Applicants for postgraduate MSc by research at the
Institute of Earth Systems have many research areas to
choose from.
July 10th 2013 ies@um.edu. mt
Below is a list of potential research topics available for
the academic year 2013/2014. Applicants are encouraged
to sift through the document and contact the respective
tutors at the earliest opportunity.
LIST OF POTENTIAL RESEARCH TOPICS
July 10th, 2013
Institute of Earth Systems
List of potential research topics
POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
Background
Proposed by
Dr Everaldo Attard
Compilation of pollen
database of the
Maltese Islands.
This would involve the organisation of the existing pollen slides at the Division,
and the collection of more pollen samples by season. Each pollen type has to be
described. The final output would be a pollen atlas for the Maltese Islands.
Fermentation studies
of plant varieties.
This study would involve the fermentation of different plant materials as
determined by pH, pressure and temperature changes during the process.
Different pretreatment methods - acid and enzymatic hydrolysis will be used to
determine the efficiency of sugar release.
Studying Cypress and
Pine litter
combustible
compounds.
Alpha-pinene is a highly combustible compound that is found in pine but also in
cypress trees to a lesser extent. Cypress tree varieties will be studied for the
presence of this compound with the aim at determining which variety contains
less of this compound and how this compound degrades with time in the litter visa-vis that in living plant tissues.
Setting up of a
Maltese Medicinal
Plant Database.
This project involved the gathering of information from several book, journal and
local sources on the different aspects of medicinal plants - botany, chemistry and
pharmacology. A database structure already exists. However, this project requires
the input of the most relevant but thorough information.
Quality analysis of animal
and plant/crop products,
including honey, milk,
olives, grapes.
This involves the physicochemical characteristation of agricultural products, with
a special emphasis on chemopreventives, i.e. carotenoids and flavonoids.
POSTGRADUATE
Background
RESEARCH Proposed by
Dr Anthony Sacco
Phyto-extraction
of heavy metals
from Calcareous
soils.
This project is to study the possibility of using phytoextraction to reduce the heavy
metal content of local calcareous soils. As phytoextraction might be limited due to
high pH conditions, soil conditioning might be required to facilitate the process.
The scope of this study is to investigate the effect soil conditioning methods have
on heavy metal phytoextraction.
Spatial and temporal
variations in microbial
activity in arable and
non-arable soil.
Soil microbial activity plays a crucial role in determining soil fertility. Microbial
activity is dependent on a number of factors ranging from physical soil properties,
chemical properties, environmental factors and soil management. The scope of
this work is to investigate both spatial and temporal variations in microbial
activity in a number of local calcareous soils with contrasting properties that are
under arable and non-arable conditions.
An appraisal of
physical factors and
associated microbial
activity in soil profiles
located behind dry
rubble walls in
Mediterranean
terraced fields.
Rubble walls are an integral part of the land terracing system in Malta. One of the
many functions of rubble walls is to retain soil in slopes thus preventing soil
erosion. The scope of this work is to study the physical and chemical parameters
in soils located behind and in front of rubble walls located in sloped fields and to
compare findings with soil in the rest of the field. As both parameters have a
significant effect on biological properties, microbial activity will also be
investigated and compared.
POSTGRADUATE
Background
RESEARCH Proposed by
Dr Antoine Vella
Parasitology
The problem of host specificity and host range are matters of concern to rural and
food sciences. The study of insect parasitology becomes most significant in
relation to the transmission of micro-organisms pathogenic to animal and plant
life. This relationship remains incomplete without a knowledge of reservoir
animals and plants.
Studies on crop
Protection,
Agricultural Botany
and Zoology
Kindly contact the tutor (antoine.vella@um.edu.mt) for further information.
POSTGRADUATE
Background
RESEARCH Proposed
by Mr Anthony Meli
Way forward for the
agricultural cottage
industry in Malta.
Cottage industries are well established in rural food products, such as cottage
cheese, honey, olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes. There is certainly room for
further development of the cottage industry, especially in synergy with
agricultural, tourism and heritage sectors. In Malta, the use of recognised quality
products is still in its infancy with the possibility of further exploitation of EU
quality labels and possibly the setting up of national scheme. Various approaches
can thus be adopted for studying more viable ways forward for these SMEs in the
agro-food processing sector as this sector has the potential and the need for
innovation.
Assessing agro-tourism
potential for Gozo.
