Understanding controls on oxygen deficits in UK waters using a community ecosystem model and isotopic tools

在英国水域，正在进行的评估发现，北海北部和南部以及英吉利海峡的c(O2)有显著下降趋势。然而，评估也发现了数据和监测实践中的重大差距，以及对物理、生物和气候过程之间的相互作用如何控制c(O2)缺乏了解。这个项目旨在缩小这些理解上的差距，使用i)英国大陆架上c(O2)的数据；ii)在NERC-Defra大陆架生物地球化学(SSB)计划中产生的模型数据(PML授权号NE/K001876/1)；以及iii)氧同位素数据和模型模拟的新组合。在项目的第一阶段，学生将使用基本的单变量和多变量统计技术来验证相关模型与现有数据的运行。然后，他们将分析不同管理情景下c(O2)历史和未来趋势的模型结果，并确定c(O2)变化背后的主要驱动机制。与CEFA密切合作，该学生将开发分析软件，该软件将很容易地适用于其他OSPAR/MSFD指标。这将导致查明可作为改进监测和/或管理的目标的风险领域。在项目的这一阶段，学生将参加Cefas奋进号房车上的一次研究巡航。邮轮的选择将以研究的早期结果为指导，并采集c(O2)和O2同位素的样本。在第二阶段，学生将在模型中实施氧同位素分馏方案，该方案将允许将结果与新的和存档的O2同位素数据进行比较。这名学生将在东京大学花三个月的时间分析同位素数据。然后，学生将运行一维模型模拟，并评估氧同位素的使用，以诊断不同生物种群对整体氧气消耗的相对贡献。在项目期间，学生将撰写有影响力的科学论文和博士论文。作为EnvEast DTP的一员，学生将参加义务住宿和内部活动(例如EnvEast暑期学校)，其中包括根据学生的背景、研究和就业愿望定制的特定个人和专业发展(PPD)模块。渐进式培训计划旨在为下一代研究领导者培养先进的科学技能，以及通用的管理和沟通技能，以提高一系列职业的就业能力。PPD模块包括项目管理；时间管理；批判性思维；乳胶；科学写作；有效的科学陈述；论文写作；Viva准备；以及面试技巧。学生将参加高级课程模块和培训活动，以发展特定的技能。课程将从NERC高级培训短期课程名单中挑选，以前的课程包括“环境统计和数据分析培训”、“数值地球科学模型”和“了解和交流环境风险和不确定性”。

In UK waters, ongoing assessments have identified significant downward trends in c(O2) in the northern and southern North Sea and the English Channel. However, the assessments also identified significant gaps in the data and monitoring practices, as well as a lack of understanding of how the interactions between physical, biological and climatological processes control c(O2). This project aims at narrowing these gaps in understanding using a combination of i) data for c(O2) on the UK Shelf; ii) model data generated in the NERC-Defra Shelf Seas Biogeochemistry (SSB) Programme (PML Grant Number NE/K001876/1); and iii) a novel combination of oxygen isotope data and model simulations.In Phase 1 of the project, the student will validate relevant model runs with existing data using basic univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. They will then analyse the model results for historic and future trends in c(O2) under different management scenarios, and identify the dominant driving mechanisms behind changes in c(O2). Working closely with Cefas, the student will develop analysis software that will be easily adaptable for other OSPAR/MSFD indicators. This will lead to the identification of risk areas that could be targeted for improved monitoring and/or management. During this phase of the project the student will participate in a research cruise aboard the RV Cefas Endeavour. The choice of cruise will be guided by early results from the study, and samples for c(O2) and O2 isotopologues taken. In Phase 2, the student will implement an oxygen isotope fractionation scheme in the model, which will allow results to be compared with the new and archived O2 isotopologue data. The student will spend three months at UEA analysing the isotope data. The student will then run 1D model simulations and assess the use of oxygen isotopes for diagnosing the relative contribution of different biological populations to overall O2 consumption. During the project the student will write high impact scientific papers and a PhD thesis.As a member of the EnvEast DTP, the student will attend compulsory residential and in-house events (e.g. the EnvEast Summer School), which include specific Personal and Professional Development (PPD) modules tailored to the student's background, research and employment aspirations. The progressive training program is designed to develop advanced scientific skills for the next generation of research leaders as well as generic management and communication skills to increase employability across a range of professions. PPD modules include Project management; Time management; Critical thinking; Latex; Scientific writing; Effective scientific presentations; Thesis writing; Viva preparation; and Interview skills.The student will attend advanced taught modules and training events to develop specific skills. Courses will be selected from the list of NERC Advanced Training Short Courses, where previous courses include "Environmental Statistics and Data analytics training", "Numerical Earth Science Modelling", and "Understanding and Communicating Environmental Risk and Uncertainty".