Dr. Mehdi Mohammadi Vizheh

\

Mehdi Mohammadi Vizheh

Assistant Research Professor, Research Institute for Earth Sciences

Contact Details

Mobile: +98 912 268 0524

Tel: +98 21 64592331

E-mail: mmvizheh@gmail.com ; mohammadivizheh@ut.ac.ir

Office Address: Geological Survey of Iran (GSI), Meraj Avenue, Azadi Square, Tehran, Iran.

Education

Ph.D. Geophysics (Electromagnetics), University of Tehran, Iran (Sep. 2013 – Dec. 2019)

  Visiting Researcher, Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden (Mar. 2017 – Aug. 2017)

M.Sc. Geophysics (Geoelectric), Shahrood University of Technology, Iran (Sep. 2005 – Jul. 2008)

B.Sc. Physics (Solid State), University of Kurdistan, Iran (Sep. 2000 – Apr. 2005)

Research Interests

My research focuses on the integration of advanced geophysical methods for subsurface characterization, with particular emphasis on electromagnetic techniques and multi-disciplinary interpretation of geological and geophysical datasets.

Research interests include:

  • Exploration Geophysics
  • Electromagnetic Methods
  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
  • Radio Magnetotellurics (RMT)
  • Controlled-Source Audio Magnetotellurics (CSAMT)
  • Electrical Resistivity and Induced Polarization
  • Reflection Seismic Processing
  • Joint and Constrained Geophysical Inversion
  • Mineral Exploration
  • Groundwater Exploration
  • Engineering and Environmental Geophysics
  • Archaeological Geophysics
  • Geophysical Data Processing and Numerical Modelling
  • MATLAB and Fortran Programming for Geophysical Applications

Working / Professional Experiences

Assistant Research Professor, Research Institute for Earth Sciences (RIES) (2024–Present)

Geophysicist, Department of Mineral Exploration, Geological Survey of Iran (2009–Present)

During more than fifteen years of professional experience, I have successfully led over 70 applied geophysical projects and collaborated in more than 30 multidisciplinary exploration projects covering mineral exploration, groundwater investigations, engineering geology, environmental studies, archaeological prospection, and geological mapping.

My professional activities encompass project planning and management, survey design, field data acquisition, advanced processing and inversion of geophysical datasets, integrated interpretation of geological and geophysical information, preparation of technical reports, proposal writing, and acquisition of industrial and research funding.

My research has particularly focused on integrating reflection seismic and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data with electromagnetic methods to improve constrained inversion algorithms. In this regard, I have developed several numerical algorithms and scientific codes using MATLAB and Fortran for solving complex inversion problems and enhancing interpretation accuracy.

To date, I have published more than 40 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, prepared over 60 technical reports, supervised 15 Master's theses, delivered 10 specialized professional workshops, and served as reviewer and scientific committee member for Geological Survey of Iran publications, scientific conferences, and national journals.

Honors and Awards

  • Candidate for the Iranian National Elites Foundation Award (2016, 2020).
  • Recipient of four Letters of Appreciation from the Deputy Minister and President of the Geological Survey of Iran (2012, 2018, 2021, and 2023).
  • Ranked 2nd nationwide (1st after interview) in the Iranian Ph.D. entrance examination in Geophysics (Electromagnetics) (2013).
  • Conducted and defended the first Master's thesis in Iran using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) (2008).
  • Instructor of the first national GPR training workshop held in Iran (2012).
  • Top-ranked M.Sc. graduate (2008).
  • Third-ranked B.Sc. graduate (2005).

Professional Activities

  • Principal Investigator of more than 70 geophysical exploration projects.
  • Collaborator in more than 30 national research and exploration projects.
  • Reviewer and Scientific Committee Member for publications of the Geological Survey of Iran.
  • Reviewer for national scientific journals and conferences.
  • Scientific consultant for several mineral exploration and mining companies.
  • Author of more than 60 technical reports in applied and exploration geophysics.

