Dr. Simone Pilia
Assistant Professor, Department of Geosciences
My research focuses on observational seismology. I specialize in extracting information from seismic records in order to understand local and lithospheric structure. I use active and passive seismic tomography coupled with cutting-edge inversion methods, and have enough knowledge of tectonic processes to get me into trouble during interpretation of seismic images. I possess a vast and inter-disciplinary core skill-set, ranging from extensive experience in configuring and deploying seismic networks, deep grasp of how to process/model seismic data, sharp understanding of tectonic processes and ability to run and draw inferences from geodynamic simulations.
I graduated with a PhD from the Research School of Earth Sciences (ANU) in 2014, after which I moved to the Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi to work on a collaborative project with the University of Oxford. I then held a prestigious, independent Marie Curie fellowship at the University of Cambridge, which followed an equally prestigious NERC independent fellowship. After four years at the University of Cambridge, I moved to the University of Milano-Bicocca in 2021, and finally joined KFUPM in early 2023.
Educational Qualification
- Ph.D., Earth Physics – Australian National University (Australia), 2014
- M.S., Exploration Geophysics – University of Pisa (Italy), 2009
- B.S., Earth Sciences – University of Cagliari (Italy), 2006
Research Interests
- Active and passive seismic tomography
- Structural and dynamic evolution of the Earth
- Geodynamic simulations of lithospheric instabilities
Selected Publications
- Pilia S. et al. (2023) Post-subduction tectonics induced by extension from a lithospheric drip. Nature Geoscience. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01201-7
- Volk O., White R. S., Pilia S., Green R. G., Maclennan J., Rawlinson N. (2021) Oceanic crustal flow in Iceland observed using seismic anisotropy. Nature Geoscience. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-021-00702-7
- Ali M. Y., Watts A. B., Searle M. P., Keats B. S., Pilia S. and Ambrose T. (2020) Geophysical imaging of ophiolite structure in the United Arab Emirates. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-16521-0
- Pilia S., Jackson J., Hawkins R., Kaviani A. and Ali M. Y. (2020) The southern Zagros collisional orogen: new insights from transdimensional-trees inversion of seismic noise. Geophysical Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL086258
- Pilia S., Rawlinson N., Cayley R. A., Bodin T., Musgrave R., Reading A. M., Direen N. G., and Young M. K. (2015) Evidence of micro-continent entrainment during crustal accretion, Scientific Reports – Nature. doi:10.1038/srep08218
Extended Publications (+)
- Pilia S., Rawlinson N., Hall R., Cornwell D.G., Gilligan A. and Tongkul F. (2023) Seismic signature of subduction termination from teleseismic P-and S-wave arrival-time tomography: The case of northern Borneo. Gondwana Research https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2022.11.014
- Ismaiel M., Ali M.Y., Pilia S., Watts A.B., Searle M.P. (2023) Moho topography and crustal properties in the UAE and northern Oman mountain belt from teleseismic receiver functions. Geophysical Journal International https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggad034
- Linang H.T., Pilia S., Rawlinson N., Bacon C.A., Gilligan A., Cornwell D.G. and Tongkul F. (2022) Collision‐induced subduction polarity reversal explains the crustal structure of northern Borneo: New results from Virtual Deep Seismic Sounding (VDSS). Geophysical Research Letters https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL099123
- Bacon C., Rawlinson N., Pilia S., Gilligan A., Wehner D., Cornwell D. and Tongkul F. (2022) The signature of lithospheric anisotropy at post-subduction continental margins: new insight from XKS splitting analysis in northern Borneo. Geoph. Geosys. https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GC010564
- Geng M., Ali M.Y., Derek F., Pilia S., Bouzidi Y., Barkat B. (2022) Hormuz salt distribution in the United Arab Emirates: Implications for the location of hydrocarbon fields. Marine and Petroleum Geology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2022.105797
- Geng M., Ali M.Y., Derek F., Pilia S., Bouzidi Y., Barkat B. (2022) Crustal structure of the United Arab Emirates and northern Oman Mountains from constrained 3D inversion of gravity and magnetic data: the Moho and basement surfaces. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2022.105223
- Greenfield T., Gilligan A., Pilia S., Cornwell D., Tongkul F., Widiyantoro S., Rawlinson N. (2022) Post-subduction tectonics of Sabah, northern Borneo, inferred from surface wave tomography. Geophysical Research Letters.
