Research Project / Research Group Description:
Groundwater salinization due to sea water intrusion is a worldwide problem, causing the deterioration of water quality in coastal aquifers. The environmental impact from sea water intrusion is aggravated by the high population density in the coastal areas, as well as by the expected increase of sea water level due to climate change. Several hydrogeochemical tools, from elemental ratios to stable and radiogenic isotopic content, have been applied in order to characterize chemical changes in coastal aquifers, sometimes coupled to other approaches, including geophysical techniques or numerical modelling approaches.
The main objective of the PhD project is to characterize the hydrogeological and geochemical processes associated to groundwater salinization in the Azores, a volcanic archipelago located in the North Atlantic. Salinization has been already reported in the Azores, and the monitoring made in the context of the EU Water-Framework Directive shown that a few groundwater bodies are actually in Poor Status due to exceedances regarding conductivity and chloride content. Nevertheless, and overall characterization that includes a more extensive application of isotopic tools, and numerical modelling is still lacking.
In order to achieve the main objective, the project includes the following phases: (1) collection and interpretation of existing data, (2) periodical collection and analysis of groundwater samples in wells and coastal springs all over the Azores archipelago, (3) characterization of groundwater chemistry and evaluation of the impact of the salinization process over water quality (4) application of geochemical modelling techniques for the treatment of acquired hydrogeochemical data and, (5) development of numerical modelling of the seawater intrusion process in selected areas, and evaluation of the consequences of sea water level increase.
The expected outcome of the PhD project will be of interest for authorities involved in water management.
Job position description:
The candidate will be member of the IVAR's Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Scientific Unit. The unit applies methodologies and tools from various Earth Sciences disciplines in solving environmental problems, being their main scientific objectives are to study the water cycle and the interaction between society and the geological environment in active volcanic environments, and additionally contribute to the mitigation of natural hazards through geochemical monitoring. Specific objectives of the unit are: (1) study the hydrogeology of volcanic aquifers; (2) study the evolution of the chemical composition of groundwater and surface water in active volcanic environments, including pollution processes; (3) characterize the chemical composition of water in the unsaturated zone; (4) develop methodologies and tools for hydrogeochemical monitoring in the context of volcanic surveillance; and, (5) contribute to the development of environmental geology through applications in the area of land management and geological resources.
The unit rans a hydrogeochemistry laboratory which, besides been fully equipped to collect and develop expedited analysis in the field, has an ion chromatography and an atomic absorption spectrometry equipment. Additionally, the unit has also computer equipment, with hydrogeologic software, and access to facilities provided by IVAR such as GIS software.
Applicants must hold a Master of Science degree, or a legally equivalent degree, in Geology/Hydrogeology or in a related scientific field, and must comply with the requirements of the University of the Azores regulations. Additionally, candidates must hold a scientific and professional curriculum that reveals a profile appropriate to the activity to be developed, and in particular experience in sampling and analysis of hydrogeochemical data, as well as in numerical modelling of hydrogeological processes, is a surplus.