Description
Deep slow flowing river pools often create a cold thermal anomaly near the bottom during the summer. This is caused by flow stratification and/or a local supply of groundwater. During heatwaves, such thermal anomalies are very important refuge habitats for cold-water fish, such as Arctic char or Atlantic salmon. However, oxygen saturation may be lower in these anomalies due to reduced exchanges with the more oxygenated layer above, and/or groundwater inflows containing less dissolved oxygen. Climate change has caused an increase in the concentration of dissolved organic matter in water bodies, causing water browning in rivers and lakes. It has been shown in lakes that this can lead to a cooling of the bottom area, but also to a significant decrease in dissolved oxygen available to aquatic organisms. This phenomenon has however not yet been studied in rivers.
The MSc project will study the oxythermal dynamics (oxygen and temperature) of river pools according to a gradient of water browning. The rivers studied will include Atlantic salmon (southern Quebec) and Arctic char (Nunavik and Nunavut) habitats, two fish species known to use thermal refuges during warm periods. Pool sampling and data analyses will provide a better understanding of the biochemical, hydraulic, thermal, and groundwater processes involved in the creation and maintenance of these river bottom refuges.
Expected start date
September 2021 or January 2022
Research supervision
- Supervisor: Normand Bergeron
- Cosupervisors: Isabelle Laurion & André St-Hilaire
Graduate program
Master in Water science (description only available in French)
Funding
INRS offers scholarships to all its students.
Required qualifications
Curious and passionate student with good fieldwork skills and willing to do long days of outdoor work. Bachelor’s degree in geography, biology, environment, chemistry or engineering (water, civil, physics or mechanical) are targeted, but any related field of study will be considered.
A valid driver’s licence is required. The student will travel to several regions of Quebec for stays of up to one month. Experience in statistical analysis and computer programming is an asset. Knowledge of French is also an important asset.
How to apply
Motivated students should send a letter of interest, a CV and their most recent transcript using the form below.
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