CPG

Dr. Ammar Juma Abdlmutalib Mohammed

Tel: + 966 (013) 860-1793

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

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.

Location: Bldg. 78, Rm. 1008

Dr. Neha Panwar

Post-Doc Researcher, Department of Geosciences

Dr. Neha Panwar recently joined King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) as a Postdoctoral Researcher. She earned her Ph.D. from IIT Roorkee and subsequently completed two years of postdoctoral research there. Her research focuses on spectral induced polarization and complex conductivity measurements for understanding pore-scale processes, fluid–rock interactions, and petrophysical properties of carbonate and reservoir rocks, with applications in subsurface energy and CO₂ storage.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., in Rock Physics from Department of Earth Sciences, IIT Roorkee, India
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, IIT Roorkee (2 years)

Research Interests

  • Spectral Induced Polarization
  • Petrophysical Characterization
  • Carbonate and Reservoir Rocks
  • Fluid–Rock Interactions
  • CO₂ Sequestration

Selected Publications

  • Panwar, N., Sharma, R., Kalita, H. J., Dhiman, A., Soni, P., Malik, S., & Pandey, P. (2025). Constraining spectral induced polarization-derived pore size distributions in carbonates using MIP and SEM. Environmental Earth Sciences, 84, 683. DOI: 10.1007/s12665-025-12641-2.
  • Kalita, H.,Sharma, R., Dhiman, A., Pandey, P., Panwar, N., (2025). Acoustic insights into facies-dependent pattern and characterization for aiding exploration, enhanced recovery and sequestration efforts in Bassein carbonate formations, West Coast India. Geomech. Geophys. Geo-energ. Geo-resour. DOI: 10.1007/s40948-025-01079-2.
  • Panwar, N., Revil, A., Sharma, R., et al. (2021). Induced Polarization of Carbonates. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 126. DOI: 10.1029/2021JB022029.
  • Revil, A., Qi, Y., Panwar, N., et al. (2022). Induced Polarization of Volcanic Rocks: Imaging Alteration in Stratovolcanoes. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2022.107598.
  • Revil, A., Ahmed, A. S., Coperey, A., Ravanel, L., Sharma, R., & Panwar, N. (2020). Induced Polarization as a Tool to Characterize Shallow Landslides. Journal of Hydrology, 125369. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2020.125369.
  • Revil, A., Ghorbani, A., Gailler, L. S., Gresse, M., Cluzel, N., Panwar, N., & Sharma, R. (2018). Electrical Conductivity and Induced Polarization Investigations at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai’i. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 368, 31–50. DOI: 10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2018.10.014.

Book Chapters

  • Panwar, N., & Sharma, R. (2019). A Review on Influence of Mineralogy and Diagenesis on Spectral Induced Polarization in Carbonate Rocks. In Petrophysics and Rock Physics of Carbonate Reservoirs. Springer Singapore. ISBN: 978-981-13-1210-6.

Conference Papers (International)

  • Nagarkoti, N., Dangi, S. L., Kumar, T., Panwar, N., et al. (2023). Experimental and Modeling Investigations into Geochemical and Geomechanical Implications of CO2 Sequestration in Sedimentary and Basaltic Formations in and around the Deccan Volcanic Province in India. International Meeting for Applied Geoscience & Energy (IMAGE), Houston, Texas, August 28 – September 1, 2023.
  • Panwar, N., & Sharma, R. (2018). Impact of Mineralogy and Texture on Complex Conductivity Measurements in Carbonate Rocks. American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting.
  • Panwar, N., Sharma, R., Revil, A., et al. (2022). Integration of SIP and MIP Methods for Pore Size Distribution in Carbonate Rocks. International Meeting for Applied Geoscience & Energy (IMAGE), Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), Houston, USA.

Patent

  • Sharma, R., Panwar, N., & Dhiman, A. (2024). A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATION OF PORE-SIZE DISTRIBUTION IN CARBONATES USING SPECTRAL INDUCED POLARIZATION (SIP). India Patent No. 509976.

Awards & Honors

  • MHRD Scholarship – Ministry of Human Resource Development, India – 2016 – 2022 – Received for doctoral studies at IIT Roorkee
  • DST SERB Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship – Department of Science and Technology, India – 2018 – 2019 – Supported Ph.D. research at University of Savoy Mont Blanc Chambery, France
Tel: + 966 (013) 860-1793

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

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.

