This is how you create the world of tomorrow!

You may have noticed that the Netherlands has experienced several drought crises during the summers of 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022. These periods of severe drought have led to significant drops in groundwater levels, which has caused major problems within sectors such as drinking water extraction, agriculture, and ecosystems. Due to future climate change, the chance of these dry periods will only increase in the future. Effective drought risk management is crucial to limit the consequences of a drought crisis. Using different management strategies (landscape redesign, additional water storage, etc.) decision-makers are able to proactively address drought vulnerabilities within different sectors. To make the right choices during this process, it is important to know which areas are most vulnerable now and in the future.

The research will mainly focus on assessing the spatial variation of drought risks. This will be done in two steps:

1. Development of a method for evaluating the risk of (groundwater) drought.
2. Applying this method to assess the risks of drought under future climate change scenarios for a pilot area on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is known for its abundant clear and clean water supply. Rainwater infiltrates the sandy soils on top of the Heuvelrug and emerges as seepage water on the lower slopes. The aim of the municipality is to create a robust and future-proof water system that provides sufficient water of the right quality for all water functions, with minimal flooding. This system should promote biodiversity, ensure a reliable water supply for drinking water and industrial applications, and be used responsibly. Mapping the spatial variation in drought risks is crucial for choosing the right management strategies to achieve this objective.

That's how we see you

You are driven to put into practice the knowledge about groundwater (modeling) you have acquired during your studies. If you commit to something, you go for it 100%. And if you don't know how? Then you just approach one of the colleagues and ask for help. In addition, you recognize yourself in the following:

• Passion and research interest in geohydrology.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Thorough knowledge of the theme of groundwater modeling

Does this sound like your future?

Would you like to participate in this research internship? Then you will be part of a consortium between TU Delft, WSP, and HDSR for your research internship. Then simply respond by sharing your CV and short motivation via the apply button! Or do you know someone for whom this research internship is perfect? Then tip him or her. You make them and us very happy.

Do you have a question?

If you have any questions you’d like us to answer or are interested in this Master thesis opportunity please contact Amir Dehghanipour via <amir.dehghanipour@wsp.com>.