Internship Marine nutrient cycles under environmental change
Nutrients such as phosphorus enable biological life and therefore form the foundation of the world food webs and ecosystems. In the ocean, the availability of these nutrients controls algal growth and associated CO2 uptake, with many biogeochemical processes in the water column and in the sediment affecting nutrient fate and abundance. In turn, these processes are altered by environmental changes such as ocean deoxygenation and acidification, creating globally important feedbacks between ocean chemistry, nutrient cycling, ecosystem health and climate. However, the functioning of these feedback mechanisms is still poorly understood.
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Description
In this project, you will contribute towards solving this issue by conducting research into nutrient cycling in strongly human-impacted marine areas. For instance, we investigate the impact of offshore windfarms on biogeochemical cycles in the North Sea, and the potential consequences of ocean-scale acidification on the biogeochemical cycle of phosphorus, the ultimate limiting nutrient, that controls ocean-climate feedbacks on longer timescales.
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Requirements & application
We seek a highly motivated MSc student looking for a research project of 6+ months with a strong interest in present-day ocean biogeochemistry and the impact of human activities. Laboratory experience would be a plus. Timing is flexible. The student will need to be present on Texel for 3-4 months of laboratory work towards the start of the project, but it is possible to work remotely afterwards.
For more information or application, please contact dr. Peter Kraal (peter.kraal@nioz.nl).
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