Dear all,
Please find attached information regarding a fully funded NERC studentship
opportunity at the University of Plymouth. This PhD research incorporates
a variety of geoscience techniques including landslide hazard analysis,
geomorphology, sedimentology, geochemistry, GIS and excitingly cosmogenic
dating. This research also includes fieldwork in South East Spain.
This is a great opportunity for any enthusiastic researcher who has a
range of interests in applied geology and physical geography.
For more information please contact Martin Stokes (see below).
Thank you,
Quantifying river capture related fluvial incision and landsliding using
in situ cosmogenic exposure dating
Supervised by Dr Martin Stokes, Professor Jim Griffiths (School of Earth,
Ocean and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth) & Dr Christoph
Schnabel (NERC Cosmogenics facility).
Applications are invited for a NERC funded PhD Studentship to start in
October 2008.
The aim of this PhD studentship is to model spatial and temporal patterns
of landscape erosion that occurs following a major, basin-scale (10’s-
100’s km2) river capture event. This will be achieved through application
of cosmogenic radionuclide dating to river terrace and landslide landforms
that form in relation to a capture-related wave of incision. The project
will initially focus upon the well studied Aguas-Feos river capture event
in the Sorbas Basin of SE Spain. Here, an existing landform chronology
using OSL and U-Series dating can be tested and then expanded throughout
the captured drainage network to model and quantify rates and magnitudes
of capture-related fluvial incision and valley side destabilization. The
project will then target a less well-known capture event associated with
the Rio Jauto in the NE Sorbas Basin. This drainage is a tributary to the
Rio Aguas and was involved with a much earlier capture event. Its study
will contribute significantly to understanding the regional long term
fluvial system and landscape development. The project will comprise
integrated fieldwork, laboratory and computer based terrain evaluation
based approaches for data collection and analyses, with training provided
accordingly. Fieldwork in SE Spain will include mapping, surveying,
sediment facies analysis, sediment provenance studies, soil profile
descriptions and sampling for cosmogenic dating. The laboratory work,
involving sample preparation and analyses using multiple cosmogenic
radionuclides (10Be, 26Al, 36Cl) will be undertaken at the NERC
cosmogenics facility at East Kilbride (Scotland). Collectively, all data
will be compiled within a GIS database for terrain evaluation and
quantification of capture-related sediment erosion rates.
Applicants for the post should have/expect a 1st or a good 2:1 degree in
Physical Geography, Earth Sciences or Geology. Applicants with a relevant
MSc or MRes would be particularly welcome. The student will receive a
stipend of approximately £12,940 per annum. The project also includes
additional NERC fieldwork funding and analytical costs. The position is
open to UK citizens, and EU citizens with appropriate qualifications who
have been resident or studied in the UK for three years.
For informal enquiries about the project please contact: Dr Martin Stokes
[log in to unmask]
Applicants should send a CV, a letter detailing their suitability for the
post as well as contact details of two academic referees to Ann Treeby,
Faculty of Science Research Office, Room A504, Portland Square, Plymouth,
PL4 8AA or email: [log in to unmask]
CLOSING DATE: Noon on Monday 2nd June 2008
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