MR MARTYN ROBERTS

Biography

Academic history

2020 - present: PhD degree Geoscienses, University of Aberdeen, UK. Thesis title: 'The role of place and scale on effectiveness of temporary storage areas for surface runoff attenuation'. 

2016 - 2019: BSc Hons Geography, University of Chester, UK.

Research Overview

• Natural Flood Management / Nature Based Solutions.
• Catchment hydrology.
• Land management.
• The impact of soil structure on catchment hydrology. 

Current Research

Flood risk management in the UK and EU is currently undergoing a paradigm shift, with a change in emphasis towards Nature-Based Solutions. A measure being used in a variety of landscapes is a temporary storage area (TSA), designed to attenuate storm surface runoff. 

My research aims to understand the functioning of TSAs regarding scale and place. This will include determining the function of TSAs across various soil, physical and land management conditions and under various states of wetness. The research will explore the role of soil management on soil hydraulic conductivity and how that impacts surface runoff generation and drainage functioning of TSAs. The project aims to provide a decision support framework for policy and practitioners that will communicate the functioning of TSAs in different scenarios. Ultimately, the research will contribute to more effective targeting and management of TSAs. The research is funded by the Scottish Funding Council, through the Hydro Nations scholars programme. The project is also in collaboration with The James Hutton Institute.