The Gozitan economy is primarily based on tourism - both internal (Maltese
visitors) and foreign. However over 60% of employees are engaged in agriculture
as a part-time job. A revised agrotouristic approach leading to ecotourism
applying to all Gozo has been stated as a policy commitment. The idea of
integrating agriculture with tourism become more popular because everybody is
searching for new ways of relax and leisure. Furthermore everybody is becoming
more conscious of healthy food. Agrotourism is the form of tourism that
capitalizes on rural culture as a tourist attraction. Developing ecotourism
strategies sensitive to local culture and traditions can identify more sustainable
ways forward.
Studying the potential
for development of
local olive varieties.
The Mediterranean has been in the centre of olive and olive oil production, with
the largest olive producing countries being Italy, Spain and Greece. Although in
Malta we do not have a large industry of olives, the interest and investment in
olive production is growing. Malta has some very interesting indigenous olive
varieties such as the ‘Maltese olive’, the ‘Bidnija olive’ and the recent rediscovery
of the ‘Perlina Maltija’(white olive) that appear to promise high quality produce
whilst at the same time fitting perfectly to tough Maltese climatatic and agronomic
conditions. This leads for a spectrum of analyses to evaluate further development.
Assessing the local
wine industry.
Various vine varieties are being grown around the world and a number are also
being grown locally. Other than being suitable to the Maltese soil and climate,
there is the issue that the same variety of vine planted in different locations can
produce wines that differ greatly in terms of both structure and aroma. Despite
area limitations Malta can still produce high quality wines from locally grown
grapes that constitute certified quality products. Assessing the inputs, outputs
and prevailing demand, could further fine tune the way forward in the production
of quality wines.
POSTGRADUATE
Background
RESEARCH Proposed by
Dr Elisabeth Conrad
Studying socialecological
systems.
Social-ecological systems are an increasingly important interdisciplinary focus of
research; they are broadly characterized as complex systems which bring together
people and nature in an interactive and integrative manner. There are several
subfields of research related to social-ecological systems, including (i) better
understanding the interactions between people and nature (for example, through
mapping/valuation of ecosystem services), (ii) understanding the vulnerability of
social-ecological systems (and elements within these) to change/shocks, and (iii)
exploring ways to build the resilience of social-ecological systems (and elements
within these), so that they can better withstand change.
Research on
biodiversity
conservation:
protected areas &
their
management.
Protected areas represent one of the most widely used measures for in-situ
biodiversity conservation. Although there are many examples of ‘successful’
protected areas, there are also many aspects of protected areas that still need
further research. These include, for example, (i) finding ways of linking protected
areas through regional networks, (ii) finding ways to better balance the various
uses to which protected areas are put and exploring innovative management
mechanisms, (iii) effectively involving stakeholders in protected area management,
and (iv) exploring the likely impacts of climate change on protected areas and their
resources.
Research on
public
participation &
stakeholder
involvement in
environmental/
planning-related
decision-making.
Public/stakeholder participation is enshrined as a key aspect of planning and
environmental decision-making. Whilst practices of stakeholder participation have
become widespread, and several methods have been developed, there are still
doubts as to how effective public participation really is. Research in this respect
could aim (i) to better understand constraints and limitations to effective public
participation and (ii) to explore means of better involving the public in decisionmaking, through innovative methods and approaches. The role of other aspects
that affect people’s commitments to environmental matters (such as place
attachment and connectedness to nature) is also relevant.
Research on landscape
conservation, planning
and management.
Landscapes have increasingly come to be recognized as an important aspect of
heritage in their own right. As holistic spaces, that bring together natural and
cultural elements, landscapes also present a very particular suite of management
challenges. Research on this topic can span a range of concerns, including means of
identifying targets for landscape management, safeguarding landscape character,
managing change in dynamic landscapes, and developing an effective
management/policy framework for landscape conservation, planning and
management.
Research on
environmental ethics.
Environmental ethics is a discipline which studies the moral relationship of human
beings to the environment and its various components. Research in this respect
may focus on the philosophical views which underpin the way people deal with
environmental matters. Another area of research interest concerns more radical
‘movements’ which advocate fundamental changes in the way people relate to
nature, such as deep ecology, ecofeminism and social ecology.
POSTGRADUATE
(INCLUDING
DOCTORAL)
RESEARCH Proposed by
Dr Louis F Cassar
Research in Landscape
Ecology and
Conservation
Research in Landscape Ecology for biodiversity conservation, primarily in
areas of corridor ecology (connectivity and linkages – source and sink
dynamics – for wildlife and ecosystem management, and, conservation
biology), biotope/habitat fragmentation (understanding the influence of
edge-to-area ratio and appraising risk in relation to this phenomenon) and,
restoration ecology.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Life and/or Environmental sciences
essential.
Valuation of ecological resources at landscape scale.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Life sciences essential.
