Tropical Peatland Greenhouse Gas Exchange Using Eddy Covariance Flux Measurements

 

Tropical peatlands are among the most carbon-dense ecosystems on Earth and play a critical role in the global carbon cycle. However, these systems are increasingly threatened by land-use change, drainage, fire, and climate change which can transform them from carbon sinks into major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Addressing these challenges requires detailed insights into carbon flux dynamics and ecosystem processes.

This project aims to investigate the net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide and methane using eddy covariance measurements in one of the few remaining pristine tropical peat swamp forests in Southeast Asia.

The project will be based on eddy covariance flux measurements, supplemented by environmental drivers such as soil moisture, water table depth, and temperature.

The student will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and field sites in Southeast Asia, supported by collaborations with leading international researchers in peatland ecology and wetland biogeochemistry.

Key Research Areas:

  • Installation and maintenance of eddy covariance towers in remote tropical peatlands.
  • Analysis of eddy covariance data using tools such as EddyPro, R and Matlab.
  • Quantification of GHG fluxes and their drivers.

    The student will join the young but ambitious Wetland Carbon Lab within the Asian School of the Environment at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore). They will receive training in fieldwork, advanced data processing, statistical modeling, and scientific communication. Opportunities to present their research at international conferences and collaborate with global experts will be supported.

    Eligibility and Application Details:

    Applicants with a strong background in environmental science, biogeochemistry, or micrometeorology are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in fieldwork, data processing, or computational modeling is advantageous but not required, as training will be provided.

    The successful candidate will be required to start as part of the August 2025 intake. For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply before January 15th, 2025.

    Interested candidates should send the following materials to Dr. Pierre Taillardat ([email protected]):

    1. A copy of your CV.
    2. A cover letter detailing your previous research experience, relevant skills, and motivation to pursue a PhD at NTU.
    3. Contact details for two academic referees.

      If you have any questions about the position, please contact Dr. Pierre Taillardat at the email above.

      We look forward to receiving your application!

References:

Deshmukh, C. S., Susanto, A. P., Nardi, N., Nurholis, N., Kurnianto, S., Suardiwerianto, Y., Hendrizal, M., Rhinaldy, A., Mahfiz, R. E., Desai, A. R., Page, S. E., Cobb, A. R., Hirano, T., Guérin, F., Serça, D., Prairie, Y. T., Agus, F., Astiani, D., Sabiham, S., & Evans, C. D. (2023). Net greenhouse gas balance of fibre wood plantation on peat in Indonesia. Nature, 616(August 2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05860-9

Hirano, T., Ohkubo, S., Itoh, M., Tsuzuki, H., Sakabe, A., Takahashi, H., Kusin, K., & Osaki, M. (2024). Large variation in carbon dioxide emissions from tropical peat swamp forests due to disturbances. Communications Earth and Environment, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01387-7

Page, S., Mishra, S., Agus, F., Anshari, G., Dargie, G., Evers, S., Jauhiainen, J., Jaya, A., Jovani-Sancho, A. J., Laurén, A., Sjögersten, S., Suspense, I. A., Wijedasa, L. S., & Evans, C. D. (2022). Anthropogenic impacts on lowland tropical peatland biogeochemistry. Nature Reviews Earth and Environment, 0123456789. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-022-00289-6

Taillardat, P., Thompson, B. S., Garneau, M., Trottier, K., & Friess, D. A. (2020). Climate change mitigation potential of wetlands and the cost-effectiveness of their restoration. Interface Focus, 10(5). https://doi.org/10.1098/rsfs.2019.0129

Asst Prof. Pierre Taillardat

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August 2025 intake (initial application deadline January 15th 2025)
4 years