PhD Studentship: Geoscience and its Role in the Low Carbon Energy Transition

Reference

ENG1522

Closing Date

Tuesday, 22nd February 2022

Department

Engineering

Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT): Geoscience and its Role in the Low Carbon Energy Transition 

The quantification of carbon credits: An example from Peatland Restoration of upland areas of the UK and the application of the Peatland Code

Host institution: University of Nottingham

Supervisors: Sean Rigby, David Large, Matt Clark

Project description: This project aims to improve the satellite assessment of the value assigned to carbon credits associated with peatland restoration projects. A new innovative method has been developed that provides a means of precisely quantifying peatland condition using satellite measures of peatland surface motion, this is currently the only effective and economic means of large area monitoring for peatlands. However, the reasons for the variations in observed surface motion of peat are still not understood, and the better they are understood the greater confidence will be in applying surface motion monitoring to quantifying peat condition and carbon value. Porosimetry of peat is key to understanding this relationship. This work will involve studies of percolation effects in the migration of water within peat, to test a percolation-based theory for the hysteresis behaviour of peat surface motion with rainfall and water content. The project will also involve field visits to peatland to obtain samples for laboratory analysis and to develop and situate field monitoring equipment. Field sites are within the area of the Flow Country, in Northern Scotland and the work will be undertaken in collaboration with peatland scientists at the University of the Highlands and Islands. 

Studentships are fully funded for 4 years and cover UK-rate tuition fees and stipend at the UK Research & Innovation recommended levels for each year of study. For the 2022/23 academic session, there is likely to be a slight uplift (1 – 2%) on the 2021/22 amounts which are £4,496 for fees and £15,609 for stipend. Studentships also provide a generous £20,000 individual research allowance to cover costs associated with pursuing the PhD over the 4-year study period e.g., conference travel, data collection, equipment purchase, travel to and from CDT training courses. The studentship period is 4 years in order to accommodate the CDT’s bespoke 20-week residential training programme, attendance on which is a condition of acceptance of a funded CDT studentship.

For any queries please contact the supervisors, Prof. Sean Rigby ([email protected] ) or Prof. David Large ([email protected] ).

Please apply here https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (ENG1522 and supervisors name) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship.