Long-term impacts of peatland restoration in Indonesia

Around $7Bn is being invested in peatland restoration and conservation in Indonesia. However, we know little about how the techniques being adopted impact on the hydrological functioning, carbon cycling, and fire risk (and associated health impacts) of these important ecosystems. Our initial research suggests that natural peatland systems in Indonesia do not function in the way that restoration targets seek to deliver, which indicates that some modifications to restoration strategies might be useful.<br /> <br /> This PhD project would build on field measurements and modelling of peatland hydrology in Indonesia, including intact sites, drained sites and restoration sites, by utilising remote sensing to scale up and assess the impacts on fire occurrence. Models would be used to understand potential impacts on CO2 emissions, haze and health and, taking climate change scenarios into account, would also seek to assess how different management interventions might influence long-term peatland development.<br /> <br /> The PhD project could connect with the KaLi project in Indonesia providing further datasets and networking opportunities.<br /> <br /> We seek to attract an international researcher with a scholarship from their home country to undertake the PhD. Please contact us if you would like to discuss the project further.<br /> <br /> Reading:<br /> <br /> Kiely, L., Spracklen, D.V., Arnold, S.R., Papargyropoulou, Conibear, L., Wiedinmyer, C., Knote, C., Adrianto, H.A. (2021) Assessing costs of Indonesian fires and the benefits of restoring peatland. Nature Communications, 12, 7044 doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-27353-x <br /> <br /> Kiely L, Spracklen DV, Wiedinmyer C, Conibear L, Reddington CL, Arnold SR, Knote C, Khan MF, Latif MT, Syaufina L, Adrianto HA. 2020. Air quality and health impacts of vegetation and peat fires in Equatorial Asia during 2004&ndash;2015. Environmental Research Letters, 15<br /> <br /> Putra, S., Holden, J., Baird, A.J. (2021) The impact of ditch dams on water-level dynamics in tropical peatlands. Hydrological Processes, 35, e14174 doi: 10.1002/hyp.14174<br /> <br /> Putra, S., Baird, A.J., Holden, J. (2022) Modelling the performance of bunds and ditch dams in the hydrological restoration of tropical peatlands. Hydrological Processes.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is&nbsp;<strong>Long-term impacts of peatland restoration in Indonesia</strong> as well as&nbsp;<strong>Professor Dominick Spracklen </strong>as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education.&nbsp;Within the School of Geography and the School of Earth and Environment we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+; and people with disabilities.&nbsp;Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e:&nbsp;<a>ENV-PGR@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>