Doctoral Dissertations

Keywords and Phrases

comparison; geophysics; inversion; shallow

Abstract

Geophysical methods are essential tools for investigating shallow subsurface structures, offering non-invasive means to characterize geological features and detect anomalies. Techniques such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), towed Transient Electromagnetic (tTEM), seismic refraction, magnetic, gravity, and magnetotelluric (MT) are commonly employed to image subsurface conditions with high resolution.

This study started with an in-depth analysis of comparing results co-located in space to assess uncertainties and resolution in the obtained resistivity models in the Kansas River Alluvial Aquifer (KRAA). Our results provided a quantitative interpretation of resistivity estimates between different geo-electrical methods (ERT, tTEM and DPEC). Following this, we provided a potential field study of the Southeast Missouri Mineral District (SEMOMD) system using magnetic, gravity, and magnetoteullric (MT) methods to delineate subsurface geology of the rocks hosting potential mineral deposits. In addition, in Wadi Rum, Southwest Jordan, Controlled-Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) was applied to characterize subsurface structural features in a tectonically active region near the Araba–Dead Sea Transform fault. Results from our resistivity maps identified a graben-like structure with two northeast-southwest trending faults. Also, Three-dimensional (3D) seismic technology has emerged as a pivotal advancement in hydrocarbon exploration, particularly within salt-influenced basins. We showed a comprehensive review of studies that have demonstrated a strong correlation between fault activity associated with salt tectonics and the accumulation of hydrocarbon reservoirs, underscoring the importance of 3D seismic data in identifying viable exploration targets.

Advisor(s)

Maurer, Jeremy

Committee Member(s)

Grote, Katherine R.
Smith, Ryan G.
Cawlfield, Jeffrey D.
Gao, Stephen S.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Geology and Geophysics

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2025

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

Paper I, found on pages 6-45, has been submitted to the Journal of Environmental & Engineering Geophysics (JEEG), 2025.

Paper II, found on pages 46-82, is intended for submission to ARMA Rock Mechanics. Santa Fe, New Mexico Conference, 2025.

Paper III, found on pages 83-97, has been published in the SEG/ARMA Rock Mechanics Symposium, 2020 Society of Engineering Geophysicists.

Pagination

xii, 134 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 131-133)

Rights

© 2025 Abdullah Basaloom , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12531

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