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Syouma Hikmahtiar

Researcher, Department of Geosciences

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., in Geology-Micropaleontology, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2023
  • M.S., in Petroleum Engineering-Geothermal, Clausthal University of Technology, Germany, 2017
  • S.Si., in Physics-Geophysics, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia, 2013

Research Interests

  • Micropaleontology (Foraminifera)
  • Cretaceous-Cenozoic micropaleontology, stratigraphy and paleoecology
  • Paleoenvironmental change, Paleoceanography and paleoclimates

Selected Publications

  • Kaminski, M.A., Korin, A., Hikmahtiar, S., Alegret, L. and Waskowska, A. 2024. Paleocene and Eocene deep-water benthic foraminifera at Site U1511, Tasman Sea: Part 2. Micropaleontology, 70 (3): 271–285.
  • Kaminski, M.A., Korin, A., Hikmahtiar, S. 2024. Paratrochamminoides waskowskae n.sp., a new deep-water agglutinated foraminifera from the Paleocene of the Tasman Sea. Micropaleontology, 70 (2): 197–201.
  • Hikmahtiar, S. & Kaminski, M.A. 2023b. Ammopemphix contessaensis sp. nov., a pseudocolonial agglutinated foraminifera from lower Paleocene of the Western Tethys, Contessa, Italy. Bolletino della Società Paleontologica Italiana, 62 (3): 281–287.
  • Hikmahtiar, S. & Kaminski, M.A. 2023a. Nodulina kuhnti sp. nov. and Nodulina eugubina sp. nov., new agglutinated foraminifera  from the lower Paleocene of the Scaglia Rossa, Umbria-Marche Basin, Italy. Journal of Foraminiferal Research, 53 (3): 305–310.
  • Hikmahtiar, S. & Kaminski, M.A. 2022. A new agglutinated foraminiferal species (Arenoturrispirillina waskowskae n.sp.) from the Danian of Contessa, Italy. Geology, Geophysics and Environment, 48 (4): 405–411.
  • Hikmahtiar, S., Kaminski, M.A. & Cetean, C.G. 2022. Lower Paleocene Deep-Water Agglutinated Foraminifera from the Contessa Highway Section (Umbria-Marche Basin, Italy): taxonomy, stratigraphic distribution and assemblage turnover across the Cretaceous/Paleogene Boundary. Rivista Italiana di Paleontologia e Stratigrafia, 128 (3): 719–744.
  • Kaminski, M.A., Alegret, L., Hikmahtiar, S. & Waśkowska, A. 2021. The Paleocene of IODP Site U1511, Tasman Sea: A lagerstätte deposit for deep–water agglutinated foraminifera. Micropaleontology, 67 (4): 341–364.

Extended Publications (+)

  • Asrowi, R. H., Daud, Y., Ashadi, A. L., Hikmahtiar, S., and Said, A. 2023. Three-dimensional Magnetotelluric Inversion and Magnetic for The Characterization of The Geothermal Field Reservoir Zone “X.” International Journal of Hydrological and Environmental for Sustainability, 2(3): 197–201.
  • Adnyano, A. I., Prastowo, R., Bahy, M. N., Hikmahtiar, S., Said, A. and Ashadi, A. L. 2022. Application of Mine Dewatering Methods to Reduce Wastewater Pollution in The Environment: Implications for Andesite Mining. International Journal of Hydrological and Environmental for Sustainability, 1(1): 24–32
  • Abdul-Latif, B. L., Edem, T. D. & Hikmahtiar, S. 2017. Well Placement Optimisation in Gas-Condensate Reservoirs Using Genetic Algorithms. SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas, SPE-186251-MS: 1-12.
  • Abdul-Latif, B. L., Hikmahtiar, S., & Edem, T. D. 2017. Review: Uncertainty Analysis and Design Optimisation of Gas-Condensate Fields. SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas, SPE-186899-MS: 1-11.
  • Abdul-Latif, B. L. & Hikmahtiar, S. 2017. Hydraulic Fracture Design and Well Spacing Optimization for Gas-Condensate Reservoirs. SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas, SPE-186297-MS: 1-17.
Tel: +966 013 860-1793

Location: Bldg. 76, Room 2160

Dr. Muhammad Hammad Malik

Researcher, Department of Geosciences

Muhammad Hammad Malik, a recent Ph.D. graduate in Geology from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals. His research centers’ on stable isotope geochemistry and mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sedimentology, particularly focusing on Ediacaran sediments in the Arabian Plate. With a master’s degree emphasizing micropaleontology and sequence stratigraphy, Muhammad has integrated various geological disciplines to enhance basin studies, contributing valuable insights for academia and industry. Alongside he has also taught several bachelors and masters level courses here in KFUPM designated as teaching & research assistant and has participated in many academia and industry-oriented research projects.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., in Sedimentology & Stable Isotope Geochemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 2020 – 2024
  • M.S., in Carbonate Sedimentology & Micropaleontology, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 2013 – 2016
  • B.S., in Applied Petroleum Geology, Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, 2007 – 2012

Research Interests

  • Ediacaran Sedimentary Deposits of Arabian plate
  • Mixed Siliciclastic-Carbonate sedimentology
  • Stable Isotope Geochemistry
  • Paleoenvironment interpretation and Sedimentary basin analysis

