A Ph.D. Student Assistantship:
Empirical and Theoretical Integration of Geochemical and Morphologic Evolution of Soil-Covered Hillslopes:
Responses to Channel Incision
We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral student with a foundation of skills and knowledge in geochemistry, hydrology, soil science, or geomorphology (an M.S. is preferred but not required). The student will conduct his/her doctoral research on the NSF-funded collaborative project between University of Delaware and University of Edinburgh, UK. This study will link the evolution of soil geochemistry and hillslope geomorphology to tectonically driven river incision. The field site is located in the scenic Feather River Canyon in California. Ultimately, this study will contribute to understanding the coupling between tectonics and climate via chemical weathering. Applicants should be capable of conducting field work in remote environments and have strong verbal and writing communication skills. As the project bridges the disciplines of geochemistry, soil science, and geomorphology, some experience in either laboratory analytical chemistry or computer modeling would be advantageous.
Field site in Sierra Nevada, California |
Between channels lie hillslopes. Looking up at a hillslope from a channel, we ask by what mechanisms and at what rate does channel incision at the hillslope base lead to geochemical changes in hillslope soils.
This study will theoretically and empirically integrate the understanding of hillslope geomorphology based on a century of sediment budget-oriented research with a geochemistry-oriented understanding of soil spatial variation.
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Accepted student will have opportunities to visit and intellectually interact with the project collaborator Dr. Simon Mudd and his doctoral student at University of Edinburgh, UK. The graduate student will also have the opportunity to supervise/mentor one undergraduate student over the course of the project. The degree will be granted by the University of Delaware’s Dept. of Plant and Soil Sciences. Reflecting the mission of UD’s new Center for Critical Zone Research, coursework will be customized to meet the needs of the student and will draw from the extensive offerings within UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UD’s College of Marine and Earth Studies, and UD’s College of Arts and Sciences. Stipends and tuition waiver are immediately available. We seek students who could start fieldwork in summer 2009 at the latest, with possibilities to start coursework as soon as February 2009. Send a CV, a letter of academic interest, and contact information of two references to Kyungsoo Yoo. Official applications should be made to UD’s Graduate Office by Dec. 1 2008 for Spring 2009 admission and April 1, 2009 for Summer 2009 admission.