[Aqualist] PhD in reconstructing Climate Extremes using speleothems

[Adam Hartland]

** Call for applications ** Fully-funded PhD in New Zealand **



*Flooding and rainfall histories reconstructed from speleothem magnetism
and three-dimensional modelling of cave systems*



*Description*

Most studies addressing the changing climate focus on average temperature
variations. However, the extent to which climate change alters local
short-term rainfall patterns, including extreme weather events, is equally
important for societal resilience and adaptation to anthropogenic climate
change. Unfortunately, environmental archives and proxies of this
information are underdeveloped and underexploited, limiting our
understanding of natural rainfall variability and complicating predictions
of inevitable future changes in rainfall.



This PhD project aims to reconstruct past flooding events in Aotearoa New
Zealand over the Holocene and last glacial period using speleothem
magnetism, 3D modelling, and isotope studies. Magnetic particles deposited
on speleothems from cave passages flooded by subterranean streams can be
quantified and correlated to flooding intensity. Using precise 3D structure
from motion (SfM) models, we aim to constrain stream level during historic
flooding events, thereby quantifying the magnitude of paleo-floods. Calcium
isotope analysis will provide information on the amount of water
infiltrated from the surface. Combined, these methods will deliver
unprecedented information on the magnitude and extent of past rainfall,
droughts and floods in New Zealand.



As part of this project, the PhD student will execute a combination of
field work, experimental carbonate precipitation, and SfM modelling in
collaboration with a well-rounded supervisory team. Work for this project
will be carried out in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, the
University of Copenhagen and Melbourne University. Given the availability
of preliminary data for this project, there is scope for the candidate to
lead the way in shaping the remainder of the thesis.



*Prior experience*

Prior experience in any of the following fields: isotope (or other)
geochemistry, geology, geochronology, or mineral magnetism is highly valued.



As part of your application package, kindly include:

1. CV (including 2-3 referee information)

2. Cover Letter (this can include: a description of why you want to
undertake a PhD; how your previous experiences have prepared you for the
research project that you are applying for; what your passions are within
or outside of academia)



Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Kindly email your application to: *adam.hartland at waikato.ac.nz*
<adam.hartland at waikato.ac.nz>

Ngā mihi,

Adam



*Associate Professor Adam Hartland*

Rutherford Discovery Fellow

Earth & Environmental Sciences

Te Wānanga Pūtaiao - Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science

Environmental Research Institute |  Te Aka Mātuatua - School of Science

Ph: +64 7 837 9390  |  Mobile: +64 21 104 5067

*www.wegeochem.com* <http://www.wegeochem.com/>

[image: University of Waikato]

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