PhD Studentship: Hot or Not?: Exploring River Temperature and Macrophyte Responses to Riparian Shading to Guide Tree Planting Restoration Initiatives

Climate change threatens to exacerbate high water temperature extremes in rivers by increasing energy (heat) inputs and drought (low flow) severities, which has significant implications for nature and people (e.g., loss of iconic species)². Consequently, riparian tree planting is being increasingly advocated to mitigate river temperature peaks. However, such initiatives may alter instream plant (‘macrophyte’) populations, many of which depend on adequate sunlight. Consequently, riparian planting strategies are required that recognise tradeoffs in potential restoration outcomes, which this project aims to address within the context of a changing climate.    

This research will take place across “chalk” (a fine-powdered limestone) rivers spanning different regions of southern England. This includes the Hampshire Avon and Itchen catchments (both of which being designated ‘Special Areas of Conservation’ due to their unique biodiversity), as well as rivers draining the Chilterns ‘Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. Over 80% of the world’s chalk rivers are located in England and are internationally iconic due to their “gin clear” waters that enhances biodiversity, and specifically macrophyte communities. Groundwaters feeding chalk rivers typically maintain cool summer temperatures, but thermal ‘spikes’ can occur during warm, low flow periods and exert drastic ecological consequences⁵.  

The successful candidate will draw on the expertise of the interdisciplinary supervisory team, who specialise in river-based processes and translating scientific research to management solutions. River temperature and macrophyte sensitivities to varying shading intensities, hydroclimatic variations and habitat conditions will be quantified using catchment-wide secondary data analyses and detailed fieldwork campaigns. The candidate will use their collected data to predict how different riparian plantings strategies would simultaneously influence both river temperature and macrophyte assemblages under different hydroclimatic scenarios. The candidate will incorporate these model outputs within a ‘toolbox’ that provides guidance to practitioners on where riparian planting practices may be prioritised to mitigate high river temperature extremes, whilst simultaneously avoiding unintended detrimental consequences for macrophyte communities. For instance, planting downstream of cool, groundwater inputs may be advocated, but reaches with diverse macrophyte assemblages may be assigned lower prioritisation scores. The PhD will therefore be delivering cutting edge science that will help safeguard vulnerable river ecosystems within a changing climate. 

For further information on this project and details of how to apply to it please click on the above 'Apply' button

Further information on how to apply for a CENTA studentship can be found on the CENTA website: https://centa.ac.uk/

This project is offered through the CENTA3 DTP, with funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Funding covers an annual stipend, tuition fees (at home-fee level) and Research Training Support Grant.

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