PhD Studentship

Fully funded for UK and EU Candidates

Remote sensing of forests under stress for the estimation of plant CO2 uptake, and forest condition

This PhD project is supported by a grant to Dr C Nichol from the Torrance Bequest and the Forestry Commission.

The impact of stress on plants, and whole ecosystems is one of the most important limitations to photosynthesis and plant productivity. We are offering a project that will combine conventional chlorophyll fluorescence measurements with hyperspectral remote sensing such that stress effects on photosynthesis can be monitored remotely at a range of scales, from the leaf level to canopy level. This study will also yield key information concerning the 'condition' of the forest, which may in turn be assimilated into process based physiological models currently being developed at Forest Research

You should have, by the project start date, at least an upper second class or first honours degree in a relevant field of environmental science/physics, optical remote sensing or plant ecophysiology. Good organisational ability, attention to detail and interpersonal communication skills are required, as is the ability to work successfully in a team.

Deadline for applications is 14th October 2007. Interviews will take place shortly thereafter.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Caroline Nichol (Caroline.Nichol@ed.ac.uk).

For further information and details on how to apply see http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/postgraduate/PhD/projects.html?RG=%