Engineering (CRECHE) in Durban, South Africa, is looking for PostDoctoral
Fellows to work on a large estuarine system, Lake St. Lucia, in the
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site
(http://www.isimangaliso.com/; http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/
East coast of South Africa.
ENVIRONMENTAL FLUID MECHANICS & BIOPHYSICAL MODELLING
Understanding the biophysical interactions in the St Lucia estuarine
lake system is important for managing a sustainable future for this
unique and important ecosystem – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and RAMSAR
Wetland of international importance. The focus of this study is to
investigate the wind-driven circulation patterns and mixing within
the shallow St Lucia lake basin(s) and their interaction with biological
processes. In particular, wind-generated waves cause the re-suspension of
fine sediments within the lake, which in turn increases turbidity and
impacts on primary production. Submerged macrophytes can
dissipate wave energy leading to sediment settling and reductions in
turbidity, but their growth depends on turbidity itself.
These and other related biophysical processes will be investigated
using a combination of fieldwork and mathematical/numerical modeling
methods. Experience in these methods, including the use of MATLAB,
MIKE21/DELF3D or similar modeling software is required.
Appointment as a post-doctoral fellow at UKZN will initially be for 1-year,
renewable for a 2nd year subject to satisfactory progress. You will be
based in the Centre for Research in Environmental, Coastal and
Hydrological Engineering (CRECHE), and will work in an
established multidisciplinary research group comprising both engineers and
biologists. The value of the fellowship is R180000/yr.
For further information please contact Prof Derek Stretch, Director
CRECHE, School of Engineering, UKZN, Durban, South Africa.
(stretchd@ukzn.ac.za)
MODELING COASTAL AND ESTUARINE MORPHODYNAMICS
The hydrodynamics and morpho-dynamics of tidal inlets located on the
wave-dominated, micro-tidal South African coastline are important
drivers in the functioning of productive estuarine ecosystems. The aim
of this study is to investigate these processes at the St Lucia estuarine
system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and RAMSAR wetland of
international importance. The dynamics of the St Lucia inlet
involves a complex balance between wave/tide driven flows with
associated sediment transport, and flows from terrestrial catchments.
Processes that affect the stability of the tidal inlet, and that can lead to
inlet migration and/or closure need to be clarified since they can have a
profound impact of the overall functioning and sustainability of the
estuarine system.
State of the art process-based models (such as MIKE, DEFT3D) will be
used in combination with fieldwork to undertake this investigation.
Experience in morphodynamic modeling in coastal/estuarine
environments is required.
Appointment as a post-doctoral fellow at UKZN will initially be for 1-year,
renewable for a 2nd year subject to satisfactory progress. You will be
based in the Centre for Research in Environmental, Coastal and
Hydrological Engineering (CRECHE), and will work in an established
multidisciplinary research group comprising both engineers and biologists.
The value of the fellowship is R180000/yr.
For further information please contact Prof Derek Stretch, Director
CRECHE, School of Engineering, UKZN, Durban, South Africa.
(stretchd@ukzn.ac.za)
