Dean of Postgraduate Research
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Extension: 7285
Email:
lucy.johnston@canterbury.ac.nz
Summer Research Scholarship Scheme
2015-2016
Project Application Form
Please complete and submit the application form as a WORD document and send to
summerscholarships@canterbury.ac.nz
The Project
Title of Project (max 30 words):
Coastal sedimentation: harbour and estuary measurement techniques investigation
Project Leader(s):
Dr Deirdre Hart and Dr Lesley Bolton-Ritchie (ECan)
Host Department/Organization:
Department of Geography, University of Canterbury and Environment Canterbury
Other persons involved in this topic/activity:
(List other significant members involved along with their affiliation to the research project.)
Name
Affiliation to project
Brief outline of project
This is an opportunity for a student, working under ECan and UC supervision, based at UC with fieldwork at the coast,
to conduct studies into sedimentation measurement techniques and rates of occurrence in local muddy coastal
environments. This work might include testing sediment plates, sediment traps and other available methods, with field
sites including the upper Lyttelton Harbour /Whakaraupō and/or the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai. Work might also
include assessing the depth of the surface sediment (in upper Lyttelton Harbour) that can be mobilised by waves – is
there obvious layering of the top 10-20 cm of the sediment surface? Can the layers be aged? There is scope for a keen
student to turn this initial research project into a Masters or PhD project on sedimentation in harbour and estuary
environments (with additional resources available for theses).
The summer project’s aims will be:
1. To design and trial different methods (sediment plates, sediment traps and any other potential methods) for
measuring sedimentation in upper Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō and in the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai.
2. To determine the best localities within upper Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō and in the Avon-Heathcote
Estuary/Ihutai for monitoring sedimentation.
3. To determine if the methods can distinguish between sediment re-suspended by wind driven wave action and
sediment inputs.
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The projects outcomes will be:
1. Advice provided on the best method that Environment Canterbury could use to monitor sedimentation rates at
intertidal sites based on the following considerations: accuracy of results, frequency of sampling required, cost
of materials, in laboratory analysis costs, and time commitments for the work/month.
2. Advice is provided on the best localities for measuring sedimentation in upper Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō
and in the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai.
3. A short, easy to read report that can be made available to ECan and the public (there is a lot of public concern
about sedimentation in these areas) on whether it is possible to measure sedimentation in areas where there is
continual sediment re-suspension by wind driven waves. A presentation opportunity may also be provided.
If the project involves work away from the University campus (e.g., at fieldwork sites) please detail all locations.
Upper Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō and the Avon-Heathcote Estuary /Ihutai
If the student be required to work outside of normal university hours (8am-5pm) please provide details
Fieldwork may necessitate working with the coincidence of low tides and daylight conditions
Benefits student will gain from involvement in the project
Describe the research experience and skills that the student will acquire through involvement in this research project –
maximum of 100 words.
The student will gain experience at independently guiding their own research project, with support and
guidance from ECan and UC staff. Opportunities to network with professionals working in this area and to
understand both regional council and university science investigation processes will be available. There is
scope for this project to evolve into a Masters or PhD project examining historical sedimentation on one or
more of Canterbury’s muddy coasts (with some funding sources available for thesis projects).
Specific student requirements
Ability to work independently, keenness to work in the field (in muddy coastal environments) constructing and
installing structures, being able to work flexible hours and according to safety best practice. Some
background in geomorphology a bonus.
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