Wetland Ecohydrology Research Group
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Current Training Opportunities in our Lab Group:
*See below for details of each opportunity*
1. PhD - Peatland ecohydrology: beaver as a hydrologic agent
Opportunity: Many mountain wetlands accumulate substantial peat deposits because their relief allows near-constant throughflow of groundwater. These hydrologic conditions make mountain peatlands attractive habitats for beaver (Castor canadensis). Beaver build dams that impound water in upstream ponds and inundate adjacent riparian areas. Ponds also function as efficient sediment traps, filling with fine-grained, nutrient-rich sediment and organic materials, which can remain in the pond area even after dams are abandoned. Post-abandonment, dams degrade and the water table recedes. Herbaceous plants and shrubs quickly colonize the nutrient-rich mineral sediment of abandoned ponds, forming what has been termed a “beaver meadow”. Beaver meadows tend to accumulate further parent material, burying the original pond basin (paleopond) beneath a new layer of soil (typically more peat).
The Ph.D. student will develop a better understanding of the role of beaver as a hydrologic agent. To do this, s/he will evaluate groundwater flow patterns relative to buried paleoponds in the Kananaskis region of southern Alberta, Canada, measure peat hydraulic characteristics above and below the paleoponds, and carry out manipulative experiments via computer modeling to consider how altering the subsurface configuration of peatlands, with respect to beaver paleoponds, affects groundwater flow patterns.
The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary team to characterize the ecohydrology of the basin, including a Ph.D. student in soil science and a M.Sc. student in mapping. This opportunity is part of the Climate Change and Water Security research theme in the Global Institute for Water Security (www.usask.ca/water).
Qualifications: Applicants must have a Master’s degree in natural resources or civil/environmental engineering (preferably with an emphasis on hydrology or physical geography), and must meet all of the requirements for acceptance into the Ph.D. program in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Saskatchewan. The successful applicant will be highly motivated, have excellent oral and written communication skills, have previous fieldwork experience (wilderness expertise preferred – please clearly outline previous field experience in cover letter), and possess a valid driver's license. A successful application to the College of Graduate Studies and Research at the University of Saskatchewan will be required.
Stipend:
A stipend of $21,000 per year (up to 3.5 years) is available to aid in the
completion of the Ph.D. program. Opportunities exist for qualified students
to supplement this base stipend with teaching assistantships and
scholarships. To be considered for entrance scholarships, you must have an
average greater than 80% in your last 60 credit units.