Monitoring Coastal Systems: High-Resolution Techniques for Environmental Change Detection

This project focuses on using advanced monitoring technologies to study coastal dunes and shoreline dynamics, which are critical habitats and buffers against coastal hazards. Coastal dunes play a dual role in biodiversity conservation and as natural defences for inland areas. Climate change, through processes such as sea-level rise, increased storm intensity, and sediment instability, threatens these dynamic systems. By utilising high-resolution remote sensing technologies, this project will provide a detailed evaluation of sediment transport, shoreline morphology, and dune system dynamics over a 20–30 year timescale. It will generate actionable insights to support conservation and sustainable management of Scotland’s coastal regions.

Research Objectives

• Evaluate and apply advanced monitoring technologies (e.g., satellite imagery, UAVs, LiDAR) to study sediment transport, shoreline morphology, and vegetation dynamics.
• Analyse historical and recent remote sensing data to quantify changes in coastal dune systems and identify trends influenced by climate change.
• Develop predictive models to simulate future scenarios of shoreline and dune changes under varying climate conditions.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations for the conservation and management of coastal dunes as part of Scotland’s coastal ecosystems.

The supervisory team include:

·      Dr Bahareh Kamranzad, University of Strathclyde

·      Prof Fiona Henriquez-Mui, University of Strathclyde

·      Prof Qingping Zou, Heriot-Watt University

The studentship is due to commence in October 2025.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

·      Conduct high-quality research in the area of coastal modelling

·      Participate in relevant training activities and events

·      Disseminate research findings through publications and presentations

·      Contribute to the wider research community through engagement and collaboration with other researchers

Qualifications:

·      Applicants should hold (or expect to get) a minimum of an upper second class honours degree or an MSc with distinction in engineering, physical sciences, maths, or a related field.

·      Prior knowledge or experience in coastal and ocean modelling, and climate science would be advantageous but not essential.

·      Some programming experience in analytical languages such as MATLAB, Python or R would be beneficial.

·      A background in HPC-based computer modelling is desirable but not essential.

·      Experience in research, preferably in the form of a research project or dissertation would be beneficial.

·      Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·      Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

·      Ability to work independently and as part of a team

The shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, which will take place at the end of April.

For inquiries about the studentship, please contact (<bahareh.kamranzad@strath.ac.uk>).