- Pilia S., Kaviani A., Searle M., Arroucau P., Ali M. Y. and Watts A. B. (2021) Crustal and mantle deformation inherited from obduction of the Semail ophiolite (Oman) and continental collision (Zagros). Tectonics. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020TC006644
- Pilia S., Ali M. Y., Searle M. P., Watts A. B., Lu C and Thompson D. (2021) Crustal structure of the UAE-Oman mountain range and Arabian rifted passive margin: new constraints from active and passive seismic methods. Journal of Geophysical Research. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JB021374
- Núñez, D., Acosta-Hernández, J.A., Escalona-Alcázar F., Pilia S., Núñez-Cornú, Javier F. and Córdoba D. (2021) The Extended Continental Crust West of Islas Marías (Mexico). Frontiers in Earth Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2021.666272
- Kaviani A., Mahmoodabadi M., Rümpker G., Pilia S., Nilfouroushan F., Moradi A., Tatar M. and Ali M. (2021) Mantle-flow diversion beneath the Iranian plateau induced by Zagros’ lithospheric keel. Scientific Reports – Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-81541-9
- Pilia S., Hu H., Ali M. , Rawlinson N. and Ruan A. (2020) Upper mantle structure of the northeastern Arabian Platform from teleseismic body wave tomography. Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interior. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pepi.2020.106549.
- Kaviani A., Paul A., Moradi A., Mai P. M, Pilia S., Boschi L., Rümpker G., Lu Y., Tang Z. and Sandvol E. (2020) Crustal and uppermost mantle shear-wave velocity structure beneath the Middle East from surface-wave tomography. Geophysical Journal International. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggaa075.
- Pilia S., Rawlinson N., Gillighan E. and Tongkul F. (2019) Deciphering the fate of plunging tectonic plates in Borneo, Eos,https://doi.org/10.1029/2019EO123475.
- Crowder E., Rawlinson N., Pilia S., G. Cornwell and Reading A. (2019) Transdimensional ambient noise tomography of Bass Strait reveals the sedimentary basin and deep crustal structure beneath a failed continental rift. Geophysical Journal International. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggz057.
- Rawlinson N., Davies D.R. and Pilia S. (2017) The mechanisms underpinning Cenozoic intraplate volcanism in eastern Australia: Insights from seismic tomography and geodynamic modeling. Geophysical Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1002/2017GL074911
- Pilia S., Arroucau P., Rawlinson N., Reading A. M. and Cayley R. A. (2016) Inherited crustal deformation along the East Gondwana margin revealed by seismic anisotropy tomography, Geophysical Research Letters. doi: 1002/2016GL071201
- Rawlinson N., Pilia S., Young M., Salmon M. and Yang Y. (2016) Crust and upper mantle structure beneath southeast Australia from ambient noise and teleseismic tomography, Tectonophysics. doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2015.11.034.
- Pilia S., Ali M. Y., Watts A. B. and Searle M. P. (2015) UAE-Oman mountains give clues to oceanic crust and mantle rocks, doi:10.1029/2015EO040937
- Balfour N., Cummins P., Pilia S. and Love D. (2015) Localization of Intraplate Deformation through Fluid-assisted Faulting in the Lower-Crust: The Flinders Ranges, South Australia, Tectonophysics. doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2015.05.014
- Pilia S., Rawlinson N., Direen N., Reading A., Cayley R., Pryer L., Arroucau P., Duffett M. (2014) Linking mainland Australia and Tasmania using ambient noise tomography: implications for the tectonic evolution of the eastern Gondwana margin, Gondwana Research. doi:10.1016/j.gr.2014.09.014.
- Pilia S., Rawlinson N., Direen N., Cummins P. and Balfour N. (2013) Structural controls on localized intraplate deformation and seismicity in southern Australia: insights from local earthquake tomography of the Flinders Ranges, Journal of Geophysical Research. doi: 10.1002/jgrb.50168.
