Emma Shuttleworth

BSc Geography – University of Liverpool (2.1).

MSc Environment and Climate Change – University of Liverpool (Distinction).

Sediment and pollutant dynamics in degraded peatlands using geochemical and geophysical tracers.

Supervisors: Martin Evans and James Rothwell.

Sediment dynamics, upland geomorphology, environmental magnetism, geochemistry, erosion, developing methodologies upland restoration, climate change, geoarchaeology.

Globally, peatlands support a variety of ecosystem services making them an important economic, scientific and recreational resource. However, upland environments face threats from pressures such as climate change, pollution, poor management and anthropogenic disturbance and much of the UK’s blanket peat is significantly degraded and actively eroding. The blanket peats of the Peak District embody many problems and pressures faced by peatlands, providing insight into erosion dynamics which may prove analogous for the future trajectories of other similar systems if global change drives more widespread physical instability. As such the research carried out in the area is of great value, offering a unique focus of national and international relevance.

The primary aim of this study is to investigate sediment dynamics at various scales across the Bleaklow area of the Peak District. This will be realised through a series of sub-projects. The main objectives are as follows:

• Trace the provenance of sediment entering the fluvial system by applying fingerprinting methods, which are widely used in minerogenic catchments, to an organic system. This will allow me to establish the relationship between potential sediment sources and the nature of sediment entering the system.
• Study small scale sediment storage and movement across interfluves and gully walls and floors.
• Investigate sediment transported at different flow depths to look for evidence of changing provenance during and between storm events.
• Determine the effect of different land surface conditions on sediment quality and flux.

 

Conference Papers

Shuttleworth, E. L., Rothwell, J. J., Evans, M. G. (2011) Impacts of erosion and restoration on sediment flux and pollutant mobilisation in the peatlands of the Peak District National Park. Moors for the Future Partnership Moorland Research Seminar. Huddersfield, March 2011.

Conference Posters

Shuttleworth, E. L., Rothwell, J. J., Evans, M. G. (2010) Impacts of wildfire, erosion and restoration on sediment flux and pollutant mobilisation in the peatlands of the Peak District National Park. BSG 50th Anniversary Conference. London, August 2010.

Shuttleworth, E. L., Rothwell, J. J., Evans, M. G. (2010) Assessing the impacts of differing surface conditions on sediment flux and pollutant mobilisation in the peatlands of the Peak District National Park IUCN Peatland Conference. Durham, September 2010.

Funding

2009 – 2012    Graduate Teaching Assistant teaching bursary, SED University of Manchester.
2010 – 2011    Moorland Research Grant, Moors for the Future Partnership and Yorkshire Peat Partnership.

Membership of academic and professional bodies

British Society for Geomorphology – Postgraduate Committee member.

British Hydrological Society.