PhD Studentship: Innovative Geomorphic Approaches to Support Better Management of Flood Risk and Ecosystem Health

Flood risk is controlled by both the hydrology and the physical shape and behaviour of a river and its floodplain (e.g., river type and behaviour; impacts of artificial modifications). Although hydrological drivers are easily recorded and well understood, how they interact with river behaviour and the impacts of extensive artificial modifications are not. Existing data and tools are limited, vary between UK nations, and require development. This creates a gap in our ability to manage flood risk in future.

To address this gap we need national coverage of geospatial data to understand: (1) existing river attributes and landscape conditions that influence their behaviour (e.g. stream power; sediment flux; valley confinement); and (2) distribution and type of physical modifications.

This PhD will aim to improve our understanding of how flood risk changes due to zones of increased channel adjustment, by building on existing datasets and projects (e.g. Environment Agency’s Channel Sensitivity Project, 2021, Grieg et al., 2006; SEPA, 2021The anticipated research stages are:

1. Review existing science and national-scale datasets that are used or could be used to identify zones of geomorphically-controlled flood risk:
2. Identify scientific and data gaps which need to be filled in order to improve our understanding of geomorphically-controlled flood risk.
3. Combine literature review findings with existing data to create new maps or tools to map hotspots of river responsiveness, resilience, and geomorphically-controlled flood risk.
4. Quantify the degree of confidence and uncertainty associated with risk predictions by comparing improved risk predictions with locations of channel adjustment identified from existing geomorphic studies into previous major floods (e.g., Storm Desmond).

Entry requirements:

Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree or Master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) – or an equivalent international qualification from a high ranking university – in a relevant
subject.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

Studentship type – UKRI through Flood-CDT (flood-cdt.ac.uk)
The studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate.

How to Apply:

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select 'Centre for Doctoral Training in Resilient Flood Futures'. Please quote the advertised reference number: FCDT-25-LU5-2 in your application. This PhD is being advertised as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT). Further details about FLOOD-CDT can be seen at https://flood-cdt.ac.uk. Please note, that your application will be assessed upon: (1) Motivation and Career Aspirations; (2) Potential & Intellectual Excellence; (3) Suitability for specific project and (4) Fit to FLOOD-CDT. So please familiarise yourselves with FLOOD-CDT before applying. During the application process candidates will need to upload:

• A 1 page statement of your research interests in flooding and FLOOD-CDT and your rationale for your choice of project;
• A curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests;
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English)
• A IELTS/TOEFL certificate, if applicable.

You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors by email to discuss project specific aspects of the proposed prior to submitting your application. For general questions please contact floodcdt@soton.ac.uk.

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