2024-UKCEH5 Drone-based mapping of headwater and intermittent stream temperature and physical habitat

Project highlights

Headwater and intermittent small streams are two key riverine types, partly overlapping, representing the vast majority of river networks worldwide, yet less monitored and understood than larger rivers; this project would be of interest internationally
The project will require developing state-of-the-art technical skills and approaches (e.g. UAV data collection and analysis, which could involve AI-based image classification) alongside a thorough understanding of the hydrology and ecology of headwater/intermittent streams
The project will benefit from access to UKCEH and University of Birmingham facilities, equipment and expertise (e.g. high performance cluster computing, drones)

Overview

Intermittent streams (c. 50% of world rivers) and headwaters (c. 90% of rivers) are key riverine systems for hydrology, ecology and water quality, which are poorly monitored and lack data (Dugdale et al. 2022; Mainstone et al. 2018; Datry et al. 2016). Streams are often flagged as intermittent based on downstream flows, but where or how they dry is not known. Capturing the evolution of river habitat and connectivity as streams dry out is particularly important (Dugdale et al. 2022) for process hydrology, river ecology (e.g. refugia during drought, loss of physical in-channel habitat, loss of longitudinal connectivity, loss of lateral connectivity with riparian area, floodplain and wetlands), and water quality (pools are considered to favour algae blooms). Unpiloted Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), more commonly called drones, are a potential way to address these issues (Kelleher et al. 2016). River habitat monitoring can also benefit from using UAV data, which can provide fast higher resolution updates than traditional techniques. This research is relevant to other water-dependent systems faced with similar issues (e.g. wetlands) and could complement research on UAV-based water quality surveys in larger rivers. Beyond the riverine environment, the project would also explore potential to link with terrestrial UAV applications (e.g. biodiversity).

CENTA Flagship

This is a CENTA Flagship Project

Host

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Theme

Organisms and Ecosystems

Supervisors

Project investigator

Dr Cedric Laize, UKCEH

Co-investigators

Prof David Hannah, University of Birmingham

How to apply

Each host has a slightly different application process.
Find out how to apply for this studentship.
All applications must include the CENTA application form.
Choose your application route

Methodology

A selection of river stretches located on small intermittent rivers will be surveyed as they dry and replenish (re-wetting) during a typical drought cycle. This ideally requires repeated surveys at high, medium, and low flows plus at least a couple of surveys during the intermittent phase. The total number of sites and surveys will be commensurate with the available time and resources. Sites will be surveyed on the ground too. The objective is to build a time series of surveys ideally capturing several cycles. Different types of drone-mounted sensors will tested, with likely types being optical, TIR, and multi-spectral cameras. They will be assessed not only from a scientific perspective but also against the context of future data collection (e.g. potential for citizen science). A consistent image classification approach will be developed. Possible route could be combining thermal imagery and very high resolution visible imagery followed by AI-based classification to identify and segment the different habitat units. Developing an AI classifier would require using Python packages like PyTorch (e.g. Carbonneau et al., 2020a, 2020b).

Training and skills

Students will be awarded CENTA2 Training Credits (CTCs) for participation in CENTA2-provided and ‘free choice’ external training. One CTC equates to 1⁄2 day session and students must accrue 100 CTCs across the three years of their PhD.

The student will benefit from access to the full portfolio of trainings available to UKCEH staff, from technical skills to personal professional development. Relevant trainings to this project will likely include advanced coding and data analysis (e.g. R, Python), statistics, machine learning, GIS, remote sensing software, field work practices, first aid. The student would be supported to learn how to pilot UAVs as far as practical and appropriate (e.g. working towards a GVC) but would get support from qualified pilots in the interim.

Further details

Further details on how to contact the supervisor for this project and how to apply for this project can be found here:

For any enquiries related to this project please contact Dr Cedric Laize FRGS ([email protected]) .

The successful applicant would be registered at the University of Birmingham.

To apply to this project:

You must include a CENTA studentship application form, downloadable from: CENTA Studentship Application Form 2024.
You must include a CV with the names of at least two referees (preferably three) who can comment on your academic abilities.
Please submit your application and complete the host institution application process via: https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/LES068.htm. Please select the PhD Geography and Environmental Science (CENTA) 2024/25 Apply Now button. The CENTA application form 2024 and CV can be uploaded to the Application Information section of the online form. Please quote CENTA 2024-UKCEH5  when completing the application form.

Applications must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on Wednesday 10th January 2024.

Possible timeline

Year 1

Site selection; flight campaign planning; test surveys; initial image analysis and survey protocol; literature review.

Year 2

Repeated surveys; development and consolidation of image processing approach; initial analysis of mapped geodata.

Year 3

Final surveys; comparison UAV and alternative EO data (e.g Lidar); final analysis of mapped geodata.