The Wetter the Better? Understanding wet woodland carbon dynamics in the Anthropocene

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the ARIES NERC DTP

Applications are invited for a 3.5 years PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 01 October 2023.

Project Description

Scientific background

Globally, peatlands are essential terrestrial carbon stores that can provide nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation. One of the least well-understood types of peatlands in the world are wet woodlands (peatlands with substantial tree cover). Wet woodlands were once a common habitat type across the UK, but after years of disturbance and destruction, only an estimated 50–70,000 ha remain. Despite their scarcity, these ecosystems could be substantial, long-term carbon sinks due to their peat-forming characteristics. However, climate change and increasing development will determine whether these ecosystems become a source of carbon in the future. We are seeking an individual who will i) quantify contemporary carbon dynamics and fluxes, ii) determine past landscape dynamics using paleoenvironmental techniques, iii) link current and future carbon sequestration to ecohydrological variables (i.e., water table depth), and iv) make comparisons to other wetland ecosystems (e.g., tropical peatlands).  

Methodology

The successful applicant will use field and laboratory techniques to measure carbon dynamics at a wet woodland site in Devon, UK. Carbon fluxes will be measured, alongside above and below-ground biomass using forestry techniques. They will also collect detailed ecohydrological data including water table depth and vegetation data. The paleoenvironmental investigation will use peat cores to look at past hydrological conditions and vegetation patterns using testate amoeba and pollen analysis. Measurements will be extrapolated to wider landscapes through pre-existing carbon models.

Training

You will learn a range of highly relevant techniques used in environmental science, including leading field campaigns, technical skills using environmental sensors/data loggers and analysis of big datasets. This project will inform environmental policies and management nationally and you will gain experience of communicating scientific findings to policy and practice organisations. You will join an international network of peatland researchers, produce leading scientific papers and present at international conferences. 

References

1. Davidson, S.J., Dazé, E., Byun, E., Hiler, D., Kangur, M., Talbot, J., Finkelstein, S.A. and Strack, M. (2022) The unrecognized importance of carbon stocks and fluxes from swamps in Canada and the USA, Environmental Research Letters, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ac63d5
2. Strack, M., Davidson, S.J., Hirano, T. and Dunn, C. (2022) The potential of peatlands as nature-based climate solutions, Current Climate Change Reports, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40641-022-00183-9
3. Davidson, S.J., Strack, M., Bourbonniere, R.A. and Waddington, J.M. (2019) Controls on soil carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes from a peat swamp vary by hydrogeomorphic setting, Ecohydrology https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.2162
4. Loisel, J. et al. (including Roland, T.P. and Milner, A.M.) (2021) Expert assessment of future vulnerability of the global peatland carbon sink. Nature Climate Change. 11(1): 70-77 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-020-00944-0 
5. Woodbridge, J., Fyfe, R., Smith, D., Pelling, R., de Vareilles, A., Batchelor, R., Bevan, A and Davies, A.L. (2021) What drives biodiversity patterns? Using long-term multi-disciplinary data to discern centennial-scale change. Journal of Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/1365-2745.1356 

Person Specification

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a degree in a relevant subject (e.g., environmental science, geography, biology); individuals from numerical disciplines are also encouraged to apply. Experience of fieldwork, programming and environmental sensors is desirable.

Funding Notes

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the ARIES NERC DTP and will start on 1 October 2023.

Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a NERC studentship for 3.5 years, covering fees, stipend (£17,668 p.a. for 2022-23 rate) and research funding. International applicants (EU and non-EU) are eligible for fully-funded UKRI studentships.

ARIES students benefit from bespoke graduate training and £2,500 for external training, travel and conferences.

ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience. Our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.

For information and full eligibility visit https://www.aries-dtp.ac.uk/

Apply

To apply for this position please visit here and select the studentship you would like to apply for. Please clearly state the name of the studentship project code DAVIDSONS_P23ARIES that you are applying for on your personal statement.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Scott J. Davidson, [Email Address Removed] 

For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact [Email Address Removed].

The closing date for applications is 23:59 (UK Time) 11 January 2023.