The Institute of Temperate Forest Sciences (Ripon, Quebec) is seeking a Master's student as well as a Ph.D. student for a two-year project in ecohydrology, which will start in the Fall.
Project Description
In the maple forests of northeastern America, there are widespread signs of beech invasion. The predicted increase in the frequency and severity of droughts with climate change could exacerbate the phenomenon of beech invasion and potentially lead to ecosystem collapse, i.e. the transformation of productive maple stands into a shrub-like ecosystem dotted with mature trees. This ecosystem collapse, if it takes place in the future, could lead to the loss of several ecosystem services including timber and maple syrup production and carbon sequestration.
The objective of the master's project is to understand the effects of beech invasion on forest hydrology. Beech invasion is characterized by the development of a thick layer of litter. Thus, the selected candidate will conduct field work to evaluate the effects of litter on precipitation interception and soil water infiltration.
The objective of the PhD project is to understand the effects of beech invasion on forest hydrology. Thus, the selected candidate will conduct field work to assess the effects of invasion and drought on tree transpiration.
The field work will take place at the Kenauk Research Forest in Outaouais.
Requirements
Funding
To apply, please send a cover letter, your CV, transcripts, and the names of two references to Audrey Maheu: audrey.maheu@uqo.ca, by April 20, 2021.
