Plant processes and anthropogenic climate change Supervisors: Emily Black (Meteorology), Anne Verhoef (Geography and Environmental Science), Eleanor Blyth (Centre for Ecology and Hydrology) and Martin Best (Met Office) The process of photosynthesis is crucial to the functioning and survival of vegetation on our Planet. Plants take up atmospheric CO2 through small openings in their leaves (stomata) for photosynthesis, but at the same time they lose water through these stomata (the process of transpiration, an unavoidable trade-­‐off). The level of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere determines the degree of stomatal opening and hence transpiration rate. Specifically, if CO2 levels increase, fewer stomata open and the rate of transpiration decreases. In the future, under anthropogenic climate change, the higher mean and maximum temperatures projected for many regions, combined with changes in the variability of precipitation, will worsen the water stress that plants suffer -­‐ potentially reducing photosynthesis and growth. On the other hand, higher concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere will reduce stomatal opening and hence increase plants’ resilience to water stress. Simulating the net impact of these competing effects is a tough challenge for our current land-­‐surface models. As well as determining plants’ response to water stress, transpiration is a crucial component of the water cycle – and hence of regional climate. Inaccurate simulation of transpiration may therefore increase the uncertainties in projections of regional climate change. This project aims to quantify and reduce these uncertainties in the Hadley Centre models. Although the results will have global implications, the project will focus on contrasting case study regions in West Africa and Europe. A schematic diagram, showing plant processes under increased atmospheric concentrations of CO2 From Knohl and Veldkamp (2011) Nature This project would offer a unique opportunity for a student to gain research skills and knowledge in land surface modelling, the manipulation of large datasets, climate change and plant physiology. He/She would contribute to model development at both the Met Office and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Student profile This project would be suitable for students with a degree in mathematics, physics or a closely related physical or environmental science. It would particularly suit a student with demonstrable interest in plant physiology/biological sciences. Computer programming experience would be advantageous, but not essential.