Propuesta de tesis doctoral en ecosistemas hidrotermales

Functioning and dynamics of hydrothermal ecosystems in the deep‐sea: towards the elaboration of a first model.

Thesis director and scientific advisor: Jozée Sarrazin & Pierre‐Marie Sarradin Laboratoire Environnement Profond, EEP/REM
Centre Ifremer de Brest

This research project aim at studying the functioning and temporal dynamics of the fauna associated with hydrothermal emissions in relation with the natural changes of environmental factors using an innovative approach. It aims at elaborating a first model of the functioning of a hydrothermal ecosystem located on the Lucky Strike vent field fed by the numerous biological, physical and chemical data collected since 1994 in the area as well as those that are currently gathered since 2010 by the TEMPO observation module and the MoMAR observatory.

The different compartments of the model will bring together data (i) on the structure (composition, density, diversity, microbial cover) of dominant faunal assemblages, (ii) on the trophic network, based on chemosynthesis and, (iii) on the environmental gradient found on the Tour Eiffel edifice. The model will be enriched with the data on species interactions as well as those on recruitment and colonisation processes issued from the long term observatory and in situ experiments. It will also integrate data gathered in parallel by researchers from other disciplines (geophysics, geochemistry, physic) on the same area. Eventually, it will be used to evaluate the influence of « large scale » abiotic factors (earthquakes, fluid chemistry, currents) on the dynamics of faunal communities.

The constructed model will be enriched by the data acquired on other hydrothermal ecosystems such as those from the Endeavour segment in the Pacific Ocean that are being monitored with the Neptune Canada observatory. This model will be the first of its kind for the hydrothermal ecosystem. Such a tool is necessary to answer the questions that are raised for the management, conservation and protection of deep‐sea ecosystems that are threatened by human activities such as the exploitation of strategic minerals (polymetallic sulfides).

Key‐words: Functional model, ecological data analysis, hydrothermal vents, ecosystems, temporal dynamics, deep‐sea environment, biotic and abiotic factors, temporal, deep sea observatories, biodiversity.

Background/Experience
Master in ecological modelling, marine biology
Strong ecological background
Data analyses (modelling, numerical ecology, temporal variations,) Skills in R language.

To apply (before May 15) follow the link.