Description
Higher severity forest fires lead to greater overall emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and have the potential to release “old” carbon previously buried in deeper layers of soil and permafrost. The ability to evaluate boreal fire severity over the recent geological past would provide a much-needed historical context that is currently lacking from modern estimates of burn depth. Through a series of experiments and application using dated lake sediment cores, this PhD project will work on developing and improving geochemical techniques to understand boreal fire severity over time. The results from this research will inform national policies that promote adaptation and resilience in boreal communities under a changing climate.
The student’s tasks will be to:
- Determine concentrations and compound-specific isotope values of fire biomarkers from previously collected lake sediment cores.
- Carry out controlled burn experiments to determine effect of different variables (e.g., temperature, vegetation type) on distributions and isotopic values of fire biomarkers.
- Integrate geochemical data with other tools used to examine historical boreal fires in lake sediments (e.g., charcoal counting).
- Assist with method development into isotopic analyses by Orbitrap mass spectrometry – a novel technique with the potential to provide estimates of burn temperature.
This research is part of the multidisciplinary project “Development of innovative geochemical tools for understanding historical boreal fire severity” funded by Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan’s) GEM-GeoNorth program. This project brings together a team of researchers from across the Geological Survey of Canada (NRCan) and the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS). The expected start date is September 2025.
Study program and location: PhD in Earth or Water sciences (description in French only), INRS, Québec City, QC, Canada: https://inrs.ca/les-etudes/secteurs-etudes/etudier-en-environnement-et-geosciences/
Funding: A doctoral fellowship of $28,000 per year is available for 3 years from NRCan’s Research Affiliate Program. Candidates must apply separately for this scholarship following enrollment in the PhD program at INRS. Non-Canadian citizens may apply.
Requirements
A master’s degree in geology, geochemistry, chemistry or environmental sciences from a recognized Canadian or foreign university, and:
- An excellent academic record.
- Ability to work in a research laboratory.
- Ability to work alone and in a team.
- Ability to communicate effectively within the team and with academic and governmental partners.
- Ability to communicate results effectively with the public.
