situ and the partnership is well established.
At site (1) you will look at recent local rainfall-runoff data to establish a multi-subcatchment flow model for the area. You will help deliver and instrument new NFM projects at several sites to evaluate the local impacts of features. Data-informed models will be used to establish the impact of NFM features at small catchment scales. Data and models will be used at the larger catchment scale to examine the net downstream impact for proposed schemes. The broader catchment model will be used strategically to estimate the degree and types of NFM needed to address the EA’s flood management targets.
At site (2) you will examine recent evidence that afforestation and leaky dams can have positive impacts on reducing flood flow. Existing flow data will be used to validate models. Data-informed models built for the leaky dams in Middle Burn will be developed to show the impact of a network of features including off-line ponds and flood plain storage.
The mixture of an established site and a new site gives rise to many opportunities for flow modelling and NFM research. Implications to the sediment regime and future management will also be needed. The broader implication for the UK will also be addressed and we hope to work with national EA teams and the NFU.
Prerequisites:
Knowledge of Hydrological processes; Flood management; Fieldwork and experimentation. Willingness to master hydrological modelling
For more information, please contact Paul Quinn ([Email Address Removed]).
Funding Notes
Fully funded (3.5 years) PhD studentship awards available for entry September 2019. Each award includes fees (Home/EU), an annual living allowance (£14,777) and a Research Training Support Grant (for travel, consumables, as required).