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Name: Dr. Ismail Ahmad Abir
Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ext : 3679
Other : Remote Sensing/GIS/Structural Geology/Active Tectonics/Geohazards |
POST GRAD STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES!!! - I am always looking for self-motivated and passionate Masters/PhD students that are interested in the field of active tectonics, remote sensing and geoscience. Please contact me (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if interested. It is best to come and visit us at the School of Physics to see if our Geophysics program is right for you.
Education:
University of Houston, Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| 2013-2016 |
Ph.D. in Geophysics (GPA: 3.5)
Dissertation: “Integration of seismic interpretation with remote sensing techniques to study the neo-tectonics of the fold-and-thrust belts of northwestern Pakistan”
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Advisor: Dr. Shuhab Khan; committee: Dr. Paul Mann (UH), Dr. Aibing Li (UH) and Dr. Gulzar Aziz (ION Geophysical) |
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University of Houston, Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| 2010-2012 |
Master of Science in Geophysics (GPA: 3.5)
Dissertation: “Application of InSAR and 2D seismic interpretation for salt tectonic studies in the Salt Range and Potwar Plateau region, Northern Pakistan”
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Advisor: Dr. Shuhab Khan; committee: Dr. Craig Glennie (UH), Dr. Jolante Van Wijk (New Mexico Tech) |
University of Houston, Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| 2008-2010 |
Bachelor of Science in Geophysics: Honors (Magna Cum Laude) (GPA: 3.7) Minor: Mathematics |
Appointments:
| 2016-Current |
Senior Lecturer, School of Physics, USM, Penang, Malaysia |
| 2014-2016 |
Research Assistant, GeoRS Lab, University of Houston, Houston, TX |
| 2014 |
Intern, Petronas Carigali Exploration, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| 2010-2014 |
Teaching Assistant, University of Houston, Houston, TX |
Honors and Awards:
| 2015 |
Geoscience Day Oral Presentation Honorable Mention (University of Houston) |
| 2013 |
Chevron – Outstanding Achievement in Geophysics |
| 2012 |
BP Scholar Scholarship |
| 2010 |
Presidential Fellowship Award |
| 2010 |
Murdoch Scholar Scholarship |
| 2010 |
Department of Earth & Atmospheric Alumni Gala Scholarship |
| 2009 |
Halliburton Excellence Scholarship |
Work and Research Experience:
Universiti Sains Malaysia, School of Physics, Penang, Malaysia
| 2016-current |
Senior Lecturer
Research
- Studying landslides and subsidence in Penang Island. Remote sensing and ground-based geophysical techniques are integrated to understand the active tectonics of this region
- Exploring geothermal sources of Peninsular Malaysia based on thermal infrared remote sensing.
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University of Houston, Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Houston
| 2013-2016 |
PhD Research
- Investigated the active tectonics of foreland basins in Northern Pakistan. These include its implications on earthquake and hydrocarbon exploration in the region (see publications).
- Developed a new method by integrating subsurface data (seismic and well) with surface data (satellite image processing-InSAR)
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| 2015 |
Geophysical Field Camp
- Provided assistance with GPR, GPS and EMI (Electromagnetic Induction) surveys along the Gulf of Mexico (Galveston, TX)
- Organized and maintained the GPR, GPS and EMI equipment
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| 2014 |
AAPG Imperial Barrel Award Program
- 3D seismic interpretations for the North Sea, Netherlands (Petrel)
- Generated tectonic history charts and paleogeography maps
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| 2010-2012 |
Master Research
- Investigated the effects of salt tectonics on the Salt Range-Potwar Plateau of Northern Pakistan through geomorphic, structural geology, surface deformation and gravity.
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| 2010 |
Geological Field Mapping
- Mapped the Dog Canyon area in Big Bend National Park, TX with Dr. Mike Murphy and Dr. Alex Robinson
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Petronas Carigali, Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| 2014 |
Summer Intern
- 3D seismic interpretations for Santos-Campos basin, Brazil (Petrel)
- Seismic and well data loading (Petrel)
- Generated burial history chart and volumetrics calculations of prospects (PetroMod)
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Research interests: Neo-tectonics; salt tectonics; active tectonics; structural geology; basin analysis; seismic and well interpretation; Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR); remote sensing; Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)
Active Projects
1) Active tectonics of Western Himalayas
Map of fold & thrust belts in Northwestern Pakistan. Abir, I. A. et al., 2015 (see publications list)
Cross-section of Salt Range, Pakistan. Abir et al., 2015
2) Salt Tectonics
Fence diagram of subsurface structures for a basin in Pakistan. Abir et al., 2017 (see publications list)
Salt Mining in Pakistan
3) Landslide and Subsidence Studies of Malaysia (USM Short Term Grant)
Landslide in the Batu Feringghi area, Penang
Fieldwork in Balik Pulau, Penang
Resistivity Survey at Paya Terubong
4) Coastal Water Clarity Studies of Penang Island Using Optical Remote Sensing
Sampling Near Tanjung Tokong, Penang
POST GRAD STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES!!! - I am always looking for self-motivated and passionate Masters/PhD students that are interested in the field of active tectonics, remote sensing and geoscience. Currently I have one spot for a Master level student for the landslide project in the area of Penang. Please contact me (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if interested. It is best to come and visit us at the School of Physics to see if our Geophysics program is right for you.
