Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/P009085/1
The hydrological function of organo-mineral soils in downstream flood risk
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor J Holden, University of Leeds, Sch of Geography
- Grant held at:
- University of Leeds, Sch of Geography
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Earth
- Freshwater
- Marine
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- Hydrological Processes
- Soil science
- Abstract:
- Organo-mineral soils cover around 20 % of the UK, and are particularly common in upland areas with the main types being stagnohumic gleys and acid brown earths. Unlike peatlands, the function and hydrology of organo-mineral soils is globally very poorly understood which major gaps in the literature. These soils typically underlie upland heathland and grasslands in areas with high conservation value. The rates of flow through and over these soils are unknown and this is particularly important when it comes to considering their role in downstream flood risk. It is also unclear how management or condition of organo-mineral soils impacts their role in runoff generation. Nature-based flood management is an extremely timely topic, and one with the potential to affect millions of people, with huge economic consequences. This novel and challenging project seeks to understand hydrological processes operating in upland organo-mineral soils and how their management and vegetation cover influences river flow peaks. The impetus for the project came from the CASE partner, Natural England (NE). The project will directly provide NE with urgently needed management decision-making evidence on upland soil management for flood peak reduction. The research combines fieldwork and modelling to enable the findings to be upscaled across upland catchments and to allow maximum impact from the project. The collaboration between the University of Leeds (UoL) & NE provides an outstanding training experience for a student. The student will be trained in the field by the CASE partner on methods used for site condition assessments, habitat survey, methods used to determine consents for landowners & farm stewardship payment processes. This will enable the student to understand how their project can be best used to inform NE practice & advice. The project will also use direct routes to government in policy formation via senior NE staff. Dissemination (workshops, fliers & policy briefs) will occur for upland stakeholder forums such as the Upland Hydrology Group which brings together conservation bodies, water companies, SMEs, charities such as RSPB & National Trust, National Farmers Union, national parks, local authorities. The collaborating team will develop a BBC TV Countryfile piece (& the student will undertake media training) as well as encourage student involvement with NE community engagement activities. The very best student will be selected for the project based on wide advertising, & a rigorous & fair selection process. The training programme will be split 50-50 between NE & UoL & 9 months out of the 48 will be taken up with training activity including at least 4.5 months at the CASE partner. Training will cover core areas of the VITAE Researcher Development Statement providing transferable skills in additional to specialist & interdisciplinary training. Training will be supported by NE policy staff as well as field staff ensuring collaboration provides upskilling in field skills, management & consent decisions & policy impact pathways. The student will join water@leeds, one of the largest interdisciplinary water research centres in the world providing a stimulating environment for researcher development across disciplines and exposure to networks across industry & the third sector. The student will also have access to training within the Leeds-York NERC SPHERES DTP. A compulsory programme of personal, professional & career training will be delivered via a university-wide programme, the NERC SPHERES DTP and dedicated subject-based hubs offering discipline-specific programmes such as hillslope hydrology, modelling, soils and plant ecology. The student will achieve Chartered Status with the Institute of Water & Environmental Management during the PhD programme ensuring external recognition & increasing employability.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/P009085/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Industrial CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £88,292
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| £17,296 | £11,000 | £59,998 |
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