PhD: Geothermal exploration and mapping
PhD: Geothermal exploration and mapping using hyperspectral imaging
Funded PhD position at Massey University, Palmerston North
Summary
Massey University is seeking two highly motivated PhD candidates for a 3-year research project aimed at developing innovative approaches for geothermal resource mapping across the Taupō Volcanic Zone, New Zealand, using hyperspectral satellite data. The project is a collaboration between Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and IIT Bombay.
Geothermal fields are highly dynamic environments, and many plants respond by adopting unique coping mechanisms to survive. They can quickly alter their metabolism in response to environmental stresses, including heat, water and nutrient scarcity, or the presence of toxic elements (e.g., antimony). These changes provide an excellent opportunity to track geothermal processes from space. The two PhD projects aim to integrate ECOSTRESS, EMIT, and Sentinel-1 data to detect geothermal–vegetation interactions. This novel approach offers a powerful method for monitoring geothermal systems, identifying zones of upwelling hot water, and overcoming current limitations in Earth observation—particularly in areas where geothermal activity is obscured by vegetation.
The scholarship includes a NZ$37,000 tax-free stipend and covers tuition fees, insurance, and a conference/research allowance. The successful candidate will join the Volcanic Risk Solutions group within the School of Agriculture and Environment. The start date is negotiable.
Interested applicants should contact Gabor Kereszturi.
The position does not have a closing date; applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
Geoscience Society of New Zealand
PO Box 7003
Newtown
Wellington 6242
Administrator:
Nicki Sayers
Newsletter articles for consideration:
Editor@gsnz.org.nz
The GSNZ is a member organisation of the Royal Society
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