Durham University

Homepage: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/earth-sciences/

The aim of this project is to develop a novel approach that uses isotope ratios to distinguish between “new” and “old” solutes in streams, revealing how weathering efficiency varies across catchments spatially and with varying discharge. Isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen (δ2H, δ18O) in water will be used to quantify the fraction of “new” water entering streams, using well-established approaches (Knapp et al. 2019). At the same time the isotope ratios of silicon (δ30Si) and lithium (δ7Li) will be used to constrain the degree of clay formation (reflective of water-mineral equilibria), building on recent developments and increasing understanding of these tracers in weathering systems (Baronas et al. 2018; Hatton et al. 2019). Radiogenic strontium (87/86Sr) isotopes will be used to determine the contribution of soils vs. deeper groundwater flowpaths to water and weathering fluxes at catchment scale (Shand et al. 2007). The project will focus on three well-established study sub-catchments in Plynlimon, Wales, managed by UKCEH and within one of three observatory catchments managed by FDRI (Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure).

Full project details here: https://iapetus.ac.uk/studentships/weathering-vs-climate-change-quantifying-recent-silicate-weathering-using-novel-isotope-tracers/

Click "Studentship competition" for application instructions. BEFORE APPLYING please contact Jotis Baronas (jotis.baronas@durham.ac.uk) to discuss your interest in the project.