Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 October 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
To achieve the climate goals of limiting global warming to < 2°C, negative emission technologies will be required to remove anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. In regard to marine-based CO2 removal (mCDR) strategies, Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) has a high potential to contribute to the safe and long-term removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. The idea behind OAE is to accelerate natural weathering processes – otherwise increasing ocean alkalinity over geological timescales – by grinding alkaline minerals into fine powder to enhance the reactive surface area before dispersal across coastal or open ocean settings. The dissolution of alkaline minerals consumes H+ and shifts the carbonate chemistry of the seawater towards lower CO2 concentrations and an increase in bicarbonate and carbonate ions, thereby promoting an influx of CO2 from the atmosphere into the surface ocean. However, a key uncertainty of OAE is whether anthropogenic alkalinity additions could reduce the dissolution of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in benthic systems by increasing the CaCO3 saturation state of seawater, thereby decreasing the natural release of alkalinity from sediments. A reduction in the natural source of alkalinity from sediments could decrease the CO2 sequestration potential of OAE and, thus, the efficiency of OAE as a climate mitigation tool.
This project aims to assess key aspects of OAE and associated impacts on the natural cycling of alkalinity in marine sediments using a set of laboratory experiments. Specifically, this project will:
- conduct targeted CaCO3 dissolution experiments to determine specific dissolution kinetics of various alkaline materials as a function of particle size and temperature to optimize potential field applications,
- test sediment-porewater interactions using targeted flow-through sand column experiments under different OAE applications,
- assess the role of benthic fauna and bioturbation/bioirrigation on sediment-water interactions and impacts on the natural alkalinity cycle in the context of OAE applications.
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Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Nadine Lehmann to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 October 2024.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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