Selected Publications

  • Malik, M. H., Koeshidayatullah, A., Herlambang, A., Al-Ramadan, K., & Kaminski, M. A. (2024). Vase-shaped microfossils and possible trochamminid foraminifera from the Ediacaran Dhaiqa Formation of Saudi Arabia. Stratigraphy, 21(1), 67–78. https://doi.org/10.29041/strat.21.1.04
  • Malik, M. H., Chan, S. A., Babalola, L. O., & Kaminski, M. A. (2022). Optimization of the acetic acid method for microfossil extraction from lithified carbonate rocks: Examples from the Jurassic and Miocene limestones of Saudi Arabia. MethodsX, 9, 101828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2022.101828
  • Malik, M. H., Babalola, L. O., Al-Ramadan, K., & Kaminski, M. A. (2020). Integrated micropaleontology, sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the Middle Jurassic D5-D6 Members of the Dhruma Formation, Central Saudi Arabia. Micropaleontology, 66(6), 519–547.
  • Butt, M. N., Hussain, A., Malik, M. H., Amao, A., Koeshidayatullah, A., Olariu, C., Bello, A., & Al-Ramadan, K. (2024). Depositional architecture of early rift non-marine systems and implication for reservoir development: Oligocene to Miocene Al Wajh Formation, Midyan Basin of Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. Marine & Petroleum Geology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2024.107033
  • Hussain, A., Bello, A., Butt, M. N., Malik, M. H., Koeshidayatullah, A., Amao, A., Olariu, C., & Al-Ramadan, K. (2024). Diagenetic variability in Tertiary, syn-rift mixed siliciclastic carbonate depositional system (Lower Musayr Formation), Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. Sedimentary Geology, 470, 106699. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2024.106699

Extended Publications (+)

  • Bello, A. M., Al-Ramadan, K., Koeshidayatullah, A. I., Amao, A. O., Herlambang, A., Al-Ghamdi, F., & Malik, M. H. (2023). Impact of magmatic intrusion on diagenesis of shallow marine sandstones: An example from Qasim Formation, Northwest Saudi Arabia. Frontiers in Earth Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2023.1105547
  • Bello, A. M., Butt, M. N., Hussain, A., Amao, A. O., Olariu, C., Koeshidayatullah, A. I., Malik, M. H., Al-Hashem, M., & Al-Ramadan, K. (2023). Impact of depositional and diagenetic controls on reservoir quality of syn-rift sedimentary systems: An example from Oligocene-Miocene Al Wajh Formation, northwest Saudi Arabia. Sedimentary Geology, 446, 106342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2023.106342
  • Bello, A. M., Al-Ramadan, K., Koeshidayatullah, A. I., Amao, A. O., Herlambang, A., AlGhamdi, F. M., & Malik, M. H. (2022). Impact of Magmatic Intrusion on Diagenesis of Shallow Marine Sandstones: An Example from Qasim Formation, Northwest Saudi Arabia. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4197997
  • Herlambang, A., Koeshidayatullah, A. I., Amao, A. O., Bello, A. M., Al-Ghamdi, F., Malik, M. H., & Al-Ramadan, K. A. H. (2022). Structural diagenesis and dolomitization of Cenozoic post-rift carbonates in the Red Sea rift basin: A multiproxy approach. Frontiers in Earth Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2022.1037126
  • Hussain, A., Butt, M. N., Olariu, C., Malik, M. H., Koeshidayatullah, A., Amao, A., & Al-Ramadan, K. (2022). Unravelling reservoir quality heterogeneity in mixed siliciclastic-carbonate deposits: An example from Miocene Red Sea rift, NW Saudi Arabia. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 145, 105850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2022.105850
  • Kaminski, M. A., Amao, A. O., Babalola, L. O., Balc, R., Chan, S. A., Gull, H. M., Khamsin, A. B., & Malik, M. H. (2020). Benthic foraminiferal assemblages from maximum flooding surface J30, Middle Jurassic Dhruma Formation, Central Saudi Arabia. Stratigraphy, 279–292. https://doi.org/10.29041/strat.17.4.279-292
  • Kaminski, M. A., Malik, M. H., & Setoyama, E. (2018). The occurrence of a shallow-water Ammobaculoides assemblage in the Middle Jurassic (Bajocian) Dhruma Formation of Central Saudi Arabia. Journal of Micropalaeontology, 37(1), 149–152. https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-37-149-2018

Awards & Honors

  • 2024      IAS Travel Grant for Conference presentation to Aberdeen, Scotland
  • 2020      Fully funded PhD Scholarship – Ministry of Higher Education of Saudi Arabia
  • 2016      Best Performing Graduate Award – College of Petroleum Engineering & Geosciences, KFUPM
  • 2015      Gold Medal in Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) of AAPG for Middle East Region
  • 2015      Stoneley Medal in Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) of AAPG Global Event held in Denver, USA
  • 2013      Fully funded MS Scholarship – Ministry of Higher Education of Saudi Arabia
  • 2012      Appointed as delegate representative of Youth Parliament Pakistan to Stockholm, Sweden
  • 2012      Appointed as a Member of Youth Parliament Pakistan
  • 2011      Government of Pakistan Merit Scholarship – University of the Punjab, Pakistan
  • 2010      Government of Pakistan Merit Scholarship – University of the Punjab, Pakistan
  • 2009      Government of Pakistan Merit Scholarship – University of the Punjab, Pakistan
  • 2008      Government of Pakistan Merit Scholarship – University of the Punjab, Pakistan
Tel: + 966 (013) 860-1793

