“Dust effects and vegetation influence on climate: from the past to the future” is the theme of the doctoral thesis for which the University is offering a scholarship. The laureate will have to carry out his work at the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences of the university. Similarly, the offer will give rise to collaboration between the student and the Geotop Research Centre on Earth System Dynamics. The project, according to the announcement made on the site of the website of the institution, “focuses on variations in the dynamics of the West African monsoon and conditions that favoured the development of lush vegetation 12,000 to 5,000 years ago in the Saharan region, now occupied by a hyper-arid desert. The project aims to lay the foundations for a better understanding of the changing intensity of the African monsoon and its impact on society. To achieve this, the researcher will conduct climate modelling experiments, compile and integrate paleo-climatic data covering the coastal regions of western North Africa to assess the effects of atmospheric dust and vegetation cover on climate at local and global scales.
Training will begin in the fall 2018 or winter 2019 and will last three years. The deadline for applications is July 1, 2018. Candidates should send their applications (CV, covering letter and transcript) to Prof. Francesco S.R. Pausata, pausata.francesco@uqam.ca. The winner will receive a financial support of $20,000 each year, for a total of $60,000 for the duration of his or her training. A bonanza for African researchers…
Luchelle Feukeng