Understanding long-term nutrient dynamics: a palaeolimnological approach
Department of Geography
Supervisor: Dr Jane Reed
The Environment Agency has awarded funding to include a one-year Masters by Research degree to reconstruct the long-term history of eutrophication and associated catchment-based human impact in the only extant lake in East Yorkshire, the SSSI, Hornsea Mere.
Shallow, fertile lakes are complex and unpredictable, and in Britain have often been subject to extensive anthropogenic eutrophication. Without a detailed understanding of the history of long-term ecosystem dynamics and associated changes in land-use, it is difficult to define realistic restoration targets. Using a range of proxy indicators including diatoms, this palaeolimnological project focuses on reconstructing ecosystem response to catchment change over the last ca. 10,000 years, from analysis of a dated 7.8m lake sediment core. Diatom analysis is central to the project; the student will be given scope to develop their own research interests outside this, by choosing a second focus either of palaeolimnology (e.g. ostracod, mollusc or plant macrofossil analysis) or catchment analysis (pollen analysis and numerical modelling), as part of the larger project. In terms of career development, the student will benefit considerably from a close working association with the Environment Agency and Natural England, who manage water quality issues at the Mere.
You will join an established research team which includes Dr Jane Reed (diatoms and palaeolimnology) and Dr M Jane Bunting (pollen modelling). The preferred start date is October 2008 at the latest. Applicants for this position should have a good BSc (1st or 2.1) in physical geography or environmental science, and some practical experience of palaeolimnology or biomonitoring. Only UK/EU citizens are eligible for full funding (maintenance, stipend and tuition fees). The student stipend will be £9,900 pa (tax free).
Apply by submitting a CV to Dr Jane Reed, Department of Geography, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, HULL HU6 7RX. Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Reed on j.m.reed@hull.ac.uk
Closing Date: Friday 2 May
For online information see www.hull.ac.uk