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Konstantinos Chavanidis

Researcher, Department of Geosciences

Dr. Konstantinos Chavanidis is a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Geosciences of the College of Petroleum Engineering & Geosciences at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals in Saudi Arabia. In 2024, he received his PhD in Geophysics from the same College, while he also holds a Master’s in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Exploitation (2020) and a Bachelor’s in Geology (2016) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. Before joining CPG-KFUPM, Dr. Chavanidis worked as a consultant on several geophysical exploration projects, serving as a member of the Exploration Geophysics Laboratory of Aristotle University. As a PhD candidate and postdoc researcher, he is/was involved in projects related to the application of geophysical methods to natural resources exploration, mineral studies, groundwater, and archaeological research. He is an active member of the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG).

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Geophysics, College of Petroleum Engineering & Geosciences, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
  • M.S., Hydrocarbon Exploration & Exploitation, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • B.S., Geology, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Research Interests

  • Near-Surface/Mining/Environmental Geophysics
  • Gravity and Magnetic Modeling
  • Geothermal and Natural Resources Exploration
  • Geophysical Integration and Inversion
  • Archaeogeophysics

Selected Publications

  • Chavanidis K., Fawad M., Whattam S., Kirmizakis P., Soupios P. 2025. Magnetic modeling of ophiolites in NW Saudi Arabia for natural hydrogen exploration. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 240, 105765, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2025.105765.
  • Chavanidis K., Stampolidis A., Salem A., Ashadi A.L., Khogali A., Kirmizakis P., Soupios P. 2025. Gravity modeling of a prospective geothermal field of a hot spring in Western Saudi Arabia. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 461, 108307, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2025.108307.
  • Kirmizakis P., Khogali A., Chavanidis K., Eatwell T., Bryan T., Soupios P. 2025. Mapping sulphide mineralization in the Hawiah area using transient electromagnetic methods. Minerals, 15 (2), 186, https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020186.
  • Rafiq J., Abu-Mahfouz I.S., Chavanidis K., Arrofi D., Soupios P. 2025. Spatial distribution of structural lineaments in the Al-Lith geothermal field, western Saudi Arabia: Remote sensing and aeromagnetic data analysis. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences: X, 13, 100191, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaesx.2025.100191.
  • Chavanidis K., Salem A., Stampolidis A., Ashadi A.L., Abu-Mahfouz I.S., Kirmizakis P., Soupios P. 2024. Aeromagnetic data analysis of geothermal energy potential of a hot spring area in Western Saudi Arabia. Natural Resources Research, 33 (6), 2627-2644, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-024-10383-9.
  • Khogali A., Chavanidis K., Kirmizakis P., Stampolidis A., Ashadi A.L., Hanstein T., Candansayar E., Soupios P. 2024. Subsurface characterization of the Al-Hassa National Park, Eastern Saudi Arabia, using multi-geophysical methods. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 50, 433-452, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-024-09584-4.
  • Khogali A., Chavanidis K., Kirmizakis P., Stampolidis A., Soupios P. 2024. Reconstruction of the subsurface of Al-Hassa Oasis using gravity geophysical data. Applied Sciences, 14 (9), 3707, https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093707.
  • Chavanidis K., Harishidayat D., Stampolidis A., Tsokas G. N., Salem A., Soupios P. 2024. An integrated workflow for characterizing gas potential: Axios-Thermaikos Basin (Greece). Acta Geophysica, 72, 4225-4246, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-024-01358-8.
  • Ashadi A.L., Tezkan B., Yogeshwar P., Hanstein T., Kirmizakis P., Khogali A., Chavanidis K., Soupios P. 2024. Magnetotelluric case study from Ain Al-Harrah hot spring, Al-Lith, Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 49, 899-912, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-023-08293-8.
  • Chavanidis K., Stampolidis A., Kirmizakis P., Tranos M., Fedi M., Pasteka R., Al-Ramadan K., Kaka S., Tsokas G.N., Soupios P. 2022. Gravity survey on the oil-bearing Dammam Dome (Eastern Saudi Arabia) and its implications. Remote Sensing, 14, 3:735, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14030735.

Research Activities

Awards & Honors

  • Full scholarship for Ph.D. studies from the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (2021).
  • Excellence awards for the highest grade of the 2016 batch of the M.S. and for the top-3 grades in Fall 2016 graduation from the B.S.

