Topography, geomorphology and geologic setting of the Middle East, major tectonic elements in the region, Pre-Cambrian rocks (the Arabian-Nubian Shield); Non-Folded Phanerozoic rocks, Mesozoic Cenozoic fold belts (e.g. the Oman Mountains, the Zagros Belt, the Northern Iraq Chain, the Toros Chain); origin of the minerals in the Middle East. At least one field trip is required. Prerequisite: GEOL 318 or consent of the instructor.
Principles and concepts of rock mechanics applied to structural features, brittle and ductile deformations, large-scale tectonics and regional tectonic provinces and associated structures; geometrical analysis of megascopic structures in terranes with multiple or complex deformations; analysis of strain from deformed primary features. At least one field trip is required. Prerequisite: GEOL 305 or consent of the instructor.
Description and characterization of petroleum system components, including source, migration, reservoir, trap, and seal. Timing relationships among charge, reservoir quality, and seal capabilities. Temperature and pressure history of basins and uncertainty characterization for evaluation of prospects and plays. Generation of 1D, 2D, and 3D basin models.
Definition and historical development of micropaleontology, techniques in micropaleontological and microstratigraphical analysis; survey of the major microfossil groups, their morphology, taxonomy, ecology, geologic distribution, evolutionary trends and stratigraphic use.
Essentials of reservoir geology. Reservoir detection, characterization, and classification. External and internal geometry of reservoirs, reservoir architecture, compartmentalization. Principal features of reservoir depositional systems (clastic, carbonate, and deepwater). Diagenesis, porosity evolution and distribution, porosity-permeability relationships. Reservoir stress state, fractures and fractured reservoirs, Reservoir size, shape, trend, and quality. Relationships between reservoir rock characteristics and fluidflow dynamics. Geologic reservoir models.
Origin, migration and accumulation of petroleum; Properties of reservoir rocks; Biomarkers and geochemical correlations; Techniques of subsurface geology formation evaluation using well logs, different mapping techniques; geological problems of production and secondary recovery are emphasized; case histories of major oil fields are reviewed. At least one field trip is required. Prerequisite: GEOL 415 or consent of the instructor.
Definition and historical development of micropaleontology, techniques in micropaleontological and microstratigraphical analysis; survey of the major microfossil groups, their morphology, taxonomy, ecology, geologic distribution, evolutionary trends and stratigraphic use, with selected problems from Arabia and nearby regions. Prerequisite: GEOL 214 or consent of the instructor.
Assessment of recently published scientific literature (max. one year old). Linking older published literature in carbonate geology with recently published manuscripts.
Fundamental concepts of isotope geochemistry including the nucleosynthesis and nuclear systematics. The course covers theory and applications of radiogenic and stable isotope geochemistry including the use of isotopes as tracers of geological processes. And as geochronometers and geothermometers
Review of basic stratigraphic concepts; Sedimentary facies and facies relations- Walther's law; International codes and procedures on classification and nomenclaturesof stratigraphic units lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy, methods of correlations; Seismic stratigraphy; Sequence stratigraphy- sequences, system tracts, parasequrences; other stratigraphic methods including magneto-stratigraphy, isotope stratigraphy and event stratigraphy; Basin analysis and tectonics. At least one field trip is required. Prerequisite: GEOL 307 or consent of the instructor.
Review of properties of sedimentary materials- clastic and carbonates; Concept of flow regime and bed forms; Sedimentary processes and depositional environments continental, marginal marine and marine; Facies and facies analysis criteria for recognition of ancient sedimentary environment; Interpretation and recognition of major depositional environments: fluvial, eolian, delta, beach and barrier bar, marine shelf-clastics and carbonates, deep marine turbidite, pelagic; Burial diagenesis clastics and carbonates. Prerequisite: GEOL 307 or consent of the instructor.
Principles of carbonate and evaporite sedimentology; depositional sequences defined in modern environments and utilized to interpret ancient rock records; depositional and diagenetic microfacies; recognition and description of hydrocarbon reservoirs in carbonate rocks. Prerequisite: GEOL 307 or consent of the instructor.
