The role of climate and tectonics on correlated and path dependent landsliding, CASE project with AECOM

The role of climate and tectonics on correlated and path dependent landsliding, CASE project with AECOM

Project Description

Supervisors

Professor Sarah Boulton, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Plymouth

Dr Martin Stokes, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Plymouth

Dr Michael Whitworth, AECOM

Dr Joshua Jones, AECOM

 

Scientific Background

Where do landslides initiate following extreme events, and what is the influence of pre-existing failures? This emerging fundamental question asks: ‘Do landslides follow landslides?’¹.  Recent research using multi-temporal landslide inventories (1,2,3) challenges traditional assumptions, revealing spatial and temporal clustering of landslides across different scales (4) often triggered by earthquakes or intense rainfall events (3,5). These findings demonstrate that the rates and pattern of landsliding change through time, exerting a transient influence on the landscape and increasing the probability of subsequent and recurrent failures; processes which are currently not accounted for in most landslide susceptibility models.

Despite these insights, landscape-scale (> 100 km2) studies of recurring landslides remain limited. Terminological inconsistencies and a focus on individual landslide complexes have hindered broader understanding (²). Consequently, the relationships and potential feedbacks between extreme forcing events (e.g., earthquakes) and the temporal-spatial correlation of landslide reactivation remains poorly understood. However, the increasing availability of high-resolution satellite imagery now enables the creation of detailed large-scale, multi-temporal inventories, offering new opportunities to investigate these relationships.

This project will investigate how landscape characteristics, climate and extreme triggering events influence whether new landslides preferentially rework previously disturbed terrain, initiate in undisturbed areas, or expand from landslipped zones into adjacent stable regions. These insights will provide vital information to improve hazard modelling and mitigation strategies in vulnerable regions worldwide.

 

 

Research Methodology

The researcher will combine existing landslide inventories with new remote sensing observations to build multi-year databases of landslide occurrences and control factors (i.e., slope, aspect, soil thickness). Contrasting areas of recurrent landsliding will be identified for further investigation, field and modelling investigations into the landscape-scale expression and processes causing consecutive landslides will be undertaken.

 

Training

The individual joins a team of international experts who will support through training in remote sensing and GIS, field geomorphic techniques (geomorphic mapping, TruPulse, DGPS/drone surveys), engineering geology methodologies (slope stability, rock strength assessment), coding (python/matlab data analysis and modelling) and transferable research skills.

 

Person Specification

We seek a candidate confident in undertaking fieldwork and capable of integrating data across geological disciplines. Prior experience of GIS/Remote sensing or programming is desirable.

Acceptable first degree subjects: A degree in a geoscience discipline (e.g., geology, earth sciences, physical geography), GIS/remote sensing or similar is desirable.

Project code: BOULTON_PLYM_ARIES26_CASE

All ARIES CASE studentships include a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic CASE partner during their period of study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development.

References

  • Samia J, Temme A, Bregt A, Wallinga J, Guzzetti F, Ardizzone F, et al. Do landslides follow landslides? Insights in path dependency from a multi-temporal landslide inventory. Landslides 2017;14:547–58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-016-0739-x.
  • Jones JN, Boulton SJ, Stokes M, Bennett GL, Whitworth MRZ. 30-year record of Himalaya mass-wasting reveals landscape perturbations by extreme events. Nature Communications 2021;12:1–15. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-26964-8.
  • Roberts S, Jones JN, Boulton SJ. Characteristics of landslide path dependency revealed through multiple resolution landslide inventories in the Nepal Himalaya. Geomorphology 2021;390:107868. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2021.107868.
  • Temme A, Guzzetti F, Samia J, Mirus BB. The future of landslides’ past—a framework for assessing consecutive landsliding systems. Landslides 2020;17:1519–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-020-01405-7.
  • Jones JN, Boulton SJ, Bennett GL, Stokes M, Whitworth MRZ. Temporal Variations in Landslide Distributions Following Extreme Events: Implications for Landslide Susceptibility Modeling. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface 2021;126:1–26. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JF006067.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via  University of Plymouth ARIES Doctoral Training