Awards & Honors
- 2018 – Marie Curie Independent fellowship (Among most competitive and prestigious European awards to support most promising scientists. Awarded for outstanding track record and high-impact research plans (€200k)
- 2017 – NERC Independent fellowship (Award for most talented national and international researchers to undertake new innovation- and industry-oriented research (£430k)
- 2012 – Best PhD project from Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia (PESA)
- 2011 – Best young geophysicist in Australia from Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)
- 2010 – International student PhD scholarship from Australian National University
Tel:
+966 (013) 860-1661
Fax:
+966 (013) 860-2595
Email:
allehyani@kfupm.edu.sa
Location:
Bldg. 76, Rm. 1133
Ayman Al-Lehyani
Lecturer, Department of Geosciences
Currently employed as a Lecturer at CPG and been in post for over 7 years. In 2002 Ayman received his BS in geophysics from the Geosciences Department then on completion of his Degree, he returned to the Department as a lecturer in 2010. His career path then took him to Schlumberger where he worked for 7 years, during which time he also secured his Master of Science Degree in Geophysics from KFUPM.
Educational Qualification
- M.S., Geophysics, KFUPM, KSA, 2008
- B.S., Geophysics, KFUPM, KSA, 2002
Research Interests
- Near-Surface Geophysics
- Seismic Data Processing
Selected Publications
- Abdullatif A. Al-Shuhail, Abdullah A. Alshuhail, Yehia A. Khulief, Oluseun A. Sanuade1, Ayman F. Al-Lehyani, Septriandi A. Chan, Abdul Latif Ashadi, Mohammed Zia Ullah Khan, Sikandar Khan, Adnan M. Almubarak, Salem G. Al-Juhani And Syed Abdul Salam. “Digital viscoelastic seismic models and data sets of central saudi arabia in the presence of near-surface karst features.” Journal of Seismic Exploration 29.1 (2020): 15-28.
- Greenhalgh, S., Al-Lehyani, A., Schmelzbach, C., & Sollberger, D. “Single Station Triaxial Seismic Event Detection, Direction Finding and Polarization Analysis.” SPE Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference. Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2019.
- Al-Shuhail, Abdullatif A., et al. “KFUPM Ghawar digital viscoelastic seismic model.” Arabian Journal of Geosciences 12.7 (2019): 245.
- Al-Lehyani, Ayman Fazea, and Abdullatif Abdulrahman Al-Shuhail. “Mapping and attenuation of surface waves side scattered by near-surface diffractors.” Arabian Journal of Geosciences 7.2 (2014): 757-771.
- Mousa, Wail A., Abdullatif A. Al-Shuhail, and Ayman Al-Lehyani. “A new technique for first-arrival picking of refracted seismic data based on digital image segmentation.” Geophysics 76.5 (2011): V79-V89.
Tel:
+966 (013) 860-3184
Fax:
+966 (013) 860-2595
Email:
mutasimsami@kfupm.edu.sa
Location:
Bldg. 76, Rm. 1133
Mutasim Sami Osman
Lecturer, Department of Geosciences
From Sept. 2015 till the present day, Mutasim has been lecturing on Geosciences at CPG, KFUPM. teaching Principles of Geology Lab and Structural Geology Course as well as participating in the Field Geology Course. Between Jun. 2014-15 he was a Research Assistant and had participated in several projects in sedimentology, stratigraphy and digital modeling, geological field investigation, stratigraphic concepts, core description, porosity, and permeability measurements, SEM, XRD analysis and “acquisition, processing, and interpretation of LiDAR data”.
Educational Qualification
- M.Sc., Geology, KFUPM, KSA, 2014.
- Diploma, Computer Applications, Aldanga, Sudan. 2010.
- B.S. (Hons.), Petroleum Geology, University of Khartoum, Sudan, 2009.
Research Interests
Although all Earth Sciences related research are capturing my interest, some are more closely to my heart those are, in random order:
Sedimentology, Structural Geology and Geomechanics, Digital Outcrop Modelling and GIS Applications in Geology.
Selected Publications
- M.S. Osman and J. Cline, 2020: Advances in the Digital Outcrop Modeling Software and Workflow: Examples and Lessons from Outcrops: Saudi Arabia. Conference Proceedings, First EAGE Digitalization Conference and Exhibition, Nov 2020, Volume 2020, p.1 – 5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202032093.
- Osman, M., and O. Abdullatif. “Reservoir Heterogeneity and Quality of the Lower to Middle Paleozoic Formations; Outcrop Analogue, Saudi Arabia” 81st EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2019 (2019), Extended Abstract (DOI: 10.3997/2214-4609.201901467).
