PhD Studentship – ClimEX-PE: Groundwater recharge (field study & modelling)

An outstanding PhD student is sought for a Water JPI project funded by the Irish EPA entitled ClimEX-PE. The main goals of the ClimEX-PE project is to incorporate groundwater flow system evaluation, local scale Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) techniques, and co-creative public engagement providing a new and upscaled nature-based MAR (NB-MAR) approach for regional scale mitigation of extreme hydroclimatic events. The specific objectives of the project are to: (i) Develop a generalized methodology to the application of NB-MAR approach based on local and regional scale study sites; (ii) Explore the social and economic impacts of MAR solutions by defining socio-economic impact indicators; (iii) Set up a Decision Support Tool to aid in the selection of appropriate sites for and technology of NB-MAR based on the environmental, social and economic characteristics; (iv) Improve national and international science/evidence-based public policy and, (v) Enhance public awareness and stakeholder perception to NB-MAR through stakeholder engagement and education etc.

The successful PhD candidate will contribute to this European project primarily by completing a case study of an existing Irish group water scheme utilising groundwater which is thought to be experiencing supply issues due to climate impacts and then utilising MAR techniques to augment the supply and provide a buffer to climate impacts. This will be carried out using a combination of field studies and numerical modelling. This local scale study will then feed into the wider transnational project to produce a new and upscaled nature-based MAR (NB-MAR) approach for regional scale mitigation of extreme hydroclimatic events.

The objectives for the Irish study are:

• Complete a characterisation of the study site through desk and field studies specifically aimed at fully quantifying the associated recharge zone and mechanisms and producing a detailed conceptual model
• Develop detailed numerical groundwater and hydrological models of the study site
• Carry out scenario analysis utilising high resolution climate data and trialling the incorporation of various MAR techniques
• Carry out targeted field studies to validate the conceptual model and/or trial limited MAR techniques
• Complete surveys of group water scheme members to determine current awareness of potential future climate impacts to their groundwater supply
• Contribute to various other work packages associated with wider European project as required
• The study site is located in the south of Ireland (Munster).

This PhD post will commence by the latest date of April 1st 2024.

Please see full job description for full application procedure.

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