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Sedimentary Basin Analysis

The Department of Geosciences at Western Michigan has recently developed a strong research emphasis in the areas of geoinformatics and spatial data analysis (GIS). Research in these fields is led by Drs M. Sultan and D. Barnes, and is being enabled by the acquisition of a state-of-the-art remote sensing facility, and the installation of a real-time receiving station at Western Michigan Department of Geosciences.

Dr. Barnes applies conventional, oil field reservoir characterization methodology to the determination of geological carbon sequestration potential in the Michigan basin subsurface. Other interests include investigation of fracture related, hydrothermal mineralization and the formation of dolostone hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Michigan basin; and Pennsylvanian bedrock aquifer delineation in the context of groundwater resource assessment and contmainant hydrogeology. His research activities have also lead to the integration of computer systems technologies (especially GIS and related software) to subsurfacce stratigraphy, coastal change, and water resources problems. Barnes is currently funded by DOE/NETL, for the Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (MRCSP), Study of Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide in the Michigan Basin.

A comprehensive understanding of Earth systems sciences requires substantial integration among scientific disciplines in terms of concepts, understanding, skills, and problem-solving. The application of web-based GIS technologies is especially advantageous in developing countries, where obtaining basic data sets that are relevant to geologic applications, is often cost prohibitive. The 'TETHYS' interdisciplinary GIS database project funded by NSF, was a collaborative effort to build a tool for researchers, educators, and students studying continental collisions and a means to better characterize natural hazards in one of the world's most densely populated regions. Our ArcIMS servers and tools provide geophysical, geochemical, geological and remote sensing data on the web in GIS format.

Dr. Sultan's group in collaboration with the Egyptian Geological Survey have been funded by NSF to develop a web-based database for Egypt’s geologic data sets, with state-of-the-art capability for information dissemination and data manipulation to enhance effective interdisciplinary research in Egypt by national and international scientists. This database will serve as an example for similar applications in other developing countries.

Several of Sultan’s ongoing projects address the potential influences of natural processes, global change, and regional human activities on the water and carbon cycles and on ecosystems. Sultan and his collaborators are developing and applying an integrated systems approach to assess, monitor, and model the recent and future impacts of changes in the landscape and land cover associated with the major agricultural development projects in Mesopotamian Marshes. The excessive development of dams and drainage schemes over the past few decades have led to one of the gravest environmental disasters world-wide, the disintegration of the Mesopotamian marshlands that are now largely replaced by salt-encrusted deserts. Using NSF funding, Sultan’s research team is examining the temporal landcover and landuse changes (LCLUC) that occurred over the Mesopotamian marshes in response to the reduced fresh water supply induced by damming and water diversion practices over the past four decades and to monitor the ongoing recovery as well.

Sultan and his group are using remote sensing and GIS technologies to analyze and visualize spatial datasets to address a wide range of hydrologic and environmental problems. For example, this group is using UNDP funding for research to develop and demonstrate ways to integrate alternative renewable groundwater resources into the water budgets of watersheds in arid regions, where extreme scarcity poses serious trans-boundary problems.

Department of Geosciences
1187 Rood Hall
1903 West Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone: (269) 387-5485
Fax: (269) 387-5513
mohamed.sultan@wmich.edu

Any questions concerning the website should be directed to: johnson.haas@wmich.edu
©2007 Department of Geosciences, WMU