Aquatic modelling in boreal conditions

University of Eastern Finland

Water management is a crucial part of sustainability in modern sustainability both in Finland and throughout the world. In Finland water management issues are mostly linked to mining industry as well as pulp and paper industry. With stricter requirements especially from EU level, there is a clear need to be able to simulate the water quality and its effects to aquatic ecosystem for decades ahead to enable science based environmental assessment. Aquatic models have been developed since 1970’s e.g. by USEPA for several purposes ranging from stream modelling to ecological modelling. However, many of these quite advanced models are not able to account properly for boreal conditions including ice cover and stratification, for example and in the minimum, they require extensive calibration for our circumstances. Additionally, linking models of different type together needs more attention. Lately, new methods like satellite imaging for acquiring environmental data have been developed and they offer help for completing current databases of environmental measurements. All in all, we need to develop integrated solutions for the water management challenges using modelling tools as their core building block.

The focus of the PhD thesis work is on the aquatic modelling, especially lake modelling. The potential focused topics of the thesis include creating ecological models for boreal conditions, handling incomplete or missing data in environmental databases, linking models together to form modelling chains or utilizing different sources of environmental data (like satellite data) to support modelling of lake ecosystems. However, the applicant may also suggest his or her own topics for the thesis work according to personal research interest. The starting point in practical work is utilizing existing models created e.g. by USEPA. The student will work as a member in a group of scientists developing integrated solutions for enhanced water management. We are also co-operating with local companies working in this area.

We are looking for candidate that has background either in modelling, in biology or aquatic sciences. However, some previous skills both in modelling methodology and aquatic ecology is appreciated.

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Department of environmental and biological sciences, University of Eastern Finland

Professor Mikko Kolehmainen

Professor Jussi Kukkonen

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