School of Applied Sciences PhD studentship

School of Applied Sciences PhD studentship: The geomorphic impact of rock-avalanche deposits in mountain landscapes

Application Deadline: Friday 31 July 2009

Recent work has emphasised the importance of rock-avalanche deposits in both eroding active orogens and perturbing the fluvial system over both geomorphic and geologic timescales. Such interruptions serve to mask climatic and tectonic signals contained in rates of bedrock incision and sediment flux, and, if recent work on the magnitude-frequency distributions of rock-avalanches is correct, have a first order control on landscape evolution over large spatial and temporal scales.

The projects aims to investigate the geomorphic imprint that rock-avalanche deposits leave in the landscape as they dam valleys and subsequently disperse using micro-scale physical modelling on a purpose built river table. Modelling may include the effects of ongoing uplift, precipitation driven hillslope-river coupling and will result in a testable suite of landscape responses to be verified in the field using a combination of mapping, direct sampling and GIS based interpretation. Modelling valley evolution from landslide emplacement to overtopping and subsequent dispersion allows for the quantification of the full sequence of processes as degradation events often remove all evidence of previous landscape response – a key issue in field-based models of landscape response. Model prototypes will include examples from the Southern Alps of New Zealand and the Himalaya.

We are seeking to attract an enthusiastic person with skills in physical geography, earth sciences and/or skills in physical modelling. A willingness and ability to conduct independent laboratory and potentially field-based work in mountainous regions will be key to the success of the project. This project will be an interdisciplinary undertaking and it is unlikely that any applicant will have a full skills set. Hence, a flexible outlook and willingness to learn new skills is essential and we will provide full training in the skills required to complete the PhD.

REQUIRED SKILLS: Applications are welcome from candidates with a minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Geography, Geology or a degree with a significant component of river and/or hillslope teaching. Other related fields can be considered if they are directly related to the research, for example river engineering.

Specific skills required are:
• Numeracy
• Flexibility
• Possess field experience
• Possess laboratory experience
• Willingness to work in harsh environments
• Independent learner

Advantageous:
• Experience of physical models
• Background knowledge of rock avalanche / landscape evolution (as commonly these are not taught on undergraduate programmes)
• A dissertation in a related field
• MSc in related field

The studentship, which will commence from September 2009, covers tuition fees (up to the value of UK/EU level only) and a stipend of £13,290 per annum.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Stuart Dunning, Lecturer in Physical Geography, School of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Telephone (0191) 227 3819
Email: stuart.dunning-at-northumbria.ac.uk

Applicants are required to complete a Studentship Application form available from Northumbria University’s Research Studentships web page: www.northumbria.ac.uk/researchstudentships ( download the application form by clicking on the web-link within the section, ‘How to Apply ’)

Completed applications should be submitted, by Friday 31 July 2009, to the School Research Administrator at the following address:

Interviews will be held on Thursday 13 August 2009.

Further Scholarship Information and Application