- O.M. Abdullatif, M.S. Osman, M.A. Yassin, 2019: Digital Outcrop Analog Reservoir Model of the Miocene Turbidite Sandstones, Midyan Area, Red Sea Region, Saudi Arabia. SPE -195002-MS.
- Mohamed A. Yassin, Osman M. Abdullatif, Mohammad H. Makkawi, Ibrahim M. Yousif, and Mutasim S. Osman, 2019: Characterization and Modeling of the Geo-Body Geometries and the Reservoir Properties: An Outcrop Analog Study of Jurassic Carbonate Reservoirs in Central Saudi Arabia. SPE-194697-MS.
- Mutasim Osman, Osman Abdullatif, Mazin Bashri and Jarrah Babikr, 2018: Geological Outcrop Modeling of the Minjur and Marrat Formations, Integration of Sedimentology and Lidar Data, central Saudi Arabia. Chapter 8 In book: Lower Triassic to Middle Jurassic Sequence of the Arabian Plate Publisher: EAGE.
- Osman M., Abdullatif O. and Alfarhan M., 2017: Workflow of Integration of Digital Outcrop Modeling and Sedimentology of the Early Triassic Upper Khartam Member of Khuff Formation, Central Saudi Arabia. Arab J Geosci 10:297.
- Hassan A. Eltom, Osman M. Abdullatif, Lameed O. Babalola, Mazin A. Bashari, Mohamed Yassin, Mutasim S. Osman, Asaad M. Abdulraziq, 2017: Integration of facies architecture, ooid granulometry and morphology for prediction of reservoir quality, Lower Triassic Khuff Formation, Saudi Arabia. Petroleum Geoscience, doi:10.1144/petgeo2015-071.
- Eltom, H.A., Abdullatif, O.M., Babalola, L.O., Bashari, M.A., Yassin, M., Osman, M.S., Abdulraziq, A.M., 2016: Geochemical characterization of the permian-triassic transition at outcrop, central Saudi Arabia. Journal of Petroleum Geology, V. 39 (1), P. 95-113
Khalid Ahmed Abdulrahman
Lecturer, Department of Geosciences
Khalid started his career in 2008 as a computer operating system specialist under IT in Saudi Aramco. He also worked in the Exploration and Petroleum Engineering Computer Center (EXPEC) in the company. Khalid joined KFUPM in 2012 as a graduate assistant in the geosciences department where he shifted his focus towards geophysics and finished non-degree pre-graduate courses in geophysics in 2014 before earning his master’s degree in 2017. As a graduate assistant, Khalid assisted in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the fields of geology and geophysics, such as Physical Geology (lab), Regional Geology, Essentials of Geophysics, Seismic Exploration, Seismic Data Processing, Reflection Seismology (graduate) and Seismic Data Analysis (graduate). Khalid also assisted in teaching undergraduate senior project course, where the focus was on GPR method. After being promoted to the rank of lecturer, Khalid continued his tasks in teaching undergraduate and graduate students. He is also working with the Remote Sensing Lab (RSL) to integrate photogrammetry & 3D modeling with other geophysical methods.
Educational Qualification
- M.S. in Geophysics, KFUPM, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, 2017.
- B.S. Information and Computer Science, KFUPM, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, 2008.
Research Interests
- Seismic Data Processing and Interpretation
- Remote Sensing
Selected Publications
- Abdullatif A. Al-Shuhail, Abdullah A. Alshuhail, Yehia A. Khulief, Septriandi A. Chan, Abdul Latif Ashadi, Ayman F. Al-Lehyani, Adnan M. Almubarak, Mohammed Zia Ullah Khan, Sikandar Khan, Salem G. AlJuhani and Khalid A. Abdulrahman, “KFUPM Ghawar Digital Viscoelastic Seismic Model”, Arabian Journal of Geosciences (2019) 12:245, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-019-4390-4
Awards & Honors
- Awarded Best Computer Science Senior Project in KFUPM. 2007.