Grants:
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USM Short Term Grant (PI): Slope Instability and Subsidence Studies in Penang Island by Integrating Remote Sensing and Geophysical Data (Ongoing Project)
Co-PI: Prof Dr. Mohd Nawawi Mohd Nordin (USM), Dr. Amin Esmail Khalil (USM) (Duration July 15th, 2017-July 14th 2020)
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Contributed to the European Space Agency ENVISAT ASAR Proposal to obtain ASAR satellite images for InSAR studies of Chaman fault, in western Himalayas. This study focuses on the rate of movement of the active Chaman fault.
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| Co-PI for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 Proposal to obtain PALSAR-2 satellite images for InSAR studies of the arcuate nature of western Himalayas (Accepted). This study focuses on the earthquake hazards of western Himalayas. |
Teaching Experience:
Universiti Sains Malaysia, School of Physics, Penang, Malaysia
| Semester 1 |
2016 |
ZGT 295 Geophysical Practical |
| Semester 2 |
2017 |
ZGT 269 Exploration Geophysics II |
| Semester 2 |
2017 |
ZGT 190 Geology Practical |
| Semester 1 |
2017 |
ZGT 562 Seismic Interpretation |
| Semester 1 |
2017 |
ZGT 268 Exploration Geophysics I (Seismic) |
| Semester 1 |
2017 |
ZGT 295 Geophysical Practical |
| Semester 2 |
2017 |
ZGT 271 Geophysical Data Analysis |
| Semester 2 |
2017 |
ZGE 461 Advanced Geology |
| Semester 1 |
2018 |
ZGT 562 Seismic Interpretation |
| Semester 1 |
2018 |
ZGT 564 Remote Sensing Applications |
| Semester 2 |
2019 |
ZGT 271 Geophysical Data Analysis |
| Semester 2 |
2019 |
ZGE 461 Advanced Geology |
University of Houston, Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Houston
- Taught large (>100) and small (<20) undergraduate and graduate courses in both geology and geophysics
- Computer-based (ArcGIS, Petrel and ENVI), laboratory-based and field-based courses
- Undergraduate and graduate research mentoring
Teaching Assistant
| Fall |
2010 |
GEOL 1130 Physical Geology Laboratory |
| Spring |
2011 |
GEOL 3340 Geologic Field Methods Laboratory |
| Fall |
2011 |
GEOL 3383\6325 Remote Sensing Laboratory |
| Spring |
2012 |
GEOL 4331\6388 Introduction to GIS |
| Fall |
2012 |
GEOL 3383\6325 Remote Sensing Laboratory |
| Spring |
2013 |
GEOL 4331\6388 Introduction to GIS |
| Spring |
2013 |
GEOL 6389 GIS for Geologists |
| Fall |
2013 |
GEOL 3383\6325 Remote Sensing Laboratory |
| Spring |
2014 |
GEOL 4331\6388 Introduction to GIS |
| Summer |
2015 |
GEOL 4355 Geophysics Field Camp |
| Summer |
2016 |
GEOL 4355 Geophysics Field Camp |
Mentoring/Supervising Experience:
| Currently |
Roselan Abdul Rahman, PhD
Influence of Catchment Morphometry on Hydrology of Sungai Sedim, Kulim, Kedah
Zaitul Zahira Ghazali, PhD
Karst Geohazard Risk Integrated Modelling for Safe Urban
Planning
Rauff Olekunle, PhD
Landslide Studies of Penang using InSAR and Geophysical Techniques
Abdul Qadir, PhD
Landslide and Subsidence Studies of Cameron Highlands using
InSAR and Geophysical Techniques
Jefriza, PhD
Environmental Impact Assessment and Monitoring in Aceh
Tengah, Indonesia using Application of Multi Temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar
Abel Osagie, PhD
Seismic Tomographic Imaging of P-Wave Velocity Perturbation Beneath Straits of Malacca and Peninsular Malaysia using a Modelling and Three-Dimensional Ray Tracing Algorithm
Mohd Hanis, PhD
Observational Study of Infiltration of River Water into Ground Water using Time – Lapse Electrical Resistivity Imaging Technique
Aina Syahirah, MS
Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zone using Remote Sensing and GIS Methods in Kangar, Perlis
Fakhrul, MS
Deformation Monitoring of Bannu, Pakistan by Multi Temporal Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (MTInSAR)
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| 2019 |
Completed Thesis
