Students from the Departments of Geology play an active role in our research group, bringing fresh ideas and creative approaches to our work. Their contributions spark collaboration, broaden our perspectives, and help us create research that makes a real impact—both within our local community and across the global academic landscape.
By: Malek Odeh Ali AlZidaneen
Supervisor: Dr. Mu'ayyad Younis Al Hseinat
Co-Supervisor: Dr. Abdulla Mustafa Al-Rawabdeh
Abstract
This study shows the integration between the interpretation of reflection seismic profiles and remote sensing techniques. The seismic interpretation shows subsurface strata from the top of the Precambrian Araba Complex (Rum Nonconformity) to the uppermost part of the sedimentary layers and the fault systems that cut this stratigraphy within the study area. Using remote sensing techniques, the interpretation of extracted lineaments from the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of Sentinel-2B image and multi-illumination hill-shaded images of the ALOS/PALSAR DEM reveals the influence of the surface lineaments on the Earth's surface topography within the study area.
The seismo-stratigraphic interpretation revealed, for the first time, different time-structures and time-isochore maps across the seismic survey in the study area for the Precambrian, Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Early Cretaceous, and Late Cretaceous periods. Additionally, the structural interpretation and the produced time-structure and time-isochore maps reveal several pre-existing fault systems that cut the different seismo-stratigraphic units. Different fault systems were identified in the seismic sections that have been previously known, such as the Karak-Wadi Al Faiha, Dana, and Hasa faults. Other faults were mapped here that were unknown previously. This study also corrects some concepts related to the Hasa Fault, which was previously identified by many as a strike-slip fault. This research contradicts and disproves this understanding and identifies it as a normal fault that cuts the entire strata from Precambrian rocks into upper Cretaceous deposits and is visible in the surface topography. Seismic interpretation revealed two main population trends of faults, based on cumulative-length weighting: NW-SE, E-W, and a minor trend NE-SW appears within the study area.
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) digitally enhanced Sentinel-2 B bands and multi-illumination hill-shaded images of the ALOS/PALSAR DEM with 12.5 m spatial resolution were created to produce a lineament features map using the PCI Geomatica software to extract most of the lineament features, such as fractures and faults, within the study area. These lineament populations were used to create a length-frequency weighted rose diagram and a lineament density map. The lineament density map showed a relatively high concentration of lineaments over regions of high rugged topography and complex geological setting along the major fault traces. The relatively low concentration of lineaments is identified over the regions covered by a higher thickness and/or softness of the Quaternary deposits. Also, the cumulative-length weighting rose diagram illustrates the two dominant lineament population trends in the study area: E-W and N-S and a minor trend of NE-SW.
The fault systems that appeared from the seismic interpretation and lineaments extraction allowed to update the pre-existing structural map and to understand the geological and structural evolution of the study area (Central Jordan Region
By: Samer Saleh Hussein Al Jurf
Co-Supervisor: Dr. Mohammad Ahmad Al Qudah
The Sirhan Basin in southeastern Jordan has been crucially studied to assess its hydrocarbon situation by means of 2D seismic profiles and well-logging data. The integration between these datasets used for interpretation and correlation provides a better visualizing of both the lateral changes in seismic facies and the physical properties that are fundamental to building a comprehensive structural model. This model allows explaining the petroleum system precisely and its essential elements, including petroleum source rocks, migration paths, reservoir rocks, seal rocks, and traps within the target formation (Dubeidib Formation from Ordovician age).
The seismic sections were used to interpret the Base and Top of the Dubeidib Formation, as well as the pre-existing fault systems that cut these reflections. Time-structure and depth maps were created using the horizons picking process. Several growth and normal faults were mapped out in the vicinity of the study area. Some of these faults were determined previously within the study area only as lineaments on the surface topography. The faults are NW-SE-trending, the same as the Al Karak Wadi Alfaiha fault and the pre-rift structures formed related to the opening of the Red Sea trend.
The well-logging data were used to identify the petroleum system plays, hydrocarbon-bearing zones and model the facies and physical properties. This allows us to understand and visualize the lateral changes to explain the petroleum system correctly and its essential elements. As a result, three reservoirs were identified within the Dubeidib Formation. Play-1 reservoir's porosity is considered fair to moderate, while the permeability is poor; the good permeability intervals are due to fractures, as mentioned in the geological and drilling reports. Play-2 reservoir is deemed a poor reservoir due to the tight sandstone existence within this interval, as indicated by high SP readings. In addition, the Play-3 reservoir is classified as a good reservoir due to successive clean sandstone layers capped by shale streaks.
Accordingly, the quality of Dubeidib reservoirs and the shale dominance considered the Dubeidib Formation as “unconventional" for many reasons. The tested oil from well WS-4 was negligible and exists within the fractured intervals only. Furthermore, the thick shale layers within the Dubeidib succession, Silurian 'hot shale', and Hiswa shale made possible tight gas reservoirs since they may have entered the gas generation window within the basin.
The present study shows, without any doubt, some potential structures for hydrocarbon in the Sirhan Basin. These structures were not tested before, especially within the graben block, where faults made excellent traps therein. In addition, there is a dome-like structure within the southeastern part of the study area, which could form a potential structural trap as an anticline structure.
Finally, the wells were drilled around well WS-4 with the old-fashioned way of tapping the 'mother lode'. Thus, it can be concluded that Sirhan Basin is still poorly explored, although the proven potential is comparable to that of other similar basins in the Risha gas field, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
3. Active Tectonic movement of the Dead Sea Transform Fault induced soft-sediment deformation: Instances from the Quaternary deposits at Wadi Al-Kharazeh.
Direct link to published article
1. Virtual Tour Showing Selected Structures in Wadi Shueib Area
By:
Farah Othman Jawhar
Ahmad Belal Ajouly
Supervised by:
Dr. Mu'ayyad Al Hseinat
Geo. Malek AlZidaneen
The Wadi Shueib Structure, located along the northeastern end of the Wadi Arab Fault, is considered one of the most complex structures in Jordan. In this work, an attempt is made to integrate virtual reality technology with applied geology to ensure the delivery of a realistic image of this structure to students and researchers. This technology can give an idea about this risky geological feature that is difficult to reach because of its location at great depths or at extremely high altitudes. Allowing students to study these geological structures anywhere, at any time, and under any conditions. We chose a location with several deformations and geological features, which reveal the topography and fossil content. The Wadi Shueib location was chosen because the area is structurally part of the DST's arched rim (Bender, 1975). It contains anticlines and synclines as well as minor faults, making it an ideal candidate for a virtual tour. We visited the Wadi Shueib area for our study. We also captured 360⸰ photos. Therefore, converted these photographs into virtual reality technology, giving us the ability to take a virtual tour of the location (Wadi Shueib).
2. Remote Sensing Data Analysis of Al-Kharazeh Area to the East of the Dead Sea Basin, Jordan
By
Mariam Mohamad Abughneim
Taqwa Idreas Alnawateer
Supervisor
This research presents new findings to understand the tectonic deformational style of two major fault systems located in the Al-Kharazeh area, east of the Dead Sea Basin, that are: the Siwaqa Fault System (SFS) and the Karak Wadi Al Faiha Fault System (KFFS). In addition, to build an overview of their relationship with the regional tectonic system of the Dead Sea Transform Fault (DSTF). Our analysis used Landsat-8 OLI images for the automated lineaments extraction, and our lineament mapping speed was sped up by processing and digital image improvement using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The calculated lineament density map shows a high density of lineaments around the SFS and the KFFS. In addition, a relatively lower density of lineaments was shown in areas covered by recent deposits. The created rose diagram displays two major lineament trends: the N-S and the EW. Two minor trends are also observed: the NNW-SSE and the NNE-SSW. Most of these lineaments are parallel to the orientation of the SFS and KFFS. We assume that the study is highly influenced by the ongoing tectonic movement of the Wadi Araba Fault (as a segment of the DSTF) and therefore, shows recent activity, particularly along the KFFS.
3. Assessment of the Sinkholes at Ghour AL Haditha Area During 2014– 2021 Years Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Yasmine Al Hawary
Ghofran Al Kharabsheh
Dr. Muayyad Al Hsienat
During the last decades, in Jordan, especially in the Dead Sea area and the water table has been dropping dramatically. This report presents tracking methods that contribute to the identification the sinkholes, which are a natural phenomenon that can occur in shallow geological sediments in different regions in the world. There are countless sinkholes in Ghour Al Haditha, which is the area of investigation. The study was done on a few of these sinkholes and views it as a catalogue to show the variations and changes in sinkholes during the eight years from 2014-2021. Also, we explain the risks that they caused and the extent of their impact.
Our research utilized Landsat-8 OLI imagery for the analysis of sinkhole and its boundary, and our mapping was facilitated by processing and digital image enhancement using principal Component analysis (PCA).