Magnitude and Controls of Tropical Wetland Methane Emissions Using Novel Satellite Data

PGR-P-2558

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Monday 16 November 2026
Project start date: Friday 1 October 2027
Country eligibility: UK only
Funding: Funded
Source of funding: University of Leeds
Additional supervisors: Emily Dowd, Benjamin Wallis, Emanuel Gloor, Anthony Bloom (NASA JPL)
Schools: School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Can new satellites reveal the hidden tropical wetlands driving global methane emissions? Atmospheric methane (CH4) is the second most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide and is a major contributor to global warming. Global CH4 concentrations have been increasing, following a stabilisation between 1999 and 2006. However, the causes of the renewed growth remain poorly understood, predominantly due to uncertainties in the drivers of the sources and sinks of CH4. Wetlands are one of the largest natural sources of CH4 globally and are one of the biggest uncertainties in the CH4 budget (Saunois et al., 2025). Wetland emissions are predominantly driven by temperature and persistent inundation, resulting in large emissions from tropical wetlands. Current global wetland maps are inconsistent, particularly in densely vegetated regions, leading to uncertainties in the global CH4 budget. Record breaking increases in atmospheric CH4 were observed in 2020 and 2021 and studies have shown that enhanced emissions from tropical wetlands were a large contributing factor (Feng et al., 2023; Lin et al., 2024). Understanding how wetland extent and their associated CH4 emissions respond to climate change is important for constraining the CH4 budget and informing mitigation strategies. This PhD project aims to exploit cutting-edge satellite observations to improve our understanding of tropical wetland extent and quantify its relationship with CH4 emissions. The project will take advantage of the unique capabilities of the European Space Agency’s Biomass mission, launched April 2025, alongside atmospheric CH4 observations from Sentinel-5 and Sentinel-5P.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

ESA Biomass is a radar satellite which is capable of penetrating through vegetation canopies, enabling detection of wetland extent beneath the tropical forests for the first time (ESA, 2025). This provides a new opportunity to map previously unresolved wetland systems in regions such as the Amazon and the Congo basin. At the same time, Sentinel-5 and Sentinel-5P provide high resolution global observations of atmospheric CH4, allowing surface processes to be linked with atmospheric concentrations. By combining these different Earth Observation techniques, this project aims to investigate the following research questions: <ol role="list" start="1"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Calibri" data-leveltext="%1." data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="28" role="listitem"> How accurately can Biomass–derived wetland maps resolve the spatial and seasonal variability in tropical wetland extent? </li> </ol> <ol role="list" start="2"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Calibri" data-leveltext="%1." data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="28" role="listitem"> To what extent do recent changes in tropical wetland extent contribute to the increase in atmospheric CH4 concentrations? </li> </ol> <ol role="list" start="3"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Calibri" data-leveltext="%1." data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="28" role="listitem"> How sensitive are CH4 emissions to changes in inundation compared to temperature in tropical wetlands? </li> </ol> Throughout the project, you will develop skills in satellite data processing, synthetic aperture radar and handling of large geospatial datasets. You will be provided with necessary satellite data and have access to High Performance Computing (HPC) resources to carry out the research. Guidance will be provided by a panel with expertise on all relevant techniques. You will be based in the <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/institute-climate-atmospheric-science" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science (ICAS)</a> within the <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability (SEES)</a> which is a thriving interdisciplinary community of scientists with a large and active postgraduate researcher community. In addition, you also have access to a broad range of Earth Observation expertise from across the UK’s <a href="https://www.nceo.ac.uk/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">National Centre for Earth Observation</a> through the supervisory team. There is also potential you to visit co-supervisor <a href="https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/abloom/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Anthony Bloom at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Pasadena, California (pending visa and security clearances). This innovative project is at the forefront of Earth Observation of wetland extent monitoring and has the potential to transform our understanding of tropical wetlands. Student Profile This project is suitable for students with an excellent undergraduate or Masters degree in physical sciences, mathematics, or related disciplines. Experience with programming, including machine learning and geospatial data is highly desirable. Relevant research, industrial, or professional work experience would also be advantageous. Students should have a keen interest in atmospheric science, greenhouse gases or climate science but prior experience of these is not a requirement. Please get in touch with Emily Dowd (E.Dowd@leeds.a.uk) if you have any questions. Recommended Reading and References: ESA (2025) Biomass satellite returns striking first images of forests and more. Available at: https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/Biomass/Biomass_satellite_returns_striking_first_images_of_forests_and_more (Accessed: 22 July 2026). Feng, L. et al. (2023) ‘Methane emissions are predominantly responsible for record-breaking atmospheric methane growth rates in 2020 and 2021’, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 23(8), pp. 4863–4880. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4863-2023. Lin, X. et al. (2024) ‘Recent methane surges reveal heightened emissions from tropical inundated areas’, Nature Communications, 15(1), p. 10894. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55266-y. Saunois, M. et al. (2025) ‘Global Methane Budget 2000–2020’, Earth System Science Data, 17(5), pp. 1873–1958. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-17-1873-2025. Selection Process <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> All applications will be considered after the deadline. Only complete applications will be considered. </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="2" role="listitem"> Awards are based on academic merit and no other factors such as financial hardship are taken into account. </li> </ul> Other Conditions <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="27" role="listitem"> Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2027 </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="27" role="listitem"> Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="27" role="listitem"> The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time research study leading to the degree of PhD. </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="27" role="listitem"> Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Studentship. </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="27" role="listitem"> Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award. </li> </ul>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">University's website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="24" role="listitem"> For ‘Application type’ please select ‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’. </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="24" role="listitem"> The admission year for this project is 2027/2028 Academic Year. </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="24" role="listitem"> You will need to select your ‘Planned Course of Study’ from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select PhD Full-time’. </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="24" role="listitem"> The project start date for this project is 1st October 2027, please use this as your Proposed Start Date of Research. </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="24" role="listitem"> Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is ‘Magnitude and Controls of Tropical Wetland Methane Emissions Using Novel Satellite Data’ as well as <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see/staff/9775/dr-emily-dowd" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Emily Dowd</a> as your proposed supervisor. </li> </ul> More information on <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">how to apply</a> is available on our website. You will be required to provide a CV and personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). 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. Across all Faculties 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. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

We are offering a fully funded scholarship to study the project ‘Magnitude and Controls of Tropical Wetland Methane Emissions Using Novel Satellite Data’, at the School of Earth Environment and Sustainability, University of Leeds for one UK status candidate. The funding from the University of Leeds covers UK tuition fees as well as a UKRI matched maintenance stipend (currently £20,780 in 2025/26) per year, for three and a half years, subject to satisfactory progress. Eligibility Criteria <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="1" role="listitem"> Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate. </li> </ul> If you are unsure whether you are eligible for UK fees/funding, please see our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">fee assessment page</a>.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

For further information please contact the Postgraduate Research Admissions Team by emailing <a href="mailto:pgrapplications@leeds.ac.uk" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">pgrapplications@leeds.ac.uk</a> or for queries relating to the research project or subject area please contact Dr. Emily Dowd: e.dowd@leeds.ac.uk