Seismic velocities, Wavelets, Acoustic impedance, Reflection coefficient, Data acquisition & data processing, 2-D and 3-D seismic methodology, Seismic response to geological structures, convergent margins, Divergent margins, Salt tectonics, Sedimentary processes, Depositional environments, Well log correlation, Seismic facies analysis, Global changes in sea level, System tracts, Chronoand litho-stratigraphy, Clastics and carbonate sequence stratigraphy, Case histories. Prerequisites: GEOL 307, GEOP 202; or consent of the instructor
Evaluation of sedimentological, hydrogeological, geomorphological and climatic processes during the Quaternary period in Saudi Arabia; characteristics, distribution, and origin of Quaternary deposits, stratigraphy and chronology; formation of associated landforms, landscapes, sea level fluctuations; comparison of the Quaternary hydrogeology, geochronology and climate of the Arabian peninsula with that of North Africa and Europe. Prerequisite: GEOL 307 or consent of the instructor.
Depositional environments and reservoir heterogeneity of unconventional hydrocarbon reservoir systems. Controls on process sedimentology of deep-water clastic and carbonate sedimentary systems. Interpretation of physical and biological characteristics of mudrocks. Post-depositional modification of mudrocks including animal-sediment interaction and diagenesis. Case studies of significant unconventional petroleum systems.
Chemical and physical basis of mineralogy such as crystal chemistry, crystal structure, geochemistry, etc. Studies of some of the less common minerals. Laboratory work will cover instrumental techniques using X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, heavy liquids, isodynamic separator, etc. Prerequisite: GEOL 216 or consent of the instructor.
Selected topics in igneous and metamorphic petrology such as magmatic differentiation, generation, metamorphic facies, in conformity with concepts of global tectonics. Emphasis may be varied to suit the needs of students. Laboratory studies will examine suits of rocks from igneous and metamorphic terranes. At least one field trip is required. Prerequisite: GEOL 320 or consent of the instructor.
Ore microscopic techniques. Textures and optical properties of ore minerals. Systematic mineralogy of ore minerals. Study of fluid inclusions in ore minerals. Stable isotopes. Mineral stabilities and paragenesis. Introduction to mineral processing. Prerequisite: GEOL 216 or consent of the instructor.
Study of the different metallic and non-metallic ore deposits, their characteristics, ore geneses, and geological settings. Ore formation processes, ore bearing fluids, wall rock alteration, paragenesis, isotopic and fluid inclusion studies and ore deposits distribution according to their geological environment. The metalogenic provinces in Saudi Arabia and examples of ore deposits within the Arabian Shield and cover rocks. At least one field trip to an operational mine or mineral prospect is required. Prerequisite: GEOL 456 or consent of the instructor.
Study of the different exploration methods of the ore deposits, and the control of structural, sedimentological, chemical and physical factors on ore deposits formation. Methods of ore deposits evaluation and the geostatistical assessments of the ore deposits. Preparation of an exploration project and steps of its implementation. At least one field trip to an operational mine is required. Prerequisite: GEOL 456 or consent of the instructor.
Principles, Geochemistry applied to mineral exploration, pollution characterization and low-temperature diagenesis; clay mineral and cation exchange; adsorption; redox equillibria; heavy metals and metalloids; stability relationships; overview of isotope geochemistry; transport and reaction modeling; interpretation of data, case histories and research problem. Prerequisite: GEOL 355 or consent of the instructor.
Geochemical behavior of common ore elements, development of primary and secondary holes around ore deposits, distribution of detrital material and solutions by streams. and glaciers, etc. Strategy of geochemical exploration programs in different terrains and different climates. Field and semifield methods of analysis for trace amount of metals. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
A general review of the principles of physical hydrogeology: Geology of porous media; Darcy's law; Groundwater flow equations; Pumping test analysis and aquifer evaluation. Concepts of mass transport in porous medium; Contaminant hydrogeology; Capture zone analysis; Methods of remediation. Prerequisite: GEOL 423 or equivalent
Review of groundwater flow and transport equations; Development of numerical models describing groundwater flow and transport; Application of numerical modeling related to groundwater depletion and contaminant transport; Case studies. Prerequisite: GEOL 423 or equivalent. (Experience in a programming language is recommended).
An introduction to geophysical and geochemical methods of exploration for planning, and design of regional water resources investigations. Case histories in the management of ground-water resources. Literature review and special field problems in resource developments. Prerequisite: GEOL 562 or consent of the instructor.