Location: BBldg. 76, Rm. 1134

Dr. Mochamad Iqbal

Post-Doc Researcher, Department of Geosciences

Dr. Mochamad Iqbal is a geothermal geologist and geochemist with over five years of experience in geothermal research and academia. He obtained his PhD in Geothermal Geoscience from Kyoto University and is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Geosciences, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia. His research broadly focuses on geothermal geochemistry and hydrogeology, utilizing major ion, trace element, and stable isotope data to characterize geothermal and groundwater systems. He also has strong expertise in the investigation of hidden geothermal systems, particularly through the integrated use of soil CO2 flux measurements and radon surveys. His work combines advanced laboratory analyses and geochemical modeling to support geothermal exploration and resource assessment.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., in Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Japan
  • M.S., in Geological Engineering (Majoring Geothermal Geoscience), Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Indonesia
  • B.S., in Geological Engineering, (Majoring Geothermal Geoscience) Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Indonesia

Research Interests

  • Geothermal geochemistry and hydrogeology
  • Major ion, trace element, and stable isotope geochemistry
  • Hidden and blind geothermal systems
  • Soil-gas geochemistry, including CO₂ flux and radon methods
  • Hydrothermal alteration and water–rock interaction
  • Remote sensing applications in geothermal and volcanic studies
  • Integrated geothermal exploration and resource assessment

Selected Publications

  • Iqbal, M., Kubo, T., Kashiwaya, K., Akiyama, T., Ohsawa, S., Koike, K., 2026. Reliability testing and verification of a portable CO2 flux measurement device for geothermal and volcanic studies. Measurement 120618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2026.120618
  • Siregar, R.N., Sismanto, S., Triyana, K., Harijoko, A., Iqbal, M., Antarnusa, G., Putra, F.G., Umam, R., 2026. Lithium enrichment in high radiogenic geothermal systems originating from lithospheric water due to water-rock interactions. Geothermics 134, 103499. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2025.103499
  • Iqbal, M., Kusumasari, B.A., 2024. Deciphering the Way Ratai geothermal system, Lampung, Indonesia: A comprehensive geochemical and isotopic analysis. Geothermics 119, 102985. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2024.102985
  • Iqbal, M., Berlian, F., Farishi, B.A., Ipmawan, V.L., Siregar, R.N., Umam, R., 2024. Evaluating The Effectiveness of Radon Measurement Techniques in Soil Gas: Impact of Hole Depth and Measurement Time. EKSPLORIUM 45, 67–76. https://doi.org/10.55981/eksplorium.2024.7134
  • Iqbal, M., Al-Hassan, M.A., Herdianita, N.R., Juliarka, B.R., 2023. Determining recharge area in ULUBELU geothermal field, LAMPUNG, Indonesia using stable isotope data. Applied Geochemistry 156, 105763. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2023.105763
  • Iqbal, M., Denhi, A.D.A., Kristianto, Prayoga, A., 2023. Morphological Analysis of Anak Krakatau Volcano after 22 December 2018 Eruption using Differential Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR). Journal of Geoscience, Engineering, Environment, and Technology 8, 90–98. https://doi.org/10.25299/jgeet.2023.8.2.11651
  • Iqbal, M., Juliarka, B.R., 2022. Geothermal System in Parang Wedang, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Journal of Engineering and Technological Sciences 54, 220406–220406. https://doi.org/10.5614/j.eng.technol.sci.2022.54.4.6
  • Iqbal, M., Juliarka, B.R., Ashuri, W., Farishi, B.A., 2019. Hydrogeochemistry of Natar and Cisarua Hot springs in South Lampung, Indonesia. Journal of Geoscience, Engineering, Environment, and Technology 4, 178–185. https://doi.org/10.25299/jgeet.2019.4.3.2959

Awards & Honors

  • MEXT Scholarship, Government of Japan (2021–2025).
  • Overseas Research Grant, Kyoto University (2023).
  • DIKTI Research Grant, Ministry of Education, Indonesia (2022).
  • ITERA Internal Research Grant (2019).
  • ITERA Internal Research Grant (2018).
  • DIKTI Research Grant, Ministry of Education, Indonesia (2018).
  • Best Presenter (Coal Category), International Symposium on Mining and Coal Technology (ISMCT 2021).

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Abdullah Abdulkarem Basaleh

Post-Doc Fellow, Department of Geosciences

Dr. Basaleh is a postdoctoral research associate at Geosciences Department at CPG, KFUPM. His research area is utilization of waste and natural materials for wastewater treatment by adsorption process, particularly the production of low-cost adsorbents for organic and inorganic pollutants removal

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Civil & Environmental Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 2021
  • M.S., Civil & Environmental Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 2015
  • B.S., Civil Engineering, Hadhramaut university, Yemen (2010)

Research Interests

  • Industrial wastewater treatment using adsorption process.
  • Polymeric composites synthesis for organic and inorganic pollutants removal from wastewater.
  •  Synthesis of low-cost, waste and natural-based adsorbents for sustainable wastewater treatment.