Academic Profile

  • More than 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications
  • More than 60 technical reports
  • More than 70 completed geophysical projects
  • Supervisor of 15 Master's theses
  • Instructor of 10 professional workshops
  • Reviewer of scientific journals and conferences
  • Developer of geophysical inversion algorithms
  • Extensive experience in multidisciplinary geophysical interpretation

Selected JCR Papers

  • Mohammadi Vizheh, M., Bastani, M., Kalscheuer, T., Oskooi, B., Schwarz, G., & Juhlin, C. (2023). Constrained 2D inversion of radio-magnetotelluric and controlled-source audio-magnetotelluric data using high-resolution reflection seismic data: An example in groundwater surveying from Heby, Sweden. Geophysics, 88(2), B79–B90. https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2021-0835.1
  • Varfinezhad, R., Parnow, S., Florio, G., Fedi, M., Mohammadi Vizheh, M. (2022). DC resistivity inversion constrained by magnetic data through sequential inversion. Acta Geophysica.
  • Mohammadi Vizheh, M., Kalscheuer, T., Bastani, M., & Oskooi, B. RMT data inversion using GPR structural and petrophysical constraints for groundwater investigations. (Research in preparation).
  • Nazari, H., Ritz, J.F., Burg, J.P., Haghipour, N., Mohammadi Vizheh, M., et al. (2021). Archaeoseismology, slip rate and kinematic analysis of the Khazar Fault along the northern flank of Central Alborz, Iran. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 219, 104893.
  • Mohammadi Vizheh, M., Oskooi, B., Bastani, M., & Kalscheuer, T. (2020). Using GPR data as structural constraints in RMT inversion for groundwater investigations. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 177, 2903–2929.
  • Mohammadi Vizheh, M., Ameri, A., Kamkar Rouhani, A., Jafari, F., & Razavi, A. (2010). Investigation of bed sediments using an improved processing algorithm in Ground Penetrating Radar: A case study. Near Surface 2010 – 16th European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, Zurich, Switzerland.

Selected National Journal Papers

  • Mohammadi Vizheh, M., Oskooi, B., Bastani, M., & Kalscheuer, T. (2019). Constrained inversion of RMT data using GPR sections versus joint interpretation in aquifer investigations. Journal of Research and Applied Geophysics.
  • Mohammadi Vizheh, M., Kamkar Rouhani, A.G. (2014). Detection of subsurface utilities and analysis of Ground Penetrating Radar pulse characteristics. Iranian Journal of Geophysics.
  • Mohammadi Vizheh, M., Kamkar Rouhani, A.G. (2010). Investigation of near-surface structures using Ground Penetrating Radar and electrical resistivity methods: A case study. Scientific Quarterly Journal of Geosciences.

Additional publications cover applications of geophysical methods in tectonic investigations, pavement engineering, sedimentology, environmental studies, Quaternary geology, archaeological prospection, and integrated interpretation of magnetic, gravity, resistivity, and Ground Penetrating Radar datasets.

Conference Papers

Presented more than 20 scientific papers at national and international conferences in the fields of exploration geophysics, mineral exploration, groundwater investigations, engineering geology, geohazards, environmental geophysics, archaeological applications, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).

Representative presentations include:

  • Constrained inversion of Radio Magnetotelluric (RMT) data using Ground Penetrating Radar constraints.
  • Joint interpretation of GPR and electromagnetic datasets for groundwater exploration.
  • Three-dimensional visualization of Ground Penetrating Radar data.
  • Detection of concealed faults using integrated geophysical methods.
  • Geophysical applications in archaeology, engineering geology, and sedimentology.
  • Exploration of metallic mineral deposits using integrated geophysical techniques.
  • Application of GPR in pavement evaluation, lake bathymetry, buried utility detection, and fault investigations.

Technical Reports and Professional Publications

  • Author and co-author of more than 60 technical reports prepared for the Geological Survey of Iran and private exploration companies.
  • Member of the preparation committee for the national guideline entitled "Guidance on the Description of Services and Determination of Fees for Geophysical Studies", published by the Plan and Budget Organization of Iran.
  • Member of the editorial team of the Radiometry Journal of Iran, published by the Iranian Mining Engineering Organization.

