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Characterisation of peat swamp carbon using geophysics

Project Outline

This project will focus on the Empodisma peat swamps in the Walpole Nornalup Wilderness, which recently gained national recognition as a Threated Ecological Community. These peat systems are globally unique but still little is known of their characteristics. To help improve their conservation a large, interdisciplinary team is undertaking a 5 year study to assess their biodiversity, hydrology and soils. Geophysics is one method being evaluated to characterise them. Resistivity and induced polarization geophysics have the potential to not only map the lateral and vertical distributions of peat but also to characterise the degree of organic matter decomposition. This project will include field work to undertake geophysical measurements at peat systems near Walpole and will collect samples to characterise the spatial distribution of soils, groundwater and carbon decomposition. There is the potential to continue this research as a post-graduate research project beyond 2024.

Host University

ECU/Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Desired skills

Prospective candidates should have Masters or Honours degree (first class or equivalent). Good interpersonal communication and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team will be expected from the candidate. The ability for independent, organised work and advanced communication skills in English (oral and written) are also essential.

Project Area: Biological and Environmental Science

Supervisor(s): Dr David Blake (ECU), Dr Fabian Boesl (ECU) and Dr Gavan McGrath (DBCA)

Project level: PhD

Funding: Ian Potter Foundation

Start date: Any

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