Project Description
Supervisors
Professor Anne Mather, Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SoGEES), University of Plymouth – contact me
Dr Martin Stokes, SoGEES, University of Plymouth
Professor Sarah Boulton, SoGEES, University of Plymouth
Scientific Background
Giant fossil (large, pre-historic-ancient) bedrock landslides (GFL) are common but understudied features in mountainous continental drylands. They are a potentially significant hazard as a result of reactivation from changing environmental conditions and their landscape location provides an untapped archive of what actually causes and triggers them. Current developments in technology (eg aerial drones; data processing) and expansion of human activity (eg mining) into regions containing GFL create a timely opportunity and need to develop our scientific knowledge of these features.
Methodology
The project will examine 2 contrasting arid settings – the tectonically active Western Central Andes and tectonically quiescent southern High Atlas (Morocco). Here the student will
- Map GFL distribution, integrating existing databases, published sources, supervisor knowledge and new observations (using satellite imagery, high-resolution DEMs)
- utilise Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to collate and interrogate the emerging dataset
- undertake fieldwork to ground-truth findings, investigate geomorphology, geology and extract site detail from representative GFL
This will enable the following outcomes
- development of new approaches for remote automated recognition of GFL from landscape features
- improved understanding of the causes and triggers that lead to the development of GFL
- better understanding of the specific hazard associated with GFL in the context of changing environmental conditions
Training and Development
The postgraduate researcher will become a landslide hazard scientist, with a remote sensing, geomaterial, geomorphology, landscape modelling and terrain evaluation skillset. This skillset is highly sought after within environmental government agencies and industry consultancy employment. Specialist training in remote sensing, fieldwork, geochronology, and modelling will capitalise on in house and partner expertise. Generic research training skills will be undertaken via the ARIES/Plymouth doctoral training colleges (project management, health and safety, data management, research communication / publishing). You will become a member of international landslide science networks which provide research conference engagement and advanced training workshop opportunities.
Person Specification
Candidates with degrees in Geology / Earth Science / Physical Geography / Environmental Science preferred. Fieldwork and GIS experience with a landslide context are desirable. Willingness to travel and undertake fieldwork in hot / remote desert locations is advantageous.
Acceptable first degree subjects: Geology, Physical Geography, Earth Science or similar.