Internship Heatwave effects on benthic invertebrates in the intertidal
With climate change, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, both above and under water. Especially in the intertidal, extreme temperatures can be reached when they are exposed to the air and sun at low tide. Intertidal flats contain a high abundance of benthic invertebrates, or macrozoobenthos, which are key species in these unique ecosystems. So far we know little about how heatwaves are affecting the benthic fauna.
Description
This project focusses on organism and community responses to heatwaves, with several possible topics:
• Laboratory/mesocosm experiments or organism thermal tolerance and response mechanisms (e.g., behaviour, physiology) to heatwave exposure.
• Field measurements and/or remote sensing of heat climate in different sediment habitats and communities.
• Analysis of ecological timeseries data.
Requirements & Application
We welcome students with a background in biology, marine science, GIS or environmental sciences. The project can be tuned to personal interest, depending on the timing. The internship can take place at NIOZ Texel or at NIOZ in Yerseke, Zeeland.
For more information and to apply, please contact Tjitske Kooistra (tjitske.kooistra@nioz.nl).