A PhD position in mountain hydrology
Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology
Homepage: https://www.natur.cuni.cz/eng
Hydrological methods based on the analysis of data from a large sample of catchments with different characteristics (large-sample hydrology; comparative hydrology) allow a comprehensive analysis of the hydrological regime and thus a description of hydrological variability and change in the components of the water balance. These methods provide insight into hydrological processes that are shaped by environmental and climatic factors and allow more general conclusions to be drawn. Such comparative hydrology can better explore differences and similarities between catchments, allowing them to be further classified and regionalized.
The objectives of the proposed PhD project are 1) to investigate how the water from mountain catchments is partitioned between individual water balance components in the critical zone, 2) to relate the investigated interactions to climate variability and catchment attributes, and 3) to simulate how projected climate changes will affect both the temporal and spatial distribution of water sources and runoff. The analyses will be based on modelling approaches applied to a large set of catchments in different regions. As streamflow generation may be vulnerable to snow loss, the project will help to understand how rain and snowmelt are partitioned between evapotranspiration, soil and groundwater storage, and runoff, which is important for future water availability.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a scientific interest in mountain hydrology. Experience in hydrological modelling and programming skills are an advantage. The candidate will be a member of the Hydrology Group at the Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology, Charles University, Prague. Close collaboration with the University of Zurich, Department of Geography (Prof. Jan Seibert) is also expected.