Blue Carbon: Modelling of Carbon Cycling in a Coastal System

This study will have the research goal of describing how carbon cycling works in a coastal system. It addresses a major knowledge gap in how the Earth has responded and will respond to fossil fuel burning, concrete production and land use change. Less than half of the CO2 released by these sources has accumulated in the atmosphere due to sinks in the oceans and land. Considerable progress has been made in calculating the oceanic sink, while the terrestrial sink is usually calculated by closing the carbon budget. However, a lot of cycling occurs in the coastal zone and a large reservoir of “blue carbon” is stored in ecosystems and sediments. Understanding how coastal systems fit into the global cycling of carbon and how they will respond in the future is necessary to projections of global warming and ocean acidification.

The methodology of this study will centre on numerical modelling. Previous experience of numerical modelling is not necessary, but candidates should be able to demonstrate competence in quantitative skills and the ability to understand complex systems and processes. Since the study crosses traditional subject boundaries, graduates from any STEM subject will be considered, provided enthusiasm and aptitude can be demonstrated.