Rewetting drained wetlands is a key strategy for ecosystem restoration and climate change mitigation. By raising water levels, rewetting can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance carbon sequestration, and improve biodiversity. It also plays an important role in water regulation, including groundwater recharge and water quality improvement.

However, the outcomes of rewetting strongly depend on site-specific hydrogeological conditions and the interactions between surface water and groundwater. These processes also influence the transport and transformation of natural organic matter (NOM), which is relevant for downstream water quality, including drinking water resources. A better understanding of these hydrogeological dynamics is therefore essential for designing effective rewetting strategies that maximize environmental benefits while minimizing unintended impacts.

Therefore, we are looking for one or two students interested in hydrogeological modelling of a rewetted peatland, using hydrological and geophysical data. The project focuses on the newly established testbed Plönninge (near Halmstad), where a model of the area should be built and - if possible - some first rewetting scenarios tested.

The planned tasks are:

Collect and compile hydrological, hydrogeological, and geophysical data of the testbed area
Build a hydrogeological model of the site
Interpret the results
If time allows, test different scenarios (e.g. climate-related changes)

You are very welcome to bring in your own ideas related to the topic. There will also be some occasional field trips to the site.

The thesis will be carried out in the Division of Engineering Geology (LTH), in collaboration with Sydvatten’s Bolmen research station in Unnaryd.

If you are interested, please contact:

Tina Martin, Engineering Geology, email: tina.martin@tg.lth.se

Download the pdf here.