Study Plan for Geology in masters Program

Study Background

I am Muhammad Riaz. I was born and brought up in Pakistan. I have done BS Applied Geology (2006-2011) from the “University of the Punjab” Lahore, Pakistan. I did my BS with special emphasis on Microfacies analysis of Kawagarh Formation. After that I have completed my M.Phil (2011-2013) Applied Geology (Petroleum and Structural Geology) from the same university. Presently I am enrolled in PhD program and working as a research assistant in the Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. I have a couple of research publications which are under review.

I love science and to learn about the Earth. I want a career where I can travel a lot, discover exotic places and work internationally and in different countries. I seem like a good major with all field trips and I have read that job prospects for geologist are good. If possible I would want to study in foreign countries.

Motivations for applying for this program

A PhD, is a place not just to complete a thesis, it is a place to train yourself, and be trained by others in the possibilities that exist, or that potentially will exist with the knowledge you are gaining. And I think I would be able to achieve such motivations from this Scholarship.

My motivation to apply for this program is that I feel a curiosity to learn more about the Geology field and then apply the knowledge to make significant contributions through my research. Obtaining a higher education from this program provides me with the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and increases my ability to contribute to the advancement of scientific research. 

Goal of Study

From the life I want to get as many as I can and I want to be useful to people and my main goal in life is to get a higher education and competitive profession, so I can work in the chosen profession and regularly improve it as far as possible. I think this university “China University of Geosciences Beijing” has everything that I want and all what I need. I want to apply “Geology” very interesting with great potential for career advancement and further education. I have read a lot of your educational institution and if I can say, I fell in love with it. I love that students can communicate with teachers freely like with friends, little classes is big plus too, because than teacher can concentrate on every student. It’s so lovely how much useful practical knowledge your high school can give, how great it is to meet people from different countries and make them as your friends.

Detailed Study plan

My research tittle is “Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphic framework of the of Eocene Limestone (Chorgali Formation) Pakistan”

The proposed investigation will focus on the Chorgali Formation of Eocene age, Pakistan. Regional distribution of the sedimentary sequence is well known in the Salt Range and Potwar Basin. Macroscopically the Chorgali Formation is well defined. However, knowledge about facies associations, lateral and vertical facies amalgamations, stratal geometries and palaeo-environments is still poor. An integrative sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic analysis is almost missing. Knowledge about these points is basic requirements for an adequate interpretation of the development of Indo-Pakistani plate margin. The Salt Range, Potwar Basin and Hazara basin is an excellent place to resolve the complex palaeogeographic, palaeoenvironment and sedimentation dynamics through time and space.

Research Objectives

1) To study and observe the lithology, depositional condition, sedimentary structures, rock types, contacts and fossils of these areas.

2) Precise field records of geological and paleontological data as well as sampling strategies that consider the vertical and lateral variation in these data are vital for the success of microfacies studies. Laboratory methods study microscopic features and geochemical data. 

3) One of the important objectives is the sub-surface interpretation through core- analysis and wire line data logs.

4) To present possible provenance of the Chorgali Formation.

5) To present depositional settings of the Chorgali Formation.

6) To evaluate economic significance in the Chorgali Formation in the field area.

Research Methodology

Field methodology will include sampling, section measurement and photography of rock outcrops. In laboratory the thin sections will be prepared for petrographic analysis. Samples will also be prepared for paleontological studies under microscope. Petrographic study will be supplemented by; whole rock analysis for determination of major element concentration in rock sample, diagenetic study and identification of clay minerals using SEM, XRD analysis of selected clay samples, XRF spectrometry of selected samples, Stable isotope analysis of Carbon and Oxygen for interpretation of paleoclimatic conditions, grain size analysis of selected samples, Seismic, wireline and core data from Potwar Basin will also be studied.

Expected Results of the Research

This research will characterize the facies architecture of selected sections of the Chorgali Formation, and examine sedimentological, petrological, mineralogical and geochemical character within these intervals. Reorganization of sequences will enable sedimentary rocks to be divided into genetically related units bounded by surfaces with chronostratigraphic significance. Sedimentology and palaeo-environmental models for the Eocene Sequence is an essential component of establishing future hydrocarbon production and development strategies. Lithological variation in the Chorgali Formation will detect relictic hints of depositional environment. Comparison with well data from northern oil-producing Potwar Basin will be interesting not only for academia but also for industrial purposes.