Seafloor processes and ecosystems in a changing Arctic.

Climate change is ongoing, and amongst the most striking evidence is the rapid reduction in Arctic Sea Ice cover, which has profound consequences for the timing and amplitude of primary production (PP), and the relative contribution of the various primary producers to overall PP. Marine sediments form a major reservoir in the global carbon (C) cycle and Nitrogen (N) cycles, and C and N cycling or burial in these sediments constitute important ecosystem services that can supply nutrients to primary producers or sequester them on geological time scales. Due to close benthic-pelagic coupling in arctic marine ecosystems, changes in PP patterns are likely to cascade quickly to benthic food webs and ecosystems, impacting key ecosystem functions such as nutrient recycling or carbon storage. This studentship will investigate the link between the timing and characteristics of the sedimentation of particulate organic matter to the seafloor and the efficacy of C and N cycling through the benthic food web via a combination of faunal, sediment and biomarker studies with year-round under-ice lander studies that will allow to gather data throughout the data-poor the polar night.

Application Process
Please apply for admission to the ’Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Science’ to ensure that your application is passed to the correct college for processing.
Please provide a copy of the degree certificate and transcript for each previous degree undertaken, a copy of your English language proficiency certificate (if relevant), and contact details of two referees who can comment on your previous academic performance (at least one should be from your current degree programme). References will be requested if you are selected for interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered.