The elasticity of anisotropic media, general wave equations and their solutions, Zoeppritz equations, direct hydrocarbon indicators, vertical seismic profiling, cross-hole tomography, 3-D seismic exploration, correlation of well-log and seismic data, S-wave exploration.
In-depth study of potential theory as applied to the gravity and magnetic methods of exploration, field equations, and their solutions, Green’s theorem, gravity and magnetic potentials, representation of gravity and magnetic fields in spherical harmonics, regional gravity fields, geomagnetism and paleomagnetism, analysis and processing of potential field data, filtering, continuation theory of fields, forward modeling of the gravitational and magnetic responses of various bodies, interpretation and inversion of gravity and magnetic data.
An introduction to the fundamental principles of global geophysics with a focus on the application of physical concepts to understanding the solid earth. Topics: the origin of Earth; gravitational and geomagnetic fields and effects; plate tectonics, earthquakes and seismic waves; composition and structure of Earth's interior; radioactivity and its geothermal consequences.
Geophysical methods for site characterization, emphasis on sites relevant to toxic waste disposals, contamination, detection and mapping of cavities, buried archaeological sites, groundwater resources, near-surface objects such as underground storage tanks, pipes, tunnels and geophysical precursors for monitoring earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The course aims to provide students with background and experience related to modern computational techniques in geophysics. Topics: Introduction to Madagascar, finite-difference approximations, initial-value problems, finite-difference methods for the wave equation, numerical linear algebra, introduction to machine learning, neural networks, support vector machines.
Amplitude variation with offset, anisotropy, dip moveout processing, seismic migration algorithms, time-lapse studies, multicomponent recording, converted modes, deterministic and statistical deconvolution, wavelet shaping, wavelet extraction, multiple suppression, and automated static correction. Processing packages such as Seismic Unix, Hampson-Russell, Focus, and ProMax will be used during this course.
The course provides students with a broad overview of the theory and algorithms for solving geophysical inverse problems. Students will learn to derive subsurface models from error-prone observations on the Earth’s surface and to assess the quality of such models. Topics: Review of linear algebra, statistics, and vector algebra; Linear regression and linear inverse problems; Discretization of continuous inverse problems; Singular value decomposition; Regularization techniques; Numerical optimization algorithms; Non-linear regression and non-linear inverse problems.
In-depth study of the nature, description, and analysis of the present magnetic field, spherical harmonics in applied geophysics, observatory weak remnants of the field, computation of its coefficients, the IGRF, measurement and analysis of the ancient geomagnetic field, theory of rock magnetism, acquisition of remnants by rocks, theories of TRM and DRM, instruments and techniques of paleointensity and paleodirection measurement from rocks, analysis and interpretation of paleomagnetic measurements, applications of paleomagnetic methods in geology and geophysics, brief discussion of the origin of the geomagnetic field. Prerequisite: GEOP 202 or equivalent
Fundamental of geophysical data (seismic, potential fields, electrical, electromagnetic, etc.) acquisition and processing. Introduction to geoscience disciplines, fundamental geoengineering concept, integration of different disciplines, subsurface reservoir characterization, modeling and geophysical applications in energy industry. Petroleum Geophysics (acquisition/processing/resolution/attributes/etc. of seismic, surface/crosswell seismic, gravity and magnetic methods, electrical (DC, IP, SIP) and electromagnetic surveys, crosswell EM data). Passive and active geophysical methods. Microseismic and hydraulic fracture monitoring techniques.
Introduction (different disciplines and concepts, integration of disciplines for reservoir characterization, monitoring and management). Different geophysical data QC and interpretation and inversion techniques for subsurface characterization. Data Integration using logs, seismic and non-seismic data to develop high resolution subsurface reservoir images used for hydrocarbon prospecting, geostatistical modeling and reservoir development studies. Seismic sequence stratigraphy from basin wide to reservoir level including the integration of seismic images, well logs and conventional cores. Joint and/or constrained interpretation of different geophysical datasets, joint inversion. Characterization (static) and monitoring (dynamic – timelapse) of reservoir images. Geophysics in well drilling (seismic while drilling, real-time monitoring, looking ahead and away from bit, etc.).
This course focuses on geostatistical approaches for reservoir modeling and uncertainty analysis. Modeling principles. Modeling prerequisites (conceptual models and problem formulation). Modeling methods (large scale modeling, facies, porocity and permeability modeling, model optimization), Model applications (model checking, post-processing, uncertainty analysis), Special topics. Industry-standard software (typically PETREL or SGeMS) will be used to demonstrate different modeling procedures.
Physical principles of electrical and electromagnetic methods, numerical solutions for 2-D and 3-D problems, instrumentation and layout planning for land and airborne surveys, computer modeling and processing of field data, methods of interpretation, including curve matching, forward modeling, inversion, and recent advances in resistivity logging for oil and gas reservoirs. Prerequisite: GEOP 450 or equivalent
Isostacy and subsidence, salt tectonics, basin classification, basin geometry, thermal burial history, oil generation and migration, heat flow and gradients, paleotemperature, basin modeling, and case histories. Prerequisites: GEOL 201, GEOP 202 or equivalent
Review of seismic reflection principles, geodynamics, causes of changes in sea level, eustatic change of sea level, cycle chart, sedimantary supply and processes, sequence boundaries, seismic facies analysis, chronostratigraphy verus lithostratigraphy, system tracts, clastics sequence stratigraphy, carbonate sequence stratigraphy, seismic response of different structures, case histories. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor
Review of 3-D seismic data acquisition and processing, structural interpretation from 3-D slices and sections, stratigraphic interpretation, seismic attributes and wavelet analysis, seismic resolution, reservoir imaging and classification, high-resolution data and integration with well-log data, 3-D visualization, and geophysical computer application in seismic interpretation.
Data structure and fundamental considerations, data quality, error, natural variation, data input, verification, storage and output format, geographic information system and different types of software, spatial data and attributes, data management and integration. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor
Reservoir description, scaling, core, and rock description, log interpretation and calibration to 3-D seismic, geostatistics, kriging, distributions, simulation, structural and sequence stratigraphy and their use in reservoir characterization, reservoir heterogeneities, data integration and quality control.
An advanced course that may be offered on a geophysical topic of interest to a faculty member apart from the topics covered in the elective courses. The Department should secure the approval of the Graduate Council each time the course is offered.
An advanced course that may be offered on a geophysical topic of interest to a faculty member apart from the topics covered in the elective courses. The Department should secure the approval of the Graduate Council each time the course is offered.
An advanced course that may be offered on a geophysical topic of interest to a faculty member apart from the topics covered in the elective courses. The Department should secure the approval of the Graduate Council each time the course is offered.
The course aims at providing students with some of the basic knowledge and skills required for writing technical manuscripts and delivering technical presentations. The scope of work will include selecting a geophysical topic and then undertaking a literature review. Topics will depend on the student’s interest taking into account the available time. There will be a weekly meeting with the instructor during which students are expected to give technical presentations and carry out group discussions. The instructor will discuss some relevant topics (term paper topic, writing and presentation skills, etc.).
The student carries out a research project on an approved topic in Geophysics. A written report and an oral presentation are required. The project, report, and presentation should be finished in one semester, Pass-fail basis only.
Pre-Requisites: GEOP599*
Co-Requisites: GEOP 599
Geophysical wave equations and their solutions in various curvilinear coordinates, effects of layer heterogeneity, inelasticiry, and anisotropy, full-waveform and ray methods, optical sensing, and advanced geophysical research topics in wave propagation.
Pre-Requisites: MATH513 Or MATH513
Numerical solutions to geophysical wave equations in various media in common 2D and 3D geophysical geometries, effective use of multiple programming languages, dara structrJres, multicore systems, and computer memory in programming numericalsolutions of geophysical wave equations. This course relies heavily on exercises that require experience in programming in Matlab, Mathematica, or other programming languages.
Diversity and weighted stacking, Radon transforms, wavelet shaping, multiple suppression, interferometric processing, velocity model building. The course includes several exercises that use industry-standard geophysical software packages available at the department
Pre-Requisites: GEOP510 Or GEOP510
This course is intended to allow the student to research advanced problems in his M.S. 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. Graded on a Pass or Fail basis.
The student has to undertake and complete a research topic under the supervision of a faculty member to probe in-depth a specific problem in Geophysics.
Pre-Requisites: GEOP599*
Co-Requisites: GEOP 599
Students will study poroelasticity, Biot theory, Gassmann fluid substitution, advanced rock physics numerical modeling, dispersion effects, fracture networks, effective medium theory, upscaling and how geophysical measurements can be related to hydraulic properties such as porosity, permeability, saturation, and pore pressure Pre-requisite: GEOP 545 or equivalent.
Pre-Requisites: GEOP545
This course is designed to examine the use of microseismic technology. It begins with a review of the history of microseismic applications as well as recent advances in microseismic technology. Topics include background on microseismic theory, acquisition, processing workflows, analysis and interpretation of microseismic data. Pre-requisite: GEOP 503 or consent of the instructor.
Pre-Requisites: GEOP503
A graduate student will arrange with a faculty member to conduct an industrial research project related to Geophysics as the field of the study. Subsequently, the students shall acquire skills and gain experience in developing and running actual industry-based projects. This project culminates in writing a technical report and an oral technical presentation in front of a board of professors and industry experts.
Physical principles of electrical and electromagnetic methods, the basic theory of direct current resistivity method, induced polarization and inductive electromagnetic exploration, analytic and numerical solutions for 1-D, 2-D and 3-D problems, inversion and interpretation of electrical and EM survey data.
This course is designed to examine the use of geophysical logs (e.g., caliper, SP, gamma ray logs, sonic logs, density, neutron; resistivity, NMR and image logs) to characterize geological materials, structures, and formation fluids in the region surrounding a well bore. Emphasis will be given on well log Interpretation methods. Pre-requisite: GEOP 501 or consent of the instructor.
Pre-Requisites: GEOP501
This course is designed to develop advanced computing practices for geosciences students. Topics include structures of geoscientific data, design of geoscientific algorithms, programming for geoscientific problems, and geoscientific optimization problems. Laboratory sessions will include programming applications on petroleum geoscience data from Saudi Arabia and the World. Pre-requisite: Graduate standing.
The course will bring together graduate students in geology, geophysics and petroleum engineering to work together on real world and relevant issues in hydrocarbon exploration and production. Activities include case studies, computer modeling, joint inversion, artificial intelligence methods, written exercises and a final report and presentation
Mechanical properties of porous rocks: dynamic problems of seismic velocity, dispersion, attenuation; quasi-static problems of faulting, fluid transport, crustal deformation, and loss of porosity. Pre-requisite: GEOP 550 or equivalent.
Pre-Requisites: GEOP550
Design and implementation of data acquisition of various near-surface geophysical surveys. Data from each survey is processed and modeled using tomographic and other techniques followed by a discussion on the integration and joint inversion of multi-physics near-surface models. Pre-requisite: GEOP 510 or consent of the instructor.
This course consists of lectures and laboratory experimental exercises aimed at the measurement of physical properties of rocks under standard and reservoir conditions. Properties include density, porosity, elastic wave velocity, anisotropy, electrical resistivity, dielectric constant, radioactivity, heat flow, and magnetic susceptibility. Scale effects and how small-scale laboratory environment is related to the scale of field geophysical investigations will be discussed. Pre-requisite: GEOP 501 and GEOP 502 or equivalents.
Pre-Requisites: GEOP501 And GEOP502
Imaging applications are developed from first principles to practical methods applicable to seismic wavefield data including reverse-time migration, migration by wavefield extrapolation, angle-domain imaging, migration velocity analysis, velocity model building, full waveform inversion, global inversion, and tomography. Pre-requisite: GEOP 510 or consent of the instructor.
Pre-Requisites: GEOP510
Advanced topics selected from current literature that deals with theoretical foundations and advances in geophysics. The specific content of an offering of the course should focus on a specific area of geophysics
Advanced topics selected from current literature that deals with theoretical foundations and advances in geophysics. The specific content of an offering of the course should focus on a specific area of geophysics. Pre-requisite: Consent of Instructor
Ph.D. students are required to attend Departmental seminars delivered by faculty, visiting scholars and graduate students. Additionally, each Ph.D. student should present at least one seminar on a timely research topic. Ph.D. students are required to pass the comprehensive examination as part of this course. This course is a pre-requisite to registering the Ph.D. Pre-dissertation GEOP 711.The course is graded as Pass or Fail. lC grade is awarded if the Ph.D. comprehensive exam is not yet passed.
This course is intended to allow the student to conduct research in advanced problems in his Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. 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 enables the student to submit his Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal and defend it in public. The student passes the course if the Ph.D. Dissertation committee accepts the submitted dissertation proposal report and upon successfully passing the Dissertation proposal public defense. The course grade can be NP, NF or lC.
Pre-Requisites: GEOP699*
Co-Requisites: GEOP 699
This course enables the student to work on his Ph.D. Dissertation as per the submitted dissertation proposal, submit its final report and defend it public. Students are required, as part of the Dissertation preparation, to submit three publications as conference presentations and/or to peer reviewed journals. The course grade can be NP, NF or lP
Pre-Requisites: GEOP711