Validating SAR topography for Exmouth Gulf conservation

Theme: Biodiversity and conservation science, Geography, Marine biology and ocean science

Description: 

The cyanobacterial mats of Western Australia’s Exmouth Gulf are a vital, 20,000-hectare carbon sink threatened by solar salt mining. Despite their importance for carbon fixation, their remote location makes them difficult to monitor, and thus, we know very little about them.
This project aims to bridge this knowledge gap by testing the feasibility of using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to map this unique terrain. The student will evaluate the specific capabilities and constraints of SAR for capturing high-precision vertical resolution. By processing imagery to generate surface and terrain models, the study will determine if satellite-based remote sensing is a viable method for understanding the hydrological regimes essential to protecting these ecosystems.

Additional Information:  Ideal for an Honours student with extensive GIS experience or a Masters student, this project offers a unique global perspective through joint supervision between Dr. Alice Twomey and Dr. Gabriel David at the Technical University of Braunschweig. Candidates will be supported in applying for funding to conduct a portion of their research on-site in Germany, providing a valuable opportunity for international academic exchange and professional development.

Contact: Dr Alice Twomey