Abubakar Sirajo, MS (Mix-Mode)
Change Detection of Landslides in Seberang Prai Using InSAR
Thivinesh, MS (Mix-Mode)
Strutural Geology Mapping of Sulaiman Range, Pakistan using Remote Sensing Techniques
Aravind, MS (Mix-Mode)
Change Detection of Subsidence in Johor Bahru Using InSAR
Wahidah Idrus & Ashiq, BS (Final Year Project)
Karstic Void Mapping of Gua Musang, Kelantan using Geophysical Techniques
Completed Internship (UiTM Arau)
Muhammad Afiq
RS Project: Coastal Turbidity Estimation of Penang Island using Remote Sensing
GIS Project: The effects of land reclamation on water clarity at Tanjung Tokong, Penang
Nurul Nadia
RS Project: Landuse Landcover Changes of Penang Island using New Landsat 8 Data
GIS Project: Waste Management of Penang Island using Network Analysis
Siti Nur Aisyah
RS Project: Landuse Landcover Changes of Johor Bahru using New Landsat 8 Data
GIS Project: Crime Rate Analysis of Johor Bahru using GIS
Nur Khadijatul Aishah
RS Project: Change Detection for the Palu Earthquake, Indonesia using Remote Sensing
GIS Project: Identification of the Best Hospital Locations in Sungai Petani, Kedah using GIS
Nursyafiqa Dania
RS Project: Landuse Landcover Changes of Alor Setar using New Landsat 8 Data
GIS Project: Groundwater potential of Sungai Sedim using GIS
Nurul Izzah
RS Project: Climate Change Studies using Remote Sensing
GIS Project: Groundwater potential of Gua Musang using GIS
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| 2018 |
Completed Thesis
Faiz Asyraf, MS (Mix-Mode)
Change Detection of Landslides in Penang Using InSAR
Yanis Dwiky, MS (Mix-Mode)
Exploring Geothermal Hotspots in Aceh, Indonesia
Nurulamani & Aisah Taufik, BS (Final Year Project)
The Effects of Reclamation Land on Water Clarity Using Remote Sensing
Completed Internship (UiTM Arau)
Safwan Najmi
RS Project: Ground Deformation in Ranau, Sabah using InSAR
GIS Project: Estimation of Land Surface Temperature Changes between 2010 and 2016 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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| 2017 |
Co-supervisor of FYP student (Geophysics) Mr. Muhamad Azlan Shah Adnan
1-D Velocity Model for Straits of Malacca via the Inversion of Earthquake Travel Time Data
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| 2014-2015 |
Served as mentor to undergraduate students Wanda Crupa and Sterling Sammons on active tectonics of the western Himalayas and the Chaman fault |
| 2015 |
Served as mentor to undergraduate student Aubrey Hepler on GPR studies of sand dunes in Galveston and along the Gulf of Mexico |
| 2015 |
Served as mentor to graduate students Luqman Bisiriyu and Kevin Foto on basin analysis studies in foreland basins of Northern Pakistan |
Refereed publications:
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| Ahmad Abir, I., 2019, “Landslide Study of Penang Island based on InSAR of ALOS PALSAR images”: Geomorphology: (in prep) |
| Ahmad Abir, I. S. D. Khan & A. Ghulam, 2019, “Western Himalayan front geometry and relation to earthquake occurrences revealed by InSAR and satellite mapping”: Remote Sensing of Environment (in prep) |
| Cesarian, D. P., Abir, I. A., & M. Isa, 2018, Comparison of In-Situ Temperature and Satellite Retrieved Temperature in Determining Geothermal Potential in Jaboi Field, Sabang. Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1116, No. 3, p. 032008). IOP Publishing. |
| Khalil, A. E., I. Ahmad Abir, H. Hafiez, H. Ginsos, & M. S. Khan, 2017, "Probabilistic seismic hazards assessments of Sabah, east Malaysia: accounting for local earthquake activity near Ranau": Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 15(1), 13-26. |
Ahmad Abir, I., S. D. Khan, G. M. Aziz & S. Tariq, 2017, “Bannu basin, fold-and-thrust belt of northern Pakistan: Subsurface imaging and its implications for hydrocarbon exploration”: Marine and Petroleum Geology, 85, 242-258.