Dr. Nabil Saraih
Instructor, Department of Geosciences
Dr. Nabil Saraih is an instructor at the Department of Geosciences. He has more than 10 years of experience in the petroleum and academic sectors. Dr. Saraih’s professional journey includes working as a geoscientist engineer with Schlumberger and later with TOTAL Energie, where he built integrated models (static and dynamic) for Kharir Biyad reservoir. Returning to Schlumberger, he served as a Geologist and Geophysics Software Engineer in Yemen and Pakistan, supporting client companies in solving subsurface-related problems. In addition to his industry roles, Dr. Saraih has taught several courses at local universities in Yemen and more recently at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. He is proficient in industry-leading software tools such as Petrel, GIS, Techlog, Omega, Petromod, Reflex, Voxeler, and Eclipse. Dr. Saraih’s current research focuses on carbonate sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, reservoir quality controls, outcrop and subsurface modeling, and fracture characterization.
Educational Qualification
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geology, Jan. 2024 – King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- Master in Subterranean Reservoirs of Energy: Hydrodynamics, Geology, and Modelling, ENSG, Lorraine University, Oct. 2013 – Nancy, France
- Bachelor in Geophysics and Hydrogeology, Aug. 2008 – Sana’a University, Yemen
Research Interests
- Subsurface and outcrop Modeling (static and dynamic simulation models)
- Carbonate sedimentology
- Pore system characterization
- Fracture characterization and modeling
- Reservoir quality controls
Selected Publications
- Saraih, Nabil A., Hassan A. Eltom, Robert H. Goldstein, Scott A. Whattam, Ammar El-Husseiny, Sherif Hanafy, and John Humphrey. “Bioturbated Strata in the Upper Cretaceous Aruma Formation, Central Saudi Arabia: An Analog for Aquifers and Hydrocarbon Reservoirs with Large Burrows.” Marine and Petroleum Geology 157, no. September (2023): 106489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2023.106489.
- Eltom, Hassan A., Nabil A. Saraih, Oliver G. Esteva, Lundi Kusuma, Saleh Ahmed, and Mohamed A. Yassin. “Three-Dimensional Modeling and Fluid Flow Simulation for the Quantitative Description of Permeability Anisotropy in Tidal Flat Carbonate.” Energies 13, no. 21 (2020). https://doi.org/10.3390/en13215557.C
- Saraih, Nabil A.*, Hassan A. Eltom, Robert H. Goldstein, Ammar El-Husseiny, Sherif Hanafy, Scott A. Whattam, ,John Humphrey, and Moaz Salih. “Controls on fracture propagation in bioturbated carbonate rocks: Insights from the Aruma Formation, central Saudi Arabia.” Marine and Petroleum Geology
- Saraih, Nabil A.*, Sherif Hanafy, Hassan A. Eltom, , Ammar El-Husseiny, Robert H. Goldstein, Scott A. Whattam, and John Humphrey. “Characterizing the attributes of large burrows in the Upper Cretaceous Aruma Formation: Insights from ground penetrating radar.” IEEE- Transactions on Geoscience & Remote Sensing
- Saraih, Nabil A., Hassan A. Eltom, Robert H. Goldstein, Scott A. Whattam, Ammar El-Husseiny, John Humphrey, and Sherif Hanafy. “Understanding reservoir zones with biogenically influenced flow media, Aruma Formation, central Saudi Arabia.” AAPG ICE 2023.
- Khogali, Abid, Rika Syahputra, Nabil Saraih, and Hassan Eltom. “Controls on Reservoir Sand-Body Architecture: Modelling and Fluid Flow Simulation of Modern Analog, East Sudan.” International Petroleum Technology Conference, IPTC 2022, 2022. https://doi.org/10.2523/IPTC-21869-EA.
Extended Publications (+)
- Al-Hajri, Sameer, Syed M. Mahmood, Ahmed Abdulrahman, Hesham Abdulelah, Saeed Akbari, and Nabil Saraih. “An Experimental Study on Hydrodynamic Retention of Low and High Molecular Weight Sulfonated Polyacrylamide Polymer.” Polymers 11, no. 9 (2019): 10–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11091453.
- Al-Hajri, Sameer, Syed M. Mahmood, Saeed Akbari, Hesham Abdulelah, Nurudeen Yekeen, and Nabil Saraih. “Experimental Investigation and Development of Correlation for Static and Dynamic Polymer Adsorption in Porous Media.” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering 189, no. December 2019 (2020): 106864. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2019.106864.
Awards & Honors
- Achieved first place in my bachelor’s degree.
- Graduated with an A grade in my Master’s program.
- Graduated from KFUPM with a GPA of 3.9/4 in January 2024.
- Served as Acting Site Manager for WesternGeco-Schlumberger in 2011.
