Mechanisms of tree mortality in European species (M.Sc. Topic)

Enlarged view: Illustration of tree species vitality decline and mortality. — Illustration of tree species vitality decline and mortality. Source: M. Beloiu

Background: Accelerated tree mortality due to heat and drought has been reported in recent years.

Carbon starvation, hydraulic failure, or both are considered major causes of mortality. However, the mechanisms leading to tree mortality are not clear across tree species. To advance our understanding of the physiological mechanisms triggered by drought that lead to mortality we need to analyze growth decline trajectories that can be observed before drought-induced mortality.

Aim: We aim to define the specific mechanisms of tree mortality in important European tree species.

Methods: Tree-ring-based measurements will be used to assess mortality mechanisms. The data will be gathered from current databases and/ or several field measurement campaigns.

Wanted: We are looking for a highly motivated student interested in forest management and climate change research. The successful candidate should have basic knowledge of plant ecophysiology, or dendrochronological methods and be willing to learn from experts in these fields.

You will get to:

Learn about why some trees survive while others succumb to drought and gain important practical skills for your future work;
Expand your network by discussing your work with experts from the intersecting fields of forest sciences, and computer sciences;
Be a co-author on a publication resulting from this work;
Be part of a motivated, fun, and energetic team of scientists.

Supervisor: Dr. M. Beloiu, Prof. Dr. V. Griess

Collaboration: WSL experts

The project has a flexible starting date.

If the idea of participating in cutting edge interdisciplinary research excites you, please contact mirela.beloiu(at)usys.ethz.ch. The FORM & WSL team is looking forward to hearing from you!