Participatory methods for stakeholder involvement in conservation.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Environmental Science and/or Human
Geography essential. Coupling of wildlife and cultural corridors for
conservation. This project will focus on the southern group of San Bushmen
of the central Kalahari and the conflicts that arise from the use of spatial
resources within this hyper-arid region of the planet, where important but
critically vulnerable desert populations of elephants, lions and Black Rhino
also co-exist. [research project subject to appropriate funding].
– restricted to doctoral research only. (Refer to Institute’s PhD guidelines)
Research in
Entomology
Orthoptera of the circum-Sicilian island complex and the Maghreb. A study
in taxonomy and distribution.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Life sciences essential.
Butterfly conservation. A study to assess the potential of Prime Butterfly
Areas (PBAs).
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Life sciences essential.
Floral seasonal coloration. Investigating possible correlations between bioindictor pollinator species (essentially, but not exclusively Hymenoptera and
Diptera) with seasonal colour variation of indigenous flora.
– restricted to doctoral research only. (Refer to Institute’s PhD guidelines)
Geomorphology and
Conservation
Coastal dune conservation. This research will focus on coastal dune
formations, and may cover a range of areas, comprising profiling fieldtechniques to ‘measure’ dunal mass and other processes associated with
coastal dynamics, including accelerated erosion; conservation of ecological
assets, notably the stenoecious flora that occurs within such assemblage;
and, appraisal of impacts and mitigating measures to ensure a favourable
conservation status.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Life and/or Environmental sciences,
and/or physical geography essential.
Natura 2000 and landform. A critique of the restrictiveness of N2K and the
potential benefit of considering geomorphological assets and associated
dynamics (landform and function), in addition to biotopes, for conservation
management and practices.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in at least one of the following, relevant,
domains: Earth sciences, Life sciences, environmental science, and physical
geography essential.
Arid-zone geomorphology. A study of landforms and associated dynamics
(allied to past and present climate-induced processes), as well as the
conservation and management of such resources.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Environmental science and/or physical
geography essential.
Contingency Planning
Risk preparedness and mitigation – an exercise in contingency planning with
respect to natural phenomena and man-induced disasters.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in at least one of the following, relevant,
domains: Earth sciences, environmental science, Spatial and/or
Environmental Planning, and/or Geography essential.
guidance:
i. A graduate of the BSc (Hons) in Earth Systems (Melit.) course qualifies for all the above (please also
refer to the IES Ph.D., guidelines, if relevant), since s/he is deemed to have the necessary grounding to
undertake research in the above-listed topics.
ii. Good command of the English language is crucial.
iii. Full-time students will be given preference.
iv. Other, related, projects may be considered following the submission and subsequent evaluation of a
proposal.
v. Applicants need to be conversant with the guidelines and rules governing supervision.
POSTGRADUATE
Background
RESEARCH Proposed by
Dr Anton Micallef
Research on Coastal
hazards & Risk
assessment.
The objectives of this research are to provide updated knowledge on traditional and
innovative multi‐disciplinary methods and techniques for the analysis and
management of hazards and risk. Topics include:
•
risk assessment;
•
risk management, and
•
hazard / sensitivity / vulnerability mapping.
Research on beach &
coastal management.
The objectives of this research are to develop a better understanding to predict
morphological changes of beaches and coastal areas on the basis of empirical data
and effective coastal zone management systems. Topics include:
•
beach / shore platform erosion studies;
•
beach management schemes / award schemes;
•
studies of coastal processes and landform;
•
coastal function analysis;
•
coastal scenic evaluation;
•
carrying capacity studies.
POSTGRADUATE
Background
RESEARCH Proposed by
Dr Charles Galdies
Monitoring vegetation
conditions in the
Ombrone river basin
(Tuscany, Italy) using
multi-year
multispectral imagery.
This project is part of a 3-year research activity to study the Ombrone river basin
(Tuscany, Italy). An important component is the measurement of multi-year
changes of the normalised differential vegetation index (NDVI), ‘tasselled cap’
index and the green leaf area index (LAI), among others, using remote sensing
technology. This study can assist in the analysis of recent changes in vegetation
vigour and environmental stress in the Ombrone river basin. Additional indices
can be used to further elaborate the degree of multi-year land use changes over a
long period of time. This analysis forms part of a wider study to assess temporal
changes in the land-use patterns within the river basin and their impact on the
littoral zone.
Applicants are expected to have a working knowledge of remote sensing and GIS
techniques.
Multi-temporal Land
use cover changes
within the Ombrone
river basin (Tuscany,
Italy).