- Held the position of Vice President of the SPE Student Chapter at Lorraine University, France, in 2013.
- Received the Distinguished Award from the President of Yemen in 2008 during my bachelor’s degree.
Dr. Omar Atef Radwan
Post-Doc Researcher, Department of Geosciences
Educational Qualification
- Doctor of Philosophy in Geology | 2022 | King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia
- Master of Science in Geology | 2016 | King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Geology | 2011 | Zagazig University, Egypt
Research Interests
- Uses of geomaterials in sustainable technologies
- Silica minerals
- Carbonate minerals
Selected Publications
- Radwan, O. A., Humphrey, J. D., Hakeem, A. S., & Zeama, M. (2021). Evaluating properties of Arabian desert sands for use in solar thermal technologies. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 231, 111335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2021.111335
- Radwan, O., Humphrey, J., & Al-Ramadan, K. (2021). Quartz crystallinity index of Arabian sands and sandstones. Earth and Space Science. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020EA001582
- Radwan, O. A., Dogan, A. U., Morsy, M. A., Kaminski, M. A., Humphrey, J. D., & Christiansen, E. H. (2021). One-step versus two-step dolomite calcitization (dedolomitization): Differences and inferences. Geosciences Journal, 25(4), 453–464. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-021-0004-8
- Radwan, O., Bukhamsin, A., & Al-Ramadan, K. (2018). Detrital dolomite: Characterization and characteristics. Geological Quarterly, 62(1), 81–89. https://doi.org/10.7306/gq.1391
Awards & Honors
- American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Foundation Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program, May 17, 2021
- International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) Grant to attend ICDD’s X-ray Fundamentals of X-ray Diffraction Clinic, April 29, 2019
Dr. Ammar Juma Abdlmutalib Mohammed
Post-Doc Researcher, Department of Geosciences
Educational Qualification
- Ph.D. in geology from Geosciences Department, College of Petroleum Engineering and Geoscience, KFUPM (May-2022)
- M.S. in geology from Geosciences Department, College of Petroleum Engineering and Geoscience, KFUPM (May-2015)
- B.S. in geology from Department of Geology, University of Khartoum, Sudan (September-2010)
Research Interests
- Study of petrophysical and mechanical properties of various types sedimentary rocks (carbonate and clastic rocks) and fractures distribution.
- Sedimentology and diagenesis of unconventional reservoirs rocks and factors controlling
- Application of machine learning in geosciences application
Selected Publications
- Abdlmutalib, O. Abdullatif, A. Abdelkarim, I. Yousif (2019). Factors influencing acoustic properties of carbonate rocks: Examples from middle Jurassic carbonates, Central Saudi Arabia. Journal of African Earth Sciences 150, 767-782.
- Abdlmutalib, O. Abdullatif, G. Korvin, A. Abdulraheem (2015). The relationship between lithological and geomechanical properties of tight carbonate rocks from Upper Jubaila and Arab-D Member outcrop analog, Central Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 8 (12), 11031-11048.
- J. Abdlmutalib, Ayranci, K., Yassin, M. A., Hussaini, S. R., Abdullatif, O. A., & Humphrey, J. D. (2022). Impact of sedimentary fabrics on small-scale permeability variations within fine-grained sediments: Early Silurian Qusaiba Member, Northern Saudi Arabia. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 139, 105607.
- Abdlmutalib, O. Abdullatif, A. Alqubalee, L. Gonzalez, J. Humphrey (2021). Effects of lithofacies on pore system evolution of storm-wave silt-rich fine-grained sediments. Early Silurian Qusaiba Member (Qaliba Formation), NW Saudi Arabia. Marine and Petroleum Geology 128, 105048.
- Abdlmutalib, O. Abdullatif (2017). Multi-scale discontinuities characterization of the arab-D and upper Jubaila tight carbonates outcrop, Central Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering 42 (6), 2515-2538
- El-Husseiny, A., Eltom, H., Alqubalee, , Abdlmutalib, A., Al-Mukainah, H., & Syahputra, R. N. (2022). Distinct Petroacoustic Signature of Burrow-Related Carbonate Reservoirs: Outcrop Analog Study, Hanifa Formation, Central Saudi Arabia. Natural Resources Research, 1-26.
