Supervisors

Dr Peter North, Swansea University
Dr Sietse Los, Swansea University

Collaborators

Dr Juan Suarez, UK Forest Research, Midlothian, Edinburgh;
Dr Ross Nelson, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, USA 

Project and aims

The aim of this research is to develop and evaluate the potential of new satellite technology to improve UK forest inventory. In Britain, the National Inventory of Woodlands and Trees (NIWT) undertaken by Forest Research, provides the baseline data for forecasting production in the private sector. The student will work with an existing research project between Swansea University and Forest research to establish the ability of the NASA Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS), launched n 2002, to improve monitoring of UK forests.

The project will explore innovative methods to make remote measurements of forest height and structure at national, and potentially at regional to global scales. Additionally the project has potential contribute to climate change policy by improving the knowledge of forest and agricultural carbon sinks, and the role of land management.

Applicant requirements

The successful candidate will possess a 1st or upper second class degree in one of the physical sciences (e.g. physics, Earth sciences, geography, atmospheric sciences, computer science, chemistry, biology) with strong numerical and analytical skills. Familiarity with one or more computer programming languages (C, Fortran) is preferred. The student will receive training and experience in fieldwork, satellite remote sensing, and land surface modeling as appropriate. The student will work within a leading interdisciplinary team focussed on improving satellite information relevant to climate modelling, and present research findings at international conferences and to the European Space Agency (ESA).

Funding

This project is eligible for competitive funding through NERC studentships awarded to the Department (two studentships are available this year). Other funding opportunities are available and self-funded students are always welcome. Contact your potential supervisor for advice and details of how to apply.  The closing date for NERC studentships is 18 March 2011.

Further information

Further details about this opportunity are available from Dr Peter North (p.r.j.north@swan.ac.uk).