The scope of this study would be to focus on the pressing problem of accelerated
land conversion and the very specific needs of biodiversity conservation within the
Ombrone river basin. Tools for land-use cover identification would include satellite
remote sensing, photo-interpretation and ground surveys. GIS techniques shall
address the necessary mapping tasks of the project. Spatial analysis to quantify
diversity at the landscape level would be addressed.
Applicants are expected to have a working knowledge of remote sensing and GIS
techniques.
Verification of a
numerical simulation
experiment on the
trajectory of black
carbon in Europe.
This study entails the validation of a set of results of a numerical model simulation
of the distribution of black carbon in Europe. Black carbon is a climate forcing
agent formed through the incomplete combustion of fuels and biomass, and is
emitted in both anthropogenic and naturally occurring soot. Model validation will
be done against in situ data collected by European air pollution monitoring
stations and provided through the European Environment Agency. This study
would assess the effectiveness of the EU Air Policy.
Applicants are expected to have a working knowledge of data processing and
statistics, although training will be given on the use of data-related software.
Application of
numerical weather
prediction modelling
for early warning
systems of extreme
weather events
This study entails the use, tuning and validation of numerical weather prediction
model for the forecasting and analysis of extreme weather events. The scope is to
assess viability of early warning systems for the general public.
Applicants are expected to have a good knowledge of mathematics, data processing
and statistics. A working knowedlge of LINUX scripting would also be an asset.
guidance:
1. Applicants are expected to submit a well-research proposal backed up by a substantial literature
review on the topic.
2. Full-time students will be given preference.
3. Applicants need to be conversant with the guidelines and rules governing supervision.
POSTGRADUATE
Background
RESEARCH Proposed
by Ms Belinda Gambin
Palynological Studies.
Palynology covers the research of fossil (and contemporary) palynomorphs. The
main emphasis of this research would be on pollen analysis but can also include
spores, dinoflagellate cysts and other microscopic features, found in marine and
terrestrial sediments as well as in sedimentary rocks.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in either Earth sciences or Life sciences essential.
Historical Ecology and
Environmental
Change.
Examining the interaction between humans and the environments in which they
inhabit, across both time and space. The role of climate change and anthropogenic
influences on the environment, especially during the Holocene.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in one of the following, relevant, domains: Earth
sciences, Life sciences, Environmental science, or Geography essential.
Research on Human
Impact on the
Landscape.
Human activities and their bi-products affect our landscapes. Understanding this
multifaceted impact and exploring reduction and mitigation measures are crucial
for species conservation and landscape management.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in one of the following, relevant, domains: Earth
sciences, Life sciences, Environmental science, or Geography essential.
Studies on Sustainable
Development.
Government and private businesses are increasingly aware that sustainability
issues are both relevant and necessary in all aspects of their work. Sustainable
development is a broad topic with a core central theme focusing on three ‘pillars’:
that of the economy, society and the environment and their interconnectedness.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in one of the following, relevant, domains: Earth
sciences, Life sciences, Environmental science, or Geography essential. Other first
cycle degree domains may be considered on an individual basis.
Environmental
Management Systems.
EMS implementation is often a requirement for many companies, either legally or
from external pressure exerted by stakeholders. This necessitates understanding
in environmental sustainability, assessment, interpretation and management of
environmental performance and environmental legislation.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in one of the following, relevant, domains: Earth
sciences, Life sciences, Geography, Environmental science or Environmental
Planning essential. Other first cycle degree domains may be considered on an
individual basis.
POSTGRADUATE
Background
RESEARCH Proposed by
Mr Daniel Sultana
Structural geology
A structural and geological study of the Maltese Islands with aim of appraising carbon
sequestration potential.
This research would utilise oblique images, fieldwork and geotechnical report data to produce a
high detail structural map of the Maltese Islands. The map would then be used to determine
fault location and throw across the Islands. This will allow the appraisal of potential carbon
sequestering targets in the Maltese territory.
– Prerequisite: first cycle degree in Earth sciences, and/or physical geography essential.
Reservoir geology
Shallow water carbonates of the Maltese rock succession and their hydrocarbon reservoir
potential.
This research aims at identifying shallow water sedimentological processes that took place
during the formation of Upper and Lower Coralline Limestone. The study would establish the
lateral extent in which depositional processes took place. Once such detail is achieved, the
study would assess hydrocarbon reservoir potential observed at a member level.
– Prerequisite: first cycle degree in Earth sciences, and/or physical geography essential.
Geomorphology
Understanding coastal sedimentary and geomorphic processes, to ameliorate coastal
management.
This research identifies the key sedimentary and geomorphic processes that take place in natural
and engineered coastal environments. The research is aimed at identifying methods to sustain
natural sedimentary replenishment processes in artificial coasts so as to reduce the need for
continued human intervention. The project will involve studies in coastal processes,
geomorphic modelling, rock and gravel coastal profiles and coastal management.