Use of different site investigation techniques for identification and evaluation environmental problems; engineering geological mapping, assessment of engineering geological hazards in the arid region, geohazards, risk assessment, sampling and monitoring methods utilized in the engineering applications. Special emphasis is also given to study the engineering geological aspects of existing engineering/environmental problem(s) at selected site(s). Prerequisite: GEOL 341 or consent of the instructor
Study of interaction between human activity and geologic environment; role of geosciences in planning and management of the environmental applications, prediction and forecasting of hazards and changes of the environment caused by natural processes, man-made and technological activities; selected case studies. Prerequisite: GEOL 446 or consent of the instructor
Study of geomorphic processes, landform development, surficial earth materials, terrain mapping and hazard evaluation, urban climate, urban hydrology, engineering geological aspects, soil types, terrain classification, ecology and vegetation, role of Geographic Information Systems. (GIS) on terrain analysis. Special emphasis will be given to evaluate the engineering geological properties of terrain factors for site selection and design of engineering and environmental projects. Selected case studies. Prerequisite: GEOL 312 or consent of the instructor
General survey of the most widely used Geophysical methods for natural resources exploration and environmental studies (e.g. seismic, gravity, magnetic, resistivity, telluric, magnetelluric, self-potential and GPR methods). Discussions include theoretical basis, field instruments, acquisition and reduction of raw data, various interpretation techniques and field examples. This course cannot be taken for credit by students in the Geophysics option. Prerequisite: GEOP 202 or equivalent
Introduction to the GIS. Type of geological and remote sensing data used in GIS and data preparation for GIS studies. Uses of GIS in mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, and in geological, and structural studies. Spatial relationship and geological associations. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
Advanced application of multi spectral imagery, radar and other remote sensing data to geological environments. Emphasis will be given to different digital image processing techniques and how they can be utilized for specific geological problem. Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Importance of modeling and simulation in characterizing geologic parameters; Conventional estimation techniques; Principles of the regionalized variables theory; Analysis of spatial structures and there relation to geologic features; Kriging methods and their applications; Types of conditional simulation techniques; Utilization of geostatistical packages for modeling purposes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing
The use of e quipment such as the XRD, XRF, AA, SEM, M.S.-GC, HPLC, ultrasonic wave generators in geological investigations; preparation of both thin and polished sections in rocks, minerals and ores; preparation of oriented thin sections in microfossils staining techniques in mineralogical, petrological and paleontological investigations. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor
Advanced work in certain phases of geology, adapted to the student's own field of interest. A well-written report and presentation are required. The course should not duplicate thesis work and cannot be repeated for credit. Approval of the Chairman of the Department should be secured each time the course is offered. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
Advanced course in topics related to aspects of sedimentary geology that differ from topics offered in elective courses. Topics based on faculty expertise and student interest.
Advanced course in topics related to aspects of stratigraphy that differ from elective courses. Topics based on faculty expertise and student interest.
Advanced course in topics related to aspects of geochemistry that differ from elective courses. Topics based on faculty expertise and student interest
Advanced course in topics related to aspects of physical geology that differ from topics offered in elective courses. Topics based on faculty expertise and student interest.
Graduate students are required to attend all the technical seminars organized by the department. Additionally, each student must present at least one seminar on a timely research topic. This course is designed to provide students an overview of research in the Department, and a familiarity with the latest research methodologies, journals and professional societies in his discipline. This course is graded on a Pass or Fail basis. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
The student carries out a research project on an approved topic in Geology. A written report and an oral presentation are required. The project, report, and presentation should be finished in one semester. Pass-fail basis only. This course is available only for the students enrolled in the Master of Geology program. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Processes of deposition of carbonate sediments. Recent environments as analogues for ancient carbonate sequences. Petrology and petrography of modern and ancient carbonate rocks, the reconstruction of their physical/chemical depositional and diagenetic environments in time and space. Major near-surface diagenetic environments, subaerial exposure, dolomitization, burial diagenesis. Carbonate aqueous equilibria, and carbonate geochemistry of trace elements and stable isotopes. Laboratories are devoted to thin- section analysis and hand-specimen study of carbonate sediment and rocks, carbonate classifications, studying carbonate facies, models, and carbonate diagenesis. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 533 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor.
Pre-Requisites: GEOL533 Or GEOL533
Emphasis will be placed on crustal dynamics, plate tectonics and driving forces, evolution of collisional, transform and extensional systems, and dynamic indicators of past and current tectonic processes on global and regional level. Prerequisite: GEOL 502 (or equivalents) or consent of the instructor.
Pre-Requisites: GEOL502 Or GEOL502
Preparation of a thesis, oral presentation and defense.
An interdisciplinary integration of geodynamics, mathematical and physical modeling, and sedimentary geology. Emphasizes basin formation, nature and maturation of the basin fill, and timing of events. Theoretical and computational basin models. Case histories of various basins illustrate approaches. Field trips required.