Selected Publications

  • A. Basaleh, M. H. Al-Malack, and T. A. Saleh, “Poly (acrylamide acrylic acid)/Baghouse dust magnetic composite hydrogel as an efficient adsorbent for metals and MB; synthesis, characterization, mechanism, and statistical analysis,” Sustain. Chem. Pharm., vol. 23, no. July, p. 100503, Oct. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.scp.2021.100503
  • A. Basaleh, M. H. Al-malack, and T. A. Saleh, “Poly ( acrylamide acrylic acid ) grafted on steel slag as an efficient magnetic adsorbent for cationic and anionic dyes,” J. Environ. Chem. Eng., vol. 9, no. 2, p. 105126, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.105126.
  • A. Basaleh, M. H. Al-Malack, and T. A. Saleh, “Polyamide-Baghouse Dust Nanocomposite for Removal of Methylene Blue and Metals; Characterization, Kinetic, Thermodynamic and Regeneration,” Chinese J. Chem. Eng., Oct. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.cjche.2020.08.050.
  • A. Basaleh, M. H. Al-Malack, and T. A. Saleh, “Methylene Blue Removal using Polyamide-Vermiculite Nanocomposites: Kinetics, Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Study,” J. Environ. Chem. Eng., vol. 7, no. March, p. 103107, 2019.
  • A. Basaleh, M. H. Al-Malack, and T. A. Saleh, “Metal removal using chemically modified eggshells: preparation, characterization, and statistical analysis,” Desalin. Water Treat., vol. 18, no. 1, 2019
  • A. Basaleh and M. H. Al-Malack, “Utilization of Municipal Organic Solid Waste for Production of Activated Carbon in Saudi Arabia,” Arab. J. Sci. Eng., vol. 43, no. 7, pp. 3585–3599, 2018.
  • H. Al-Malack, O. G. Al-Attas, and A. A. Basaleh, “Competitive adsorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ onto activated carbon produced from municipal organic solid waste,” Desalin. Water Treat., vol. 60, pp. 310–318, 2017
  • M. H. Al-Malack and A. A. Basaleh, “Adsorption of heavy metals using activated carbon produced from municipal organic solid waste,” Desalin. Water Treat., vol. 57, no. 51, pp. 24519–24531, 2016

Awards & Honors

  • B.S. degree with First-class honors .
  • Best Poster Award at INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY-WATER-ENVIRONMENT NEXUS IN DESERT CLIMATE 2021, Qatar, 22-25 November 2021

Dr. Giovanni Bertotti

Adjunct Professor, Department of Geosciences

Giovanni Bertotti is a structural geologist with a long experience in the analysis of multiscale deformation patterns in different tectonic settings in different parts of the world. Building on his knowledge of the evolution of sedimentary basins, he has gradually moved towards a more quantitative description addressing the stress and strain evolution of rocks during basin formation and deformation. During the last years, he has developed research on Naturally Fractured Reservoirs combining numerical modeling techniques with observations from outcropping analogs of buried reservoirs. He has worked on fractures networks in a variety of lithologies from fluvial deposits (Jordan), turbidite sands in the Karoo Basin (South Africa) as well as on tight shallow water Devonian sand in Morocco. Since a few years, he is investigating fracture patterns in sub-horizontal and in folded shallow-water carbonates on the basis of outcropping analogs in Tunisia (Kef eddour/Berda Formations) and Brazil (Jandaira Formation). Building on the strong collaboration with geomechanics and flow modellers at the Delft University of Technology and elsewhere, Giovanni Bertotti investigates the impact fractures have on porosity and permeability and, eventually, on flow reservoir scale flow patterns.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D. at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
  • MSc in Earth Sciences, University of Pisa (Italy)

Research Interests

  • Structural Geology
  • Sedimentary Basins
  • Tectonics-Sedimentation Interactions
  • Fractured Reservoirs
  • Thermal Evolution of Sedimentary Basins
  • Petroleum Systems

Selected Publications

2018

  • LOPES J.A.G, de CASTRO, D.L. and BERTOTTI, G. 2018. Quantitative analysis of the tectonic subsidence in the Potiguar Basin (NE Brazil). Journal of Geodynamics, 117, 60-74.

2017

  • BISDOM, K., BERTOTTI, G., BEZERRA, F.H., 2017. Inter-well scale natural fracture geometry and permeability variations in low-deformation carbonate rocks. J. Structural Geology, 97, 23-36.
  • de GRAAF, S., BERTOTTI, G., REIJMER, J.J.G., BEZERRA, F.H., CAZARIN, C., BISDOM, K., VONHOF, H.B., 2017. Fracture-controlled fluid circulation and calcite vein cementation during early burial in shallow water carbonates (Jandaíra Formation, northeast Brazil), Marine and Petroleum Geology, 80, 382-393.
  • BISDOM, K., NICK, H.M. and BERTOTTI, G. 2017. An integrated workflow for stress and flow modeling using outcrop-derived discrete fracture networks. Computer and Geosciences, 103, 21-35 
  • GOUIZA, M., BERTOTTI, G., ANDRIESSEN, P. in press. Mesozoic and Cenozoic thermal history of the western Reguibat Shield (West African Craton). Terra Nova
  • EGYA, D.O., GEIGER, S., CORBETT, P., MARCH, R., BISDOM, K., BERTOTTI, G., BEZERRA, F.H. in press. Geological well testing in fractured formations – exploration of the dual porosity response. Petroleum Geoscience.  
  • BERTOTTI, G., de GRAAF, S., BISDOM, S., OSKAM, B., VONHOF, H., BEZERRA, F.H., REIJMER, J. and CAZARIN, C. Fracturing and fluid flow during post-rift subsidence in carbonates of the Jandaíra Formation, Potiguar Basin, NE Brazil, Basin Research 1–18, doi: 10.1111/bre.12246

