At the Department of Geography and Geology of the K.U.Leuven
(geo.kuleuven.be) and the Centre for Archaeological Sciences
(www.sagalassos.be/CAS <http://www.sagalassos.be/CAS>), a Phd-position 
(4 years) is available from
01/12/2007 onwards.

Title of research project: Reconstruction of vegetation dynamics and
patterns in a mountainous environment in SW Turkey

Description of research project: Several palaeo-ecological studies have
revealed a strong human impact on the vegetation in SW-Turkey during the
so-called Beysehir Occupation Phase, in particular for the environment
around the ancient city of Sagalassos. However, little is known about the
changes in vegetation patterns after Antiquity. The aim of this research is
therefore (1) to sample various sediment archives that correspond to the
last 2000 years in high detail, (2) to perform a palynological analysis of
these sediment archives with high temporal resolution, (3) to interpret the
ecological conditions through time using the palynological records and by
applying biostatistical techniques in order to relate spatial and temporal
changes in ecology to climate change and human impact.

Remarks: This research involves 2-3 weeks field work per year during the
Archaeological excavation campaign in Sagalassos (July-August) in close
collaboration with geomorphologists and archaeologists.

The candidate preferably should have a Master degree in Biology with strong
expertise in ecology. Knowledge of palynology is a plus but not essential.
Candidates with a Master degree in Physical Geography and a strong
background in ecology and/or palynology can also apply. The selected
candidate will receive a training in palynology at CNRS and University of
Toulouse 3 in Toulouse, France.

Recent publications on the topic:
D. Kaniewski, V. De Laet, E. Paulissen, M. Waelkens (2007) Long-term
effects of human impact on mountainous ecosystems, western Taurus
Mountains, Turkey Journal of Biogeography 34 (11), 1975–1997.
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2699.2007.01753.x


D. Kaniewski, E. Paulissen, V. De Laet, K. Dossche, M. Waelkens (in
press) A high-resolution Late Holocene landscape ecological history
inferred from an intramontane basin in the Western Taurus Mountains,
Turkey. Quaternary Science Reviews doi:10.1016/j.quascirev.2007.04.015


For more information, contact Prof Gert Verstraeten at
[log in to unmask] 
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. In order to apply for this 
position, go to
http://phd.kuleuven.be, click on "Department Geography and Geology and 
go to
the detailed description of this project.