Julia Kelly

About my research

My PhD is exploring new ways to model the movement of carbon (i.e. carbon flux) in and out of boreal peatlands. Peatlands currently store large amounts of carbon. But the warmer and dryer conditions caused by climate change may lead peatlands to start emitting more and more of this stored carbon.

The models I am using describe the relationship between temperature and carbon dioxide emissions from the vegetation and soils in peatlands. I am testing whether data from thermal cameras (cameras that take images of temperature) can be used to improve these models.

Thermal cameras can be mounted on drones to make maps of peatland temperature. By combining these maps with our measurements of carbon emissions, we can analyse the relationship between temperature and carbon dioxide emissions in more detail. This will also help us understand how much error is introduced into our carbon flux estimates when we model them using satellite temperature data, which covers large areas but in low detail. 

I started my PhD at the Geography Department at Swansea University (UK) and moved with my supervisor to CEC during my second year. My project involves close collaboration with colleagues from Gothenburg University and the Swedish Agricultural University. The data for my work come from research stations that are part of SITES (Swedish Infrastructure for Ecosystem Science) and ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System).

About me

I have a background in physical geography, with specific research interests including ecosystem carbon fluxes, remote sensing, disturbance effects (fire, drought) and dendrochronology. I did my MSc in Physical Geography and Ecosystem Analysis at Lund University and my BA Geography at the University of Cambridge. Previously I worked for UNEP-WCMC (United Nations Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre) in the Conventions and Policy Support team.