2016

  • BERTOTTI, G., de GRAAF, S., BISDOM, S., OSKAM, B., VONHOF, H., BEZERRA, F.H., REIJMER, J. and CAZARIN, C. Fracturing and fluid flow during post-rift subsidence in carbonates of the Jandaíra Formation, Potiguar Basin, NE Brazil, Basin Research submitted
  • ENGLISH, K., REDFERN, J., BERTOTTI, G., ENGLISH, J., CHERIF, R.Y. 2016. Intraplate uplift: new constraints on the Hoggar dome from the Illizi basin (Algeria). Basin Research. doi: 10.1111/bre.12182
  • de GRAAF, S., BERTOTTI, G., REIJMER, J.J.G., BEZERRA, F.H., CAZARIN, C., BISDOM, K., VONHOF, H.B. Fracture-controlled fluid circulation and calcite vein cementation during early burial in shallow water carbonates (Jandaíra Formation, northeast Brazil), in press
  • COSTA DE MELO, A., LOPES de CASTRO, D., BEZERRA, F.H., BERTOTTI, G., Rift fault geometry and evolution in the Cretaceous Potiguar Basin (NE Brazil) based on fault growth models. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 71, 96-107
  • GOUIZA, M., CHARTON, R., BERTOTTI, G., ANDRIESSEN, P.A.M. and STORMS, J.E.A. Post-Variscan evolution of the Anti-Atlas belt of Morocco constrained from low-temperature geochronology. International Journal Earth Sciences DOI 10.1007/s00531-016-1325-0
  • ENGLISH, K., REDFERN, J., BERTOTTI, G., ENGLISH, J., CHERIF, R.Y. 2016. Intraplate uplift: new constraints on the Hoggar dome from the Illizi basin (Algeria). Basin Research. doi: 10.1111/bre.12182
  • BISDOM, K., BERTOTTI, G. and NICK, H.. The impact of different aperture distributions and critical stress criteria on equivalent permeability in complex fracture networks. J. Geophysical Research: Solid Earth 121 (5), 4045-4063.
  • BISDOM, K., BERTOTTI, G. and NICK, H. The impact of in-situ stress and fracture geometry on hydraulic aperture and upscaled permeability in carbonate rocks: inferences from outcropping pavements. Tectonophysics, s 690 (2016) 63–75
  • BISDOM, K., BERTOTTI, G. and NICK, H. A geometrically-based method for predicting stress-induced fracture aperture and flow in Discrete Fracture Networks. AAPG Bulletin 100 (7), 1075-1097.

2015

  • KLEIPOOL, L., REIJMER, J.J.G., HARDEBOL, N.J., BERTOTTI, G., AURELL, M. and BADENAS, B. Fracture distribution along an Upper Jurassic carbonate ramp, NE Spain. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 70, 201-221.
  • HARDEBOL, N.J., MAIER, C., NICK, H., GEIGER, S., BERTOTTI, G. and BORO, H. in press. Multi-scale fracture network characterization and impact on flow: a case study on the Latemar carbonate platform. J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth, 120, 8197–8222, doi:10.1002/2015JB011879.

2014

  • PEPE, F., BERTOTTI, G., FERRANTI, L., SACCHI, M., COLLURA A.-M., PASSARO, S. and SULLI, A. 2014. Pattern and rate of post-20ka vertical tectonic motion around the Capo Vaticano promontory (W Calabria, Italy) based on offshore geomorphological indicators. Quaternary International, 332, 85-98.
  • GOUIZA, M., HALL, J. and BERTOTTI, G. 2014. Rifting and pre-rift lithosphere variability in the Orphan Basin, Newfoundland margin, Eastern Canada. Basin Research, 26, 1-20.
  • BISDOM, K., GAUTHIER, B.D.M., BERTOTTI, G. and HARDEBOL, N.J. 2014. Calibrating discrete fracture-network models with a carbonate three-dimensional outcrop fracture network: Implications for naturally fractured reservoir modeling. AAPG Bulletin, 98, 1351-1376
  • BORO, H., ROSERO, E. and BERTOTTI, G. 2014. Fracture network analysis of the Latemar platform (northern Italy): Integrating outcrop studies to constrain the hydraulic properties of fractures in reservoir models. Petroleum Geoscience, 20, 79-92. doi: 10.1144/petgeo2013-007