- A. Adam, R. Swennen, W. Abdulghani, A. Abdlmutalib, M. Hariri (2018). Reservoir heterogeneity and quality of Khuff carbonates in outcrops of central Saudi Arabia. Marine and Petroleum Geology 89, 721-751
Awards & Honors
- Master and PhD scholarships by King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
- First place award in scientific research by students forum (KFUPM)- September-2018.
Dr. Jose Daniel Muñoz López
Post-Doc Fellow, Department of Geosciences
Educational Qualification
- Ph.D., Earth Sciences, University of Barcelona, Spain (2021)
- M.S., Geology applied to mineral and energetic resources, University of Granada, Spain (2015)
- B.S., Geology, University of the Basque Country, Spain (2014)
Research Interests
- Structurally-controlled diagenesis and fluid flow.
- Carbonate diagenesis and geochemistry.
- Isotope geochemistry and U-Pb dating.
Selected Publications
- Ramirez-Perez, P., Cantarero, I., Cofrade, G., Muñoz-López, D., Cruset, D., Sizun, J.P., Travé, A., 2023. Petrological, petrophysical and petrothermal study of a folded sedimentary succession: the Oliana anticline (Southern Pyrenees), outcrop analogue of a geothermal reservoir. Global and Planetary Change. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2023.104057.
- Muñoz-López, D., Cruset, D., Vergés, J., Cantarero, I., Benedicto, A., Mangenot, X., Albert, R., Gerdes, A., Beranoaguirre, A., Travé, A., 2022. Spatio-temporal variation of fluid flow behavior along a fold: the Bóixols-Sant Corneli anticline (Southern Pyrenees) from U–Pb dating and structural, petrographic and geochemical constraints. Marine and Petroleum Geology 143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2022.105788. Article 105788.
- Muñoz-López, D., Alías, G., Cruset, D., Cantarero, I., John, C.M., Travé, A., 2020. Influence of basement rocks on fluid evolution during multiphase deformation: the example of the Estamariu thrust in the Pyrenean Axial Zone. Solid Earth 11, 2257–2281. https://doi.org/10.5194/SE-11-2257-2020
- Muñoz-López, D., Cruset, D., Cantarero, I., Benedicto, A., John, C.M., Travé, A., 2020b. Fluid Dynamics in a Thrust Fault Inferred from Petrology and Geochemistry of Calcite Veins: an example from the Southern Pyrenees. Geofluids. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8815729.
- Sun, X., Gomez-Rivas, E., Cruset, D., Alcalde, J., Muñoz-López, D., Cantarero, I., Martín- Martín, J.D., John, C.M., Travé, A., 2022. Origin and distribution of calcite cements in a folded fluvial succession: the Puig-reig anticline (South-Eastern Pyrenees). Sedimentology. https://doi.org/10.1111/sed.12994.
Awards & Honors
- Ph.D. with Cum Laude, University of Barcelona (2021).
- Honor degree in Carbonate reservoirs, University of Granada (2015).
Dr. Paul Irikefe Edigbue
Post-Doc Researcher, Department of Geosciences
Dr. Paul Edigbue is a postdoctoral research fellow at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM). Prior to this status, he has held important positions including research/teaching assistant at KFUPM and geophysicist at Jubail Engineers Contracting, where he made a substantial contribution to near-surface geophysical projects. Part of his research interest focuses on optimization techniques for the inversion of geophysical data, and has been published in several reputable journals. As a member of both SEG and AAPG, Dr. Edigbue seamlessly integrates academic excellence with practical expertise in the field of geosciences.
Educational Qualification
- Ph.D., in Geophysics, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia, 2023
- M.S., in Geophysics, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia, 2016
- B.Tech., in Applied Geophysics, FUTA, Nigeria, 2008
Research Interests
- Geophysical Data Inversion and Optimization Algorithms
- Near-Surface Geophysics
- Seismic Exploration Analysis
- Seismic Interferometry
- Environmental and Hydro-Geophysics
Selected Publications
- Edigbue, P., Akca, I., Demirci, I., Al-Shuhail, A., Hamdan, H.A., Kirmizakis, P., Candansayar, E., Hanafy, S. and Soupios, P., 2023. Testing Different Stochastic Methods to Model Direct Current Resistivity and Seismic Refraction Geophysical Data Using a Combined Local and Global Optimization Algorithm. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, pp.1-14.
