Change detection in hydrology

Summary

The quantity and quality of water in our streams is dependent on many factors including climate, land use and management.  This leads to questions about how much impact have these factors have had on the stream water, particularly when these factors change through time.  For example, does afforestation impact on how much water is in our streams? Did the 2013 bushfires around Sydney have an impact on quality of water flowing into Lake Burrajorang?  These questions are difficult to answer given the large natural variability present in water data making it difficult to disentangle variation due to a factor causing the change and the natural background variation.  This project will explore approaches to detect change in hydrological time series data

Supervisor(s)

Associate Professor Thomas Bishop

Research Location

Sydney Institute of Agriculture - Australian Technology Park

Program Type

PHD

Synopsis

The project will be computer based and use datasets from around Australia to compare existing methods for detecting change in time series data.  From this a generic and robust approach will be developed for detecting change.  Both water quality and quantity datasets will be considered, as will statistical and mechanistic modelling approaches.  The student will gain valuable experience in analysing hydrological data using statistical and mechanistic models.  Experience in statistical modelling and the R software package is preferred

Additional Information

The project requires potential students to apply for competitive scholarships

HDR Inherent Requirements
In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:

- Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
- Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
- Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
- Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
- Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
- Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
- Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
- Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
- Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
- Hold a current scuba diving license;
- Hold a current Working with Children Check;
- Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

Keywords

water, hydrology, temporal, Statistic, Modelling, GIS

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 1872

Other opportunities with Associate Professor Thomas Bishop

• Modelling the ionic composition of streams for improved management of salinity
• How can we perform experiments in real landscapes?
• Development of an observation system for profile soil moisture
• Do hydrological models cope with complex Australian catchments?