Methane (CH4) emissions are far more devastating to global climate than carbon dioxide as it is 21-times more potent a greenhouse gas on a per molecule basis. The International Panel for Climate Change recognise lakes as a major source of CH4 accounting for 20% of global emissions. Despite the key role of lakes in the supply of greenhouse gases a lack of understanding of the key processes controlling the release of lacustrine CH4 prevents an accurate assessment of the likely impact of climate change on future emissions.
In this exciting new multidisciplinary project you will collect state of the art physical and biogeochemical observations in the Lake District and combine these with a numerical model to identify the key pathways for methane from the lake bed to the atmosphere. In particular you will identify the impact of extreme weather on methane emissions by lakes.
Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a numerically demanding subject such as Environmental Science, Ocean Science, Oceanography, Meteorology, Physics or Chemistry.
For further details please contact Professor Tom Rippeth. t.p.rippeth@bangor.ac.uk