About

About Center

The Sultanate of Oman presents an excellent opportunity to explore and gain insights into some of the world's finest geological landscapes, which serve as textbook examples. Here, the geological formations are exceptionally well-exposed, without being obscured by soil or vegetation.

Furthermore, in addition to these remarkable geological features, Oman's discovery of oil, gas, and mineral resources creates ample opportunities for research endeavors. In 2014, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) established the Earth Sciences Research Center (ESRC), dedicated to conducting research across various subdisciplines of earth sciences.

Additionally, ESRC offers consultancy services, analytical support, and training to both national and international industry and academic partners. It places a strong emphasis on capacity building. Presently, ESRC collaborates with a wide array of national and international entities, including corporations, research institutions, colleges, and departments. This collaboration enhances its ability to offer multidisciplinary expertise in applied research spanning a diverse spectrum of research areas.

Vision

To become an internationally recognized center of excellence for research in Earth Sciences.

Mission

The center will focus on conducting strategic research, use of the subsurface and the geological resources, providing consultation services, disseminating earth science information, and enhancing links with international research centers.

To contribute to the economy of Oman through the development of new strategic research ideas, applications and techniques in different fields of earth sciences, mainly the oil, gas and mining sector.
To house a database on various aspects of Oman’s geology and to be the premier provider of geo-scientific data, investment opportunities, information and knowledge for sustainable use of natural resources.
To give advice on exploration, quarrying, mining, and mineral resource evaluation.
To provide a full range of continuing education courses, training, short courses, and workshops on earth science topics.
To foster cooperation in the geosciences field between academia, government, and industry nationally and internationally.
To advise on engineering geology related aspects, such as site investigations and environmental issues such as geo-hazards, geotourism and geo-conservation.

Clastic and Carbonate Sedimentology
Reservoir Diagenesis and Quality
Sequence Stratigraphy
Structure and Tectonics
Source Rock Assessment
Play and Prospect Assessment
Seismic Interpretation
Carbon Sequestration Studies
Underground Storage Studies
Waste Recycling Studies
Meteorite Studies
Ophiolite Studies
Mineral Resources Studies
Soil Test Studies
Radon Geology Studies
Gamma Ray Logging
Core Plugging and Analysis
This Section Analysis
Modal Composition
Grain Size Analysis
XRD Analysis
Elemental Analysis
SEM and BSI Analysis
Cathodoluminescence Analysis
U-Pb Age dating Analysis
Isotope Analysis
Micro Milling
Digital Microscope
Field Excursions
Training Program

The UNESCO Chair on Ophiolite Studies has a primary goal of advancing a comprehensive framework for research, education, and information dissemination within the realm of ophiolite and related oceanic crust studies. In terms of research, the focus will be on investigations into the ancient oceanic crust, specifically 'ophiolites.'

On the educational front, there will be a concentrated effort to establish a distance education platform that collaborates with an international network of partners, providing training opportunities in the field of ophiolite studies. This initiative aims to complement the ongoing research and training activities conducted at Sultan Qaboos University, particularly within the Department of Earth Sciences and the Earth Sciences Research Centre, by broadening their scope. Additionally, it seeks to extend certain educational offerings, both in terms of curricular and extracurricular activities, to high school students.

For more detailed information, please feel free to reach out.

Click Here.

The centre has a great potential to provide consultation services in the following areas:

1- Oil and Gas Companies: Oil exploration, recovery, research, analysis and consultancy.

2- Insurance and Financial Companies : Geology, ground stability and flooding data.

3- Marine and Coastal Consultancy: Sea bed data sets, Bathymetry index data sets for those working in hydrocarbons, marine aggregates, offshore habitat studies, coastal research and land use planning.

4- Mineral Industry: Dig ital data for minerals planning — mines and quarries, commodity statistics, minerals exploration and environmental issues Construction and site investigation” Consultancy or site investigation reports, stone matching and borehole information.

5- Site visualisation using 3D models.

6- Assess ground conditions, geotechnical properties, analyse soil chemistry, or model groundwater processes.

7- Home buying reports —geological assessment, and ground stability Geology, ground stability and flooding data.

8- Environmental reports for consultants and conveyances.

9- Power and Energy Companies { Site assessments — wind farms, power stations and pipelines. Expertise in CO2 capture and storage.

10- Ground source heat pump site investigations.

11- Road and Pipeline Operators”GIS data sets for project specific areas.

12- Consultancy - natural hazard and subsidence, erosion of infrastructure.

13- Ground assessment and monitoring.

14- Tourism and Education: Geo diversity and tourism projects to raise awareness of the importance of geology to our everyday lives.

Vision

To become an internationally recognized center of excellence for research in Earth Sciences.

Mission

The center will focus on conducting strategic research, use of the subsurface and the geological resources, providing consultation services, disseminating earth science information, and enhancing links with international research centers.

To contribute to the economy of Oman through the development of new strategic research ideas, applications and techniques in different fields of earth sciences, mainly the oil, gas and mining sector.

To house a database on various aspects of Oman’s geology and to be the premier provider of geo-scientific data, investment opportunities, information and knowledge for sustainable use of natural resources.

To give advice on exploration, quarrying, mining, and mineral resource evaluation.

To provide a full range of continuing education courses, training, short courses, and workshops on earth science topics.

To foster cooperation in the geosciences field between academia, government, and industry nationally and internationally.

To advise on engineering geology related aspects, such as site investigations and environmental issues such as geo-hazards, geotourism and geo-conservation.