Advisor: Gregory Mountain, Ken Miller
Bio
Aldiyar Mukhatzhanov is a Ph.D. candidate in the Sequence Stratigraphy & Earth History group within the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. His research focuses on the analysis of Miocene sedimentary systems on the New Jersey continental margin using high-resolution 3D seismic data and core data from IODP Expedition 313.
Prior to joining Rutgers, he held geophysicist roles at Schlumberger (SLB) and KazMunayGas, where he led and contributed to seismic interpretation projects across multiple sedimentary basins. His work included prospect evaluation, reservoir characterization, and integrated subsurface studies.
His research interests include sedimentary systems, seismic geomorphology, stratigraphic variability, and the application of seismic interpretation to subsurface characterization.
Research
His research investigates the sedimentary architecture and geomorphological features of Miocene intrashelf clinoform systems on the New Jersey continental margin. Using high-resolution 2D and 3D seismic data, integrated with core and well data from IODP Expedition 313, this work aims to quantify clinoform geometry, sediment transport processes, stratigraphic heterogeneity, and the evolution of the margin throughout the Miocene.
The study focuses on identifying and characterizing erosional and depositional features, including small-scale incisions and sedimentary bodies, to better understand sediment redistribution across the shelf. Particular attention is given to the role of gravity-driven processes, including debris flows, in transporting sediment to clinoform toesets.
This work contributes to a broader understanding of sedimentary processes on continental margins, with implications for subsurface characterization, including sediment distribution, geohazards, and fluid flow in shallow marine systems.
3D seismic cross-section across IODP Expedition 313 drill sites highlighting Miocene clinoform architecture on the New Jersey continental margin.