dr hab. Michał Habel, prof. uczelni

Proposed research topic :

Coupled multi-model framework for simulating and projecting terrestrial–aquatic carbon budgets in river deltas/estuaries under climate and land-use change

Project description:

This PhD project aims to develop, calibrate, and validate a novel coupled modeling framework (multi-model approach) that simulates the full terrestrial–aquatic carbon budget—encompassing storage, sequestration, lateral transport, and greenhouse-gas emissions —in contrasting river-delta systems. The framework will be applied to project future carbon dynamics to 2050 and 2100 under multiple land-use/land-cover and climate-change scenarios.  River deltas are globally significant “blue-carbon” hotspots, storing large quantities of organic carbon in soils, sediments, and vegetation while remaining highly sensitive to environmental change, including upstream land-use transformation, sea-level rise, hydrological alteration, and permafrost thaw. This project focuses on two contrasting end-member systems. These systems provide an ideal natural laboratory to investigate how climatic and geomorphic controls regulate carbon storage and fluxes across deltaic environments.

The core innovation lies in coupling fine-scale geospatial ecosystem-service tools with process-based hydrological, hydrodynamic, and sediment transport models. This integration will enable a mechanistic representation of carbon cycling across the land–water interface, overcoming limitations of existing fragmented modeling approaches. The final outcome will be a transferable, open-source modeling pipeline applicable to major river deltas worldwide.

The research will test the following hypotheses: (1) hydrological regime variability governs carbon retention and sequestration through its control on sediment transport and deposition; (2) deltaic lakes function as key biogeochemical filters, enhancing carbon trapping particularly during flood recession phases; (3) permafrost degradation in Arctic deltas increases mobilization of previously stored carbon, potentially shifting these systems from carbon sinks to sources under future climate scenarios; (4) land-use changes within the upstream catchment exert a comparable or greater influence on lateral carbon fluxes than climate change by mid-century (2050); and (5) models that do not explicitly couple hydrodynamics and sediment transport significantly underestimate greenhouse-gas emissions and carbon export.

Desired Candidate Profile:

The candidate should hold a degree in physical geography, hydrology, environmental engineering, or geoinformatics, with a strong foundation in Earth system processes, particularly fluvial dynamics and the carbon cycle. Proficiency in GIS and experience with remote sensing data are required. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to analyze large, multi-source datasets and to work with coupled process-based models. A solid background in statistics and data analysis is expected. Willingness to conduct fieldwork in remote environments and to collaborate in an international research setting is important. Fluency in English sufficient for scientific publication and communication is required.

dr hab. Aleksandra Jezierska- Thöle prof. uczelni

• Proposed research topic 

Analysis of environmental resources of renewable energy sources and their impact on sustainability

• Research hypothesis 

The use of natural resources such as solar, wind and geothermal energy significantly reduces negative environmental impacts compared to traditional energy sources, while ensuring energy and economic stability.

•  Project description 

The climate, environmental and energy crisis has increased interest in the use of environmental resources of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, water and biomass), while ensuring energy stability. The research will include: an inventory and assessment of the environmental resources of renewable energy sources, a comparative analysis of the environmental impact of traditional versus renewable energy sources under different climatic and geographical conditions and efficiency in the use of natural renewable energy resources.

The project combines an interdisciplinary approach, integrating hydrology, climatology, agriculture and socio-economic geography.

dr hab. Halina Kaczmarek, prof. uczelni

• Problems of PhD thesis

Role of peat deposits in shaping the morphological response of rivers to climate change in different climatic zones – a comparison of temperate and subarctic conditions

•  Research hypothesis

The type, quantity, and properties of peat deposits present in a river basin significantly influence the river's morphological response to climate change, with this response differing between the temperate zone—characterized by typical Polish lowland peats that are often heavily modified by human activities—and the subarctic zone, where palsa peats are currently undergoing rapid degradation due to climate warming and changes in precipitation patterns.

 The intensification of extreme meteorological events (e.g., intense rainfall, ice melting) induced by climate change triggers dynamic erosional and sedimentary processes, the scale and direction of which are modulated by the type of peat deposits in the basin. As a result, differences are observed in channel migration and the development of meanders depending on the properties of the peat formations.

 The project adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating geomorphology, hydrology, climatology, and remote sensing. By comparing the conditions in the temperate climatic zone (with characteristic lowland Polish peats) to those in the subarctic zone (with degrading palsa-type peats), it provides an opportunity to elucidate the mechanisms by which climate change affects river systems.

•  Desires Candidate Skills:

- Knowledge of contemporary geomorphological processes;

- Ability to collect, process, visualize, analyze, and interpret geographic data (including remote sensing data, particularly satellite imagery) using modern GIS software and techniques (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS, SAGA, etc.);

- Analytical thinking skills along with the ability to formulate and solve problems, independence, strong organizational skills, effective communication, and teamwork;

- Excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English.

dr hab. Danuta Szumińska, prof. uczelni

Problems of PhD thesis:

Remote sensing applications for selected water quality parameters assessment

Remote sensing has been widely used to quantitatively assess the aquatic environment and factors influencing hydrological processes. Currently, due to accelerated climate change, the aquatic environment has been undergoing significant changes in various climatic zones. Such changes include intensified cryosphere dwindling, increased intensity (concentration) of precipitation and consequently runoff, and extended dry periods, all of which may lead to the increase in concentration of dissolved compounds in water.

Research hypothesis:

Remote sensing applications exhibit great potential for assessing selected water quality parameters and environmental factors affecting the quality of inland waters. The availability and resolution of remote sensing data has increased over the last decade, thus creating the opportunity for new applications in detailed analyses of environmental changes and for the development of data analysis techniques. The development of new applications and computational methods/techniques in remote sensing can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of processes on a regional scale, which, given the intensifying climate change, can make a significant contribution to environmental research.

Desired Candidate Skills:

Knowledge and skills in geography – within the scope of Earth and environmental sciences or related disciplines. The ability to collect, process, visualize, analyze, and interpret geographical data (including remote sensing, particularly satellite imagery) using modern GIS techniques and software (QGIS, ArcGIS, SAGA, etc.). Good command of written and spoken English (minimum B2 level) is required. High motivation to conduct scientific research and the ability to work in a team. Scientific and research achievements, in particular publications in scientific journals in the field of Earth science and the environment and/or conference presentations and/or participation in research projects, especially international ones. Completion of research tasks/thesis with the use of remote sensing products. Knowledge and skills in the field of hydrological research. Completed specialist courses in GIS and remote sensing.