Predicting Hydrological Losses in Ungauged Catchments: Utilising Advances in Data Collection, Modelling, and Analysis from Gauged Catchments

About this project

Improve flood management systems

If you are keen to start your career in machine learning and data analytics and passionate about the environment and improving flood management systems, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management (SIRM), in partnership with  the Department for Environment and Water, Stormwater Management Authority, State Emergency Services and the Attorney-General’s Department of South Australia.

Hydrological loss estimation plays a vital role in flood risk management, water resource planning, and environmental conservation. In gauged catchments, where streamflow and other hydrological parameters can be directly measured, advanced modelling techniques have significantly improved the accuracy of loss estimations. 

However, a major challenge remains because a large portion of the world’s catchments—especially in regions like South Australia—are ungauged. The diverse climates and landscapes in these areas add further complexity to estimating hydrological losses. 

Our project addresses the critical challenge of estimating hydrological losses in South Australia's ungauged catchments, which are highly susceptible to flash floods. By using advanced, previously untapped data, our project aims to provide valuable insights so that we can accurately quantify these losses, ultimately improving flood management in the region.

We will achieve this by using advanced Remote Sensing technologies (e.g., LiDAR, aerial and satellite imagery processing) and GIS-based analytics to extract vital spatio-temporal catchment characteristics which are essential for loss estimation in ungauged areas. 

We want to explore how machine learning algorithms can be applied to predict hydrological responses in ungauged catchments by using data from similar gauged catchments, thereby improving the accuracy of loss estimations. 

Ultimately, we aim to develop a robust framework for accurately estimating hydrological losses in ungauged catchments. This framework will be particularly valuable for regions like South Australia, where data scarcity often impedes effective flood risk management and planning.

You will join the collegial SIRM research concentration and work closely with other HDR students involved in a broader project called “Improved Flood Estimation for Risk Mitigation in SA”. You will also engage and collaborate with our end users and members of the project’s Management Advisory Group and Technical Advisory Group.

This combination of hands-on experience, and networking and collaborating with academia and industry will position you well in the job market. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will visit sites across South Australia to collect spatial data using a SLAM backpack device. You will also undertake desktop research, such as imagery processing, data analysis with GIS analytics, and hydrologic modelling. 

Regular communication with end users (both government and non-government organisations), who will provide access to their spatial databases, is essential. You will be expected to present your findings to stakeholders regularly, so you should be prepared to travel within South Australia. 

There are also opportunities for you to travel interstate for training sessions or conferences. This will improve your communication and networking skills. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based in SIRM. Our future depends on the increased application of sustainable infrastructure and responsible use of our natural resources. SIRM facilitates this goal by conducting research in three main streams:  natural resources and environmental resilience, innovative infrastructure and asset management and smart communities. 

The construction industry is an essential part of our lives, but it is one of the highest contributors to climate emissions.  SIRM is committed to meaningful research that can help re-shape this industry into a leader in sustainable practices. SIRM also works directly with the resource sector, particularly water and forestry, to inspire innovative management. 

SIRM brings together diverse research expertise to address significant challenges for industries and the society at the interface of the natural and the built environments at both the macro and micro level to sustainably manage natural and built environments by applying innovative and efficient resource use.

We build resilient ecological and human systems through active engagement of diverse stakeholders and implement circular economy principles (rethink, reduce, re-use, and recycle) and innovative technologies for construction and other built environment sectors. We also promote smart resource recovery and the design and construction of efficient net-zero buildings and support liveable cities and regional communities, tourism and agri-food production. Financial Support

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum (2025 rate) is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information.
 
Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. 

Additionally applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Prior involvement in hydrology research or postgraduate studies in a relevant field
• Ability to work proficiently with spatial data, including the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for hydrological modelling and analysis
• Expertise in hydrological modelling techniques, particularly in the context of rainfall-runoff modelling
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R or C++ to implement and optimise modelling and analysis algorithms, facilitating advanced data processing and interpretation
• Experience in statistical analysis and data interpretation to extract meaningful insights from large datasets, contributing to robust hydrological analysis
• Effective communication skills to articulate research findings and collaborate with stakeholders

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our Mawson Lakes campus in the north of Adelaide.

Essential Dates

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Tuesday 21 January 2025.