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| Huang, J., S. D. Khan, A. Ghulam, W. Crupa, I. Ahmad Abir, A. S. Khan, D. M. Kakar, A. Kasi, and N. Kakar, 2016, "Study of Subsidence and Earthquake Swarms in the Western Pakistan": Remote Sensing, 8 (11), 956. |
| Ahmad Abir, I., S. D. Khan, A. Ghulam, S. Tariq & M. T. Shah, 2015, “Active tectonics of western Potwar Plateau-Salt Range, northern Pakistan from InSAR observations and seismic imaging”: Remote Sensing of Environment, 168, 265-275. |
Other Publications:
| Qadir, A., Mallick, T. M., Abir, I. A., Shamim, S. K., Aman, M. A. & N. Khan (2019). Morphometric Analysis of Song Watershed, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, (Ed. Book, 2019) Water Crisis and Food Security, A. K. Publications (ISBN 978-81-928754-5-3) |
| Qadir, A., Abir, I. A. & S. Ahmad. (2019). A GIS Based Value Chain Design for Rural Development, (Ed. Book, 2019) Environment and Social Development, A. K. Publications (ISBN 978-81-928754-2-2) |
| Rosman, N., Abdullah, A., & Abir, I. A. (2018). The effect of land reclamation on water clarity in Tanjung Tokong using remote sensing, NGC (National Geoscience Conference, 2018). |
Cesarian, D. P., Abir, I. A., & Isa, M. (2018). Identifying geothermal potential sites in Jaboi Field, Sabang using satellite data, NGC (National Geoscience Conference, 2018).
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| Rauff, K. O., & Ismail, A. A. (2018). Statistical analysis of impact of climate change on crop potentials productivity on a regional scale in Nigeria. African Journal of Agriculture Research, 13 (42), 2275-2284 |
| Qadir, A., Abir, I. A., Shamim, S. K. & R. K. Olkunle. (2018). Assessment of Land use Dynamics of Aligarh City Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques, (Ed. Book, 2018) Geospatial Technologies for Good-Governance and Sustainable Development, A. K. Publications (ISBN 978-81-938337-2-8) |
Abstracts:
| Ahmad Abir, I. S. D. Khan, G. M. Aziz & S. Tariq, New evidence for salt tectonics in Bannu Basin, Northern Pakistan from seismic imaging: Abstract presented at 2015 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, USA, 14-18 Dec |
| Ahmad Abir, I., S. D. Khan, G. M. Aziz & S. Tariq, Tectonic of Bannu Basin and its relation to the Trans-Indus-Salt Ranges fold-thrust belt in northern Pakistan: Abstract presented at 2015 Geoscience Day, Student Research Day & Industry Open House, University of Houston, 1 May |
| Ahmad Abir, I., S. D. Khan, A. Ghulam, S. Tariq & M. T. Shah, 2014, Salt Tectonics of basin and range systems in the Sub-Himalayas of northern Pakistan using InSAR and 2D seismic interpretation: Abstract G31A-0382 presented at 2014 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, USA, 15-19 Dec |
| Ahmad Abir, I., S. D. Khan, A. Ghulam, S. Tariq & M. T. Shah, Could normal fault basement ramps control salt movement in northern Pakistan: Abstract presented at 2014 Student Research Day & Alumni/Industry Open House, University of Houston, 25 April |
| Ahmad Abir, I., S. D. Khan, R. Bendick, A. Qadir & S. Tariq, Exploring salt tectonics in northern Pakistan using InSAR and seismic interpretations: Abstract 1483051 presented at 2012 Fall Meeting, AGU San Francisco, USA, 3-7 Dec |
| Ahmad Abir, I., S. D. Khan & A. Qadir, 2011, Exploring salt tectonics in northern Pakistan using InSAR and geophysical techniques: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 43(5), 592 |
| Ahmad Abir, I. S. D. Khan & A. Qadir, Exploring Salt Tectonics in Northern Pakistan using InSAR and Geophysical Techniques: Abstract presented at 2011 Annual Sheriff Lecture, Westchase Hilton Hotel, 28 November |
Invited Presentations:
| Ahmad Abir, I., S. D. Khan, A. Ghulam & A. Li, 2015, Differential motion along the strike of Himalayan front marked by reentrants in NW Himalaya. University of Houston Applied Geophysics Seminar, 9 October. |
| Ahmad Abir, I., S. D. Khan, A. Ghulam & A. Li, 2015, Differential motion along the strike of Himalayan front marked by reentrants in NW Himalaya. University of Houston Tectonics Seminar, 9 October |
Practical and Analytical Proficiency:
Fieldwork experience
- Geological mapping of Dog Canyon, Big Bend National Park, TX
- Acquired geophysical data (seismic, gravity, magnetics, GPS, GPR, borehole and EMI) in Red Lodge (Montana), Hockley Faults, Pierce Junction Salt Dome and Galveston (Texas)
- Acquired hyperspectral scans and Gigapan pictures of outcrops near Del Rio, Texas
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Proficient in using computer software
- Petrel, ArcGIS, ENVI (Remote sensing), PetroMod, SMT Kingdom, CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator
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