– Prerequisite: first cycle degree in Earth sciences, and/or physical geography essential.
Geomorphology
A geotechnical study of mass wasting processes in the Maltese Islands.
The physical and lithological properties of structurally unstable areas shall be assessed. Rates of
mass wasting shall be quantified through field work and 4D analytic procedures using aerial
photography shot over a number of years. The final aim of the project is to produce a map
identifying zones of high structural instability. Applications to this analysis lie in urban
planning. The project will develop theoretical knowledge and practical experience of using field
and laboratory techniques, remote sensing, GIS and computer models.
– Prerequisite: first cycle degree in Earth sciences, and/or physical geography essential.
Knowledge of GIS and other similar tools is also key.
Hydrogeology
Hydrological processes of the Maltese Islands and the identification of sustainable
groundwater exploitation practices.
Greater attention is being placed on how to manage groundwater in a sustainable manner. The
project assesses current hydrologic input/output and quality reducing cycles and processes with
the aim of establishing a present exploitation rate. Should research indicate that current use rate
is unsustainable, the project will identify methods of increasing input/replenishment rates of
Maltese water resources.
– Prerequisite: first cycle degree in Earth sciences, and/or physical geography essential.
Hydrogeology
Hydrogeological study of the Maltese Islands.
The research study aims to present a preliminary assessment of the hydrogeological
characteristics of the Maltese Islands. Research will apply the use of aerial photography,
geological mapping, reservoir characterisation and numerical modelling (MODFLOW).
– Prerequisite: first cycle degree in Earth sciences, and/or physical geography essential.
Computer literacy is essential. Knowledge of GIS and other similar tools is key.
Geography
Study of the current land degradation state in the Maltese Islands.
The research study aims to assess the current state and activities that lead to desertification, land
degradation and drought (DLDD). The researcher is to propose policy mechanisms to
manage/mitigate the impacts such activities have.
– Prerequisite: first cycle degree in Earth sciences, and/or physical geography essential.
Knowledge of GIS and other similar tools is also key.
POSTGRADUATE
Background
RESEARCH Proposed by
Mr M Scerri
(mark.scerri@gmail.com)
A study of the relationshiop
between Ozone (O3), Nitrogen
(II) oxide and NOx levels
measured at a traffic site in
Malta.
The automated air quality monitoring station in Msida measures
continuously the ambient air concentrations of a number of pollutants
which include Ozone, Nitrogen (II) oxide and Nitrogen (IV) oxide. These
data can be used in order to attempt to determine the relationships
between NO2 levels and NOx levels as well as the percentage of NO2, which
is emitted directly as primary NO2 or f-NO2. This information would
ultimately be used to inform policy makers, when deciding on the most
effective option for the control of NO2 levels in the area.
An analysis of the impact of
the industrial emission
directive (2010/75/EU) on
atmospheric emission in
Malta.
The EU issued Directive 2010/75/EU in November 2010, replacing the
former IPPC Directive which was issued in 1996 and recoded (as Directive
2008/1/EC) in 2008. In some cases the Industrial Emissions Directive has
tightened the limit values for the discharge of waste
gases to the atmosphere (for example for large combustion plants) and
should be in force in Malta by 2020. This project will attempt to estimate
the total emissions to the atmosphere from Malta’s 15 IPPC
sites as a result of the implementation of this Directive and compare them
to the total emissions resulting from the implementation of the legislation
currently in force.
A study of the relationship
between deposited dust and
airborne dust levels.
Residents living close to quarries often have to bear the brunt of the
deposition of dust onto their roofs, terraces etc. A number of methods can be
used in order to measure the dust deposition rate in mg.m-2.day-1 such as BS
1747, VDI 2119, the Frisbee dust deposit gauge
or the sticky pad method. However methods used to measure the deposit
rate seldom yield reproducible results, even by collocated samplers of the
same type, making dust deposition rate very difficult to regulate.
This study will try whether or not it is possible to establish a relationship
between airborne dust levels (measured using gravimetrically) and dust
deposition levels in order to attempt to establish objective criteria for
determining the onset of nuisance.
A study on ambient
levels of black carbon
(BC)
BC is formed by the incomplete combustion of organic compounds (including
fossil fuels), BC is both a climate forcer and a human health concern. Malta
has recently acquired 2 BC analysers which are sited in Msida and in Għarb
(Gozo). The aim of this project will be to look for possible correlations
between BC other pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate
PM. In addition this project should also investigate the potential for the use
of BC as an indicator of (harmful) anthropogenic particulate emissions.