- Edigbue, P., Demirci, I., Akca, I., Hamdan, H., Kirmizakis, P., Soupios, P., Tranos, M., Abu-Mahfouz, I.S., Candansayar, E., Hanafy, S. and Al-Shuhail, A., 2022. Application of Combined Local and Global Optimization Algorithms in Joint Interpretation of Direct Current Resistivity and Seismic Refraction Data: A Case Study of Dammam Dome, Eastern Saudi Arabia. Sensors, 22(23), p.9337.
- Edigbue, P., Demirci, I., Akca, I., Hamdan, H.A., Kirmizakis, P., Soupios, P., Candansayar, E., Hanafy, S. and Al-Shuhail, A., 2022. A comprehensive study of local, global, and combined optimization methods on synthetic seismic refraction and direct current resistivity data. Applied Sciences, 12(22), p.11589.
- Edigbue, P.I., Al-Mashhor, A.A., Plougarlis, A., Soupios, P., Tranos, M., Kaka, S., Al-Shuhail, A. and Al-Garni, M., 2021. Geological and geophysical investigations of an engineering site characterization for construction purposes in Western Saudi Arabia. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 188, p.104307.
- Edigbue, P., Al-Shuhail, A. and Hanafy, S.M., 2021. Three-dimensional supervirtual seismic refraction interferometry: A case study in western Saudi Arabia. Geophysics, 86(3), pp.B123-B133.
- Chan, S.A., Edigbue, P., Khan, S., Ashadi, A.L. and Al-Shuhail, A.A., 2021. Viscoelastic model and synthetic seismic data of eastern Rub’Al-Khali. Applied Sciences, 11(4), p.1401.
Extended Publications (+)
- Abe, J.S., Edigbue, P.I. and Lawrence, S.G., 2018. Rock physics analysis and Gassmann’s fluid substitution for reservoir characterization of “G” field, Niger Delta. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 11, pp.1-10.
- Edigbue, P. and Al-Shuhail, A., 2016. Three-dimensional supervirtual seismic refraction interferometry. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 9, pp.1-13.
- Edigbue, P., Olowokere, M.T., Adetokunbo, P. and Jegede, E., 2015. Integration of sequence stratigraphy and geostatistics in 3-D reservoir modeling: a case study of Otumara field, onshore Niger Delta. Arabian journal of geosciences, 8, pp.8615-8631
- Jegede, E., Ako, B.D., Adetokunbo, P., Edigbue, P. and Abe, S.J., 2015. Seismic stratigraphy and attribute analysis of an offshore field, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 8, pp.7537-7549
Dr. Moaz Salih
Post-Doc Fellow, Department of Geosciences
Educational Qualification
- Ph.D., in Geology 2022 – King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia.
- M.S., in Geology 2015 – King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia.
- B.S., in Geology 2010 – University of Khartoum, Sudan.
Research Interests
- Carbonate diagenesis and petrophysics
- Controls on seismic velocity of carbonate rocks
- Petrophysical properties of bioturbated strata
Selected Publications
- Salih, M., Reijmer, J. J., & El-Husseiny, A. (2021). Diagenetic controls on the elastic velocity of the early Triassic Upper Khartam Member (Khuff Formation, central Saudi Arabia). Marine and Petroleum Geology, 124, 104823.
- Salih, M., Reijmer, J. J., El Husseiny, A., Bashri, M., Eltom, H., Mukainah, H. A., & Kaminski, M. A. (2021). Controlling factors on petrophysical and acoustic properties of bioturbated carbonates:(Upper Jurassic, Central Saudi Arabia). Applied Sciences, 11(11), 5019.
- Salih, M., El-Husseiny, A., Reijmer, J. J., Eltom, H., & Abdelkarim, A. (2023). Factors controlling sonic velocity in dolostones. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 147, 105954.
- Eltom, H. A., González, L. A., Alqubalee, A., Amao, A. O., & Salih, M. (2020). Evidence for the development of a superpermeability flow zone by bioturbation in shallow marine strata, upper Jubaila Formation, central Saudi Arabia. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 120, 104512.
- Bashri, M., Kaminski, M. A., Abdullatif, O., Humphrey, J., Makkawi, M., Swennen, R., … & Babiker, J. (2022). Facies analysis and depositional model for the Oxfordian Hanifa Formation, Central Saudi Arabia. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 146, 105940.