PhD Title: The hydrology of biological hotspots in a glacierised catchment: an integrated tracing and modelling study

Supervisors: Nick Kettridge, Chris Bradley, and Alexander Milner

Michael’s research focuses on understanding the water source and flow pathway dynamics of groundwater-fed streams that originate on floodplain terraces of glacierised catchments. These systems act as significant hotspots for biological and biogeochemical activity. He will use hydrochemical and stable isotope data collected from study sites in Denali National Park, Alaska, during 2013 and 2014 to determine how water source and flow pathway dynamics vary both spatially and temporally. The understanding gained from these site specific studies will then be applied to consider how future climate changes may impact the water dynamics of these systems globally.

Michael’s current research is funded by a studentship awarded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).