Sediment trapped behind dams reduces reservoir capacity, leading to the loss of hydropower production and depriving downstream reaches of sediment essential to support diversified aquatic communities. Increase of rainfall erosivity and on glacier melt induced by climate change will enhance sediment flow to reservoirs, threatening sustainability of alpine reservoir.Sediment release operations, performed to regain reservoir storage capacity, entail the release of large amounts of fines to the downstream channel with detrimental effects for aquatic life. The research study will consider as case studies some hydropower reservoirs South Tyrol, for which an active collaboration with Alperia (a society active in hydropower production). The research activity will be both theoretical and experimental, aiming to:- calculating soil erosion and stream sediment transport yields at the catchment scale;- applying Cutting-edge 2D/3D CFD models of sediment transport in the feeding stream and through the reservoir, along with habitat modeling and biological monitoring surveys- evaluating best soil conservation practices and sediment management that reduce both the storage capacity loss and related environmental impacts, with clear environmental and economic benefits. - The project will propose new strategies of integrated sediment management, to realize the sustainable utilization of water resources and ecological environment protection, and achieve harmony between humans and nature.

The main skills required are the willingness to be part of the working team, working together towards a common goal, by taking responsibility for their own work, creating a relaxed environment but pursuing clear research aims. The candidate should be curious, proactive and willing to learn. For what concerns technical skills, the candidate should have the basics of hydraulics and sediment transport, programming (Fortran/Matlab) or the use of at least 2D hydraulic modelling software (Basement, Flow-2D, etc.). He/she should show willingness to perform field measurements that will mainly concern flow rates, turbidity, substrate sampling and as support to interaction with local authorities.

The PhD candidate will work at the Free University of Bozen, Fac. of Engineering. The research team he will join consists of young researchers expert in Fluid mechanics, CFD, Hydropower, ecosystems and sediment transport. The team is supported by a laboratory equipped with advanced research instruments both for the laboratory and in field measurements. The contact person for this research topic usually co-operates with local hydropower companies and provincial authorities in order to jointly develop monitoring activities in some reference reservoirs and rivers, creating a dialogue between the them, regarding sustainable management of reservoirs and related economical and ecological issues.