The contribution of sediment dissolution to whole coral reef dissolution
A number of coral reefs around the globe are already net dissolving (i.e. negative net ecosystem calcification) for periods of the year due to ongoing global change (e.g. ocean acidification, warming, eutrophication). Our recent work has shown how shallow water coral reef carbonate sediments will dissolve due to ocean acidification (e.g. Eyre et al., 2018. Science). However, little is known about the contribution of carbonate sediment dissolution to negative net ecosystem calcification on coral reefs. This fully funded project will study a number coral reefs that are already showing negative net ecosystem calcification for periods of the year. Measurements of net ecosystem calcification and sediment dissolution will be made simultaneously to estimate the contribution of sediment dissolution to negative net ecosystem calcification.
This project involves collaboration with Dr. Tyler Cyronak at Nova Southeastern University, Florida and there may be opportunity to undertake field work in Florida, as well as Australia.
Applicants will need to have an Honours or Master degree, undertaken in English, in a related field such as biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry, or closely related. The project will involve extended periods in the field, including in boats, sometimes in remote areas. The PhD scholarship will provide a tax-free stipend of $27,400 and tuition fees will be exempt. Interested applicants should send their CV highlighting their research background and interests in this area to Prof. Bradley Eyre ? (bradley.eyre@scu.edu.au
The project will be undertaken in the Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry (www.scu.edu.au/coastal-biogeochemistry<http://www.scu.edu.au/coastal-biogeochemistry>) at Southern Cross University which received the highest rank of 5.0, well above world average, in geochemistry in the most recent assessment of research excellence by the Australian government.
2) PhD Scholarship in biogeochemistry in Australia
The role of small dams (ponds) as a source or sink of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O).
Lakes are one of the largest aquatic source of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as methane. Recent studies have highlighted the important role of small lake/ponds as a source of GHG. Australia is a dry continent and has a large number of small farm dams (ponds), but little is known about their role as a source or sink of GHGs. This fully funded project will study a number of dams from tropical to temperate regions along the east coast of Australia to determine if they are net sources or sinks of greenhouse gases, and the factors controlling these sources or sinks. This project will use a combination of different techniques such as stable isotopes, cavity ring down spectroscopy, floating chambers, bubble traps and benthic process measurements.
Applicants will need to have an Honours or Master degree, undertaken in English, in a related field such as biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry, or closely related. The project will involve extended periods in the field, including in boats, sometimes in remote areas. The PhD scholarship will provide a tax-free stipend of $27,400 and tuition fees will be exempt. Interested applicants should send their CV highlighting their research background and interests in this area to Prof. Bradley Eyre ? (bradley.eyre@scu.edu.au
The project will be undertaken in the Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry (www.scu.edu.au/coastal-biogeochemistry<http://www.scu.edu.au/coastal-biogeochemistry>) at Southern Cross University which received the highest rank of 5.0, well above world average, in geochemistry in the most recent assessment of research excellence by the Australian government.
