معرفی
Adam Johnston is an Honorary Research Associate in the Department of Geography at the University of Manchester, specializing in Natural Flood Management (NFM) within peatland ecosystems. His work integrates hydrological monitoring, hydraulic modeling, and geospatial analysis to evaluate flood risk reduction strategies in upland headwater catchments, with significant contributions to practitioner guidance through NERC-funded projects.
His academic credentials include:
- MSc in Geographical Information Systems from the University of Leeds (2017-2018, Pass with Distinction)
- BSc in Geography from the University of Manchester (2014-2017, First Class)
Johnston's research centers on optimizing peatland restoration for flood attenuation, particularly through gully block design and scallop bund evaluation. He investigates species-specific hydrological responses of Sphagnum moss to drought, combining field measurements with geospatial methods to advance understanding of peatland hydrology and carbon dynamics. His expertise bridges environmental science and practical flood management solutions.
Recent publications reveal a concentrated focus on peatland hydrology under climate stress, with recurring themes in Sphagnum resilience, heavy metal contamination risks, and catchment-scale NFM modeling. Key patterns include the quantification of drought thresholds for ecosystem recovery and the development of spatial tools for intervention mapping in degraded peatlands.
He actively contributes to major research initiatives including the NERC-funded Protect NFM project (synthesizing empirical findings for practitioner tools), the Peat-Metal project (addressing heavy metal release from disturbed peatlands), and the National Trust's Nature for Climate program at Holcombe Moor. These collaborations involve substantial grant funding from UK research councils and conservation organizations.
As a member of the Manchester Environmental Research Institute, Johnston participates in interdisciplinary teams advancing SDG-aligned research on climate resilience and ecosystem restoration, with particular emphasis on Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 15 (Life on Land).
