Wetlands as flood defences: increasing the resilience of coastal cities to storm damage

It has been estimated that up to 2.75 billion people worldwide will be exposed to the effects of sea level rise and other coastal threats posed by global warming in 2025. Eco-engineering, which combines nature-based and structural measures, makes maximal use of the ecosystem capacity of wetlands to dissipate storm surges and waves, and trap sediment. This approach has recently attracted increased interest from worldwide governmental organisations as a preferred strategy for flood risk mitigation and climate change adaptation in some of coastal megacities. Yet the ability of coastal wetlands to protect coastal communities from storm damages has been questioned.

The aim of this PhD is to provide quantitative evidence on how coastal wetlands respond to natural and man-made stressors. The project will integrate state-of-the-art remote sensing data and numerical modelling to address the aim. The project will be focused on the Venice lagoon where the Mose flood protection scheme and restoration of wetland habitats are currently implemented.

Further Information: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sci-tech/downloads/phd_258.pdf

Academic Requirements: First-class or 2.1 (Hons) degree, or Masters degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject.

Deadline for applications: 14 February 2016

Provisional Interview Date: [tbc] Week Beginning 29 February 2016

Start Date: October 2016

Application process: Please upload a completed application form (download from http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/documents/lec/pg/LEC_Funded_PhD_Application_Form.docx) outlining your background and suitability for this project and a CV at LEC Postgraduate Research Applications, http://www.lec.lancs.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgresearch/apply-online.

You also require two references, please send the reference form (download from http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/documents/lec/pg/LEC_Funded_PhD_Reference_Form.docx) to your two referees and ask them to email it to Andy Harrod ([Email Address Removed]), Postgraduate Research (PGR) Co-ordinator, Lancaster Environment Centre by the deadline.

Due to the limited time between the closing date and the interview date, it is essential that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.