Pre-Requisites: GEOP530 Or GEOP530
Chemical principles applied to the understanding of factors controlling groundwater composition with an emphasis on water-mineral reactions. Introduction to chemical equilibrium computer modeling programs. Prerequisite: GEOL551 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor.
Pre-Requisites: GEOL551 Or GEOL551
Overview of groundwater modeling techniques with environmental and geologic applications. Interaction of geology and subsurface groundwater flow. Basin hydrology modeling. Practical experience in computer simulations of subsurface hydrogeologic processes. Computer models will be developed and used for simulation of the fate and transport of pollutants in streams, lakes, and estuaries. Prerequisite: GEOL 561 or GE0L562 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor.
Pre-Requisites: GEOL561 Or GEOL562 Or GEOL561 Or GEOL562
Description and interpretation of sediments in ancient and modern depositional environments; Post-depositional alteration of sandstones and shales with emphasis on process-oriented controls on mineral reaction and porosity/permeability modification; Origin, distribution and evolution of clay minerals in sandstones; Importance of diagenesis for planning of recovery and production processes. Field trips are required. Prerequisite: GEOL 532 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor.
Pre-Requisites: GEOL532 Or GEOL532
The origin, physical and chemical properties, mode of occurrence of clay minerals in natural systems, such as weathering, burial diagenetic & hydrothermal environments. Effects of clay minerals on reservoir properties and on environment and health. Prerequisite: GEOL 541 or GEOL 532 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor.
Pre-Requisites: GEOL541 Or GEOL541 Or GEOL532 Or GEOL532
Introduction to geostatistical concepts and tools for description and modeling of spatial variability in oil/gas reservoirs and other geological formations. Topics include review of basic statistic concepts, exploratory spatial data analysis, stationarity and ergodicity, variogram and covariance, kriging, spatial sampling, stochastic realizations and simulations, conditioning, and indicator kriging. Prerequisite: GEOL 521 or GEOP 550 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor.
Pre-Requisites: GEOL521 Or GEOL521 Or GEOP550 Or GEOP550
Systematic analysis of modern and ancient deposition facies and their interpretation in a sequence stratigraphic context. Integration of well- logs, seismic sections, core, and outcrop analysis will be adapted. Prerequisite: GEOL 534 or GEOP 535 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor.
Pre-Requisites: GEOL534 Or GEOL534 Or GEOP535 Or GEOP535
Origins, and classifications of organic matter in the geosphere. Modern and ancient processes and environments of deposition of organic- rich strata, including hydrocarbon-source rocks and coals. The role of temperature and time in the maturation of hydrocarbons. The biomarker concept, pyrolysis techniques, isotopes in petroleum exploration, basin modeling and kinetic studies, organic petrography and detailed studies of case histories. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.
Acoustic, electric, radioactive and hydraulic properties of reservoir rocks. Well logging tools and modern well-log interpretation. Integration of the logs with outcrop and seismic data to produce comprehensive sedimentologic and stratigraphic models. Clean and shaly formation interpretations are both covered. Computer applications are emphasized.
The student is required to attend all seminars organized by the ES Department. Additionally, the student prepares and delivers a fully researched, in-depth Seminar talk on recent Geological theory or controversies, or the latest developments in methodology and laboratory techniques. Prerequisite: Doctoral graduate standing.
This course is intended to allow the student to conduct research in advanced problems in his PhD research area. The faculty offering the course should submit a research plan to be approved by the Graduate Program Committee at the academic department. The student is expected to deliver a public seminar and a report on his research outcomes at the end of the course. This course is graded on a Pass or Fail basis. Prerequisite: Prior arrangement with an instructor.
This course is intended to allow the student to conduct research in advanced problems in his PhD research area. The faculty offering the course should submit a research plan to be approved by the Graduate Program Committee at the academic department. The student is expected to deliver a public seminar and a report on his research outcomes at the end of the course. This course is graded on a Pass or Fail basis. Prerequisite: Prior arrangement with an instructor.
Writing a Thesis Proposal, its public defense, carrying out the field work, analytic work, and statistical analysis of the data, preparing the Thesis, its oral presentation and defense. Students are encouraged, as part of the Thesis preparation, to submit related publications as conference presentations or to peer-reviewed Journals.
Pre-Requisites: GEOL699
This course enables the students to work on his PhD Dissertation as per the submitted dissertation proposal, submit its final report and defend it in public. The student passes the course if the PhD Dissertation committee accepts the submitted final dissertation report and upon successfully passing the Dissertation public defense. The course grade can be NP, NF or IP.
Pre-Requisites: GEOL711