Thesis on eddy covariance with wavelets

• Location

The thesis will take place for three years at the UMR Silva on the campus of INRAE near Nancy (54280 Champenoux) from autumn 2025 onwards, with frequent visits to UMR Ecosys in Paris-Saclay

• Mission

We propose a PhD project to investigate key assumptions in eddy covariance measurements, focusing on ensuring that observed signals represent ecosystem fluxes. The project will translate tests into the timefrequency domain and address three core questions:
1. Is a spectral gap consistently observed on tall forest towers? Detecting the spectral gap will validate the universality of the Destouet et al. (2024) approach for identifying turbulent regions.
2. Can individual eddies reliably partition fluxes directly from 20-Hz data? Using LES simulations and machine learning at ICOS sites, this will test and strengthen the methodology of Coimbra et al. (2023).
3. Can high time-resolution fluxes be provided across all European ICOS sites? Successful application across ICOS sites will position this method as a robust alternative to existing products, enabling new research possibilities.

This project combines turbulence analysis, modeling, and machine learning to advance ecosystem flux research.

• Skills

We are seeking a motivated candidate who is eager to work in an interdisciplinary setting at the intersection of signal processing, fluid mechanics, and ecophysiology. They should have strong computer skills, an aptitude for mathematics, have interest in research related to climate change, and an affinity to work with international partners.

• Application

To apply, please send a cover letter, a CV, the transcript of grades of the master (or of the 3 years of engineering school), a contact information of an academic reference, as well as a résumé (300 words) of the master topic (or of the end-of-study internship) to:
Matthias Cuntz – matthias.cuntz@inrae.fr
Pedro Coimbra – pedro-henrique.herig-coimbra@inrae.fr