Research Supervision

Supervisor and advisor of 15 Master's theses conducted at:

  • University of Tehran
  • Shahrood University of Technology
  • Kharazmi University
  • University of Qazvin
  • Arak University
  • Research Institute for Earth Sciences (RIES)

The supervised research projects mainly focused on applied geophysics, Ground Penetrating Radar, mineral exploration, electrical resistivity tomography, environmental geophysics, and geophysical inversion methodologies.

Teaching Experience

Professional Instructor, Research Institute for Earth Sciences (RIES) and Geological Survey of Iran (2012–Present)

Designed and delivered a series of specialized professional training courses and workshops in applied and exploration geophysics for governmental organizations, universities, mining companies, and professional societies.

Major teaching areas include:

  • Exploration Geophysics
  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
  • Electrical Resistivity and Induced Polarization
  • Radio Magnetotelluric (RMT)
  • Controlled-Source Audio Magnetotellurics (CSAMT)
  • Geophysical Survey Design
  • Geophysical Data Processing and Interpretation
  • Mineral Exploration
  • Groundwater Exploration

I have delivered more than 10 specialized professional workshops and short courses for researchers, graduate students, and industry professionals.

Professional Workshops

Exploration Geophysics, Gohar Zamin Iron Ore Company (2023)

Exploration Geophysics, Iranian Mining Engineering Organization (2022)

Radio Magnetotelluric (RMT) and Controlled-Source Audio Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) for Mineral and Groundwater Exploration, International Conference on Non-Ferrous Metals (2020)

Application and Survey Design of Geophysical Methods in Mineral Exploration, International Mineral Exploration Conference (2019)

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Workshop, National Geosciences Congress (2012–2017)

Electrical Resistivity and Induced Polarization Workshop, National & International Geosciences Congress (2016)

Professional Training Courses

Completed numerous national and international professional training courses to strengthen expertise in exploration geophysics and advanced geophysical data processing, including:

  • Processing and 3D Modeling of Magnetic and Gravity Data
  • Airborne Geophysical Survey Using UAV Platforms
  • Airborne Time-Domain Electromagnetics (TDEM)
  • Exploration Geophysics Field School (Geological Survey of Finland)
  • GIS Integration and Spatial Modeling
  • Advanced ArcGIS Applications
  • Copper Mineralization
  • Gold Deposits in the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone
  • Rare Earth Element Exploration
  • Well Logging and Modern Mineral Exploration Technologies

Professional Services

  • Reviewer for scientific journals in geophysics and earth sciences.
  • Scientific reviewer for Geological Survey of Iran publications.
  • Member of scientific committees of national conferences.
  • Consultant for governmental organizations and private exploration companies.
  • Reviewer of technical reports in mineral exploration and applied geophysics.
  • Advisor for exploration, mining, groundwater, engineering, and environmental geophysics projects.

Academic Achievements

  • More than 15 years of professional experience in applied geophysics.
  • Principal Investigator of more than 70 geophysical exploration projects.
  • Collaborator in over 30 multidisciplinary research projects.
  • Author of more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
  • Author of over 60 technical reports.
  • Supervisor of 15 Master's theses.
  • Instructor of more than 10 specialized professional workshops.
  • Developer of numerical algorithms for constrained geophysical inversion.
  • Extensive experience in integrating geological and geophysical datasets for mineral exploration, groundwater assessment, engineering investigations, archaeological studies, and environmental applications.

References

Dr. Mehrdad Bastani
Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden

Dr. Thomas Kalscheuer
Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden

Dr. Behrooz Oskooi
University of Tehran, Iran

Dr. Abolghasem Kamkar Rouhani
Shahrood University of Technology, Iran

tags: Dr. Mehdi Mohammadi Vizheh Research Institute for Earth Sciences