2013

  • AGAR, S., GEIGER, S., LEONIDE, P., LAMARCHE, J., NEILSON, J., GOSSELIN, O., PYRAK-NOLTE, L., JACKSON, M., KENTER, J., BERTOTTI, G., JONES, G., WHITAKER, F., HAMPSON, G. and MATTHAI, S. 2013. Summary of the AAPG-Society of Petroleum Engineers – Society of Exploration Geophysicists Hedberg Research Conference on “Fundamental Controls on Flow in Carbonates”. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 97/4, 553-552.
  • ÖZSAYIN, E., ÇINER, A., ROJAY, B., DIRIK, K., MELNICK, D., FERNANDEZ-BLANCO, D., BERTOTTI, G., SCHILDGEN, T., GARCIN, Y., STRECKER. M.R., SUDO, M. accepted. Plio-Quaternary extensional tectonics of the Central Anatolia Plateau: A case study from the Tuz Golu Basin, Turkey. Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences.
  • STRIJKER, G., BEEKMAN, W.W.W., BERTOTTI, G. and LUTHI, S.M. submitted. FEM analysis of deformation localization mechanisms in a 3D fractured medium under rotating compressive stress conditions. Tectonophysics. 593, 95-110.
  • FERNANDEZ-BLANCO, D., BERTOTTI, G. and CINER, A. accepted. Cenozoic tectonics in Central Anatolia, Turkey: A 3D evolution model for the Tüz Gölü Basin and surroundings
  • HARDEBOL, G. and BERTOTTI, G. 2013. DigiFract: a software and data model implementation for flexible acquisition and processing of fracture data from outcrops. Computer and Geosciences, 54, 326-336.
  • BORO, H., BERTOTTI, G., and HARDEBOL, N. 2013. Low-strain distributed fracturing affecting the Latemar atoll-like platform (N Italy). Marine and Petroleum Geology, 40, 69-84.

2012

  • STRIJKER, G., BERTOTTI, G. and S.M. LUTHI. 2012. Multi-scale fracture network analysis from an outcrop analog: a case study from the Cambro-Ordovician succession in Petra, Jordan. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 38, 104-116.
  • BERTOTTI, G. and GOUIZA, M. 2012. Post-rift vertical movements and horizontal deformations in the eastern margin of the Central Atlantic: The Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous evolution of Morocco. International Journal of Earth Sciences DOI 10.1007/s00531-012-0773-4.

2011

  • DUPRÉ, S., CLOETINGH, S. and BERTOTTI, G. (2011). Structure of the Gabon margin from integrated seismic reflection and gravity data. Tectonophysics, 506, 31-45.

2010

  • GOUIZA, M., BERTOTTI, G. and HAFID, M. 2010. The tectonic evolution of the passive margin of Morocco along a transect from the Atlantic ocean to the Anti-Atlas. Tectonics, doi:10.1029/2009TC002464
  • PEPE, F., SULLI, A., BERTOTTI, G. and CELLA, F. 2010. The West Calabria passive continental margin. Implications for the evolution of the Tyrrhenian back-arc basin. Tectonics, 29, TC3007, doi: 10.1029/2009TC002599

Dr. Ole John Nielsen

Adjunct Professor, Department of Geosciences

Ole John Nielsen (OJ) is a professor of atmospheric chemistry at the University of Copenhagen. Besides being an expert on air pollution and climate change he is interested in leadership, coaching, training (basketball), networking, sustainability, gender equality. He has more than 40 years of experience in natural science research and education. OJ has previously been employed at Risø National Laboratory and Ford Motor Company. He has experience as a board member of foundations and as a member of numerous evaluation committees, advisory boards and funding panels.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D. University of Copenhagen (Atmospheric Chemistry) 1984
  • M.S. University of Copenhagen (Spectroscopy) 1978

Research Interests

  • Climate Change
  • Atmospheric chemistry and hence environmental impact of CFC replacement compounds and of oxygenated species.
  • Fundamental kinetics and mechanisms of reactions important in atmospheric and combustion chemistry.
  • Determination of the environmental impact of anthropogenic and natural emissions – out-door as well as in-door chemistry
  • Atmospheric particulates.
  • Air pollution chemistry.

Selected Publications

Extended Publications (+)

Awards & Honors

  • Receiver of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize as an IPCC lead author.
  • Receiver of the 2006 Danish Academic Union research price.
  • Receiver of the 1996 Henry Ford Technology Award.
  • Member of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters since 2008.
  • Member of the Danish Natural Science Research Council, 1998-2005.
  • Member of the Danish National Committee for IGBP
  • Member of the Danish National Committee for Climate Research
  • Member of the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences (ATV)
  • Danish member of the International Executive Committee for EUROTRAC (1988-1995)
  • Appointed adjunct professor in chemistry at Roskilde University (1997-2002)
  • Head of Copenhagen Global Change Initiative network and PhD-board (1999-2008)
  • Reviewer for NATO, EU, various National and International Sci. Foundations
  • Referee for J.Phys.Chem., Int.J.Chem.Kinet., Chem.Phys.Lett., ES&T, Nature.
  • Member of Editorial Advisory Board of the Int.J.Chem.Kinet. (1994-1997).
  • Member of the NASA expert group on CFCs, Halons and related species (1991-1993)
  • Board member of the Collstrup Foundation (2007-2019)
  • Board member of the Carlsberg Memory Stipend Foundation (2011-2018)
  • IPCC: Lead Author of a chapter in an IPCC Special Report (2003-2005)
  • 252 Peer-reviewed publications, 37 conference abstracts, 15 book chapters, 27 reports, 31 popular writings, +6700 citations and an H-index of 42.
  • Supervised 90 students and gives approx 30 presentations per year.
X