| Dynamic Green Ocean Project |
Laboratory based biological oceanography
TITLE. Nanophytoplankton: physiology and role in the global carbon cycle.
PhD project of Sian Foch-Gatrell.
SUPERVISOR
Erik Buitenhuis
Phd to be held at the University of East Anglia (UEA)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION.
Literature study has shown that there is not enough physiological information available to make statistically valid analyses of what traits distinguish phytoplankton groups (plankton functional types, PFTs). Analysis of spatial and temporal distributions of PFTs show that such distinguishing traits do exist. This project aims to determine physiological parameters for about 10-15 species of nanophytoplankton for such a statistical analysis. The physiological features of nanophytoplankton will be determined for comparison to other phytoplankton groups and for parameterisation of a global biogeochemical model (PlankTOM10). Specifically, the algae will be grown in a temperature gradient bar, in light limited batch cultures, and in nitrate limited continous cultures to determine growth rate, composition (C:N:P:Chl), light absorption characteristics and nutrient uptake kinetics.
Similar ongoing projects on diatoms and coccolithophores spend roughly 65% of their time on lab work, 25% on data synthesis and 10% on modelling. This kind of time planning would suit a candidate with a strong background in microbiology, but a more model and data synthesis oriented project would be possible.
Funding: This project will be funded by NERC from 1 October 2010.
How to apply: If you are interested in this project, please contact Erik Buitenhuis. See also the extra guidance notes for PhD students.