Saudi Geological Survey

Zamzam Studies and Research Centre

Unlike other geologic surveys worldwide, the Saudi Geological Survey faces a number of unique responsibilities that arise from its being the major national earth science body of the Kingdom. Foremost of these special responsibilities are the obligations it has towards the well-being and prosperity of the two holiest cities of Islam, Makkah al Mukarramah (Makkah the Holy) and Madinah al Munawwarah (Madinah the Illuminated).

Holy Mosque, Makkah

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, HM King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz,and his brother, the previous king, HM King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, have taken keen interest in the affairs of Muslims all over the world, and particularly in those matters that affect the Holy Cities. The Zamzam well, which is located within the precinct of the Holy Mosque in Makkah, is sacred to Muslims because of its miraculous origin. Muslims cherish the holy water from the well, and hence Their Majesties’ special interest in and attention to Zamzam in all its aspects. >>>

Cave Exploration in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Geological Survey has had an interest in the study of caves and lava tubes since 1999, when a foreign caving expert was first hired by SGS and a team of Saudi geologists was built who could systematically investigate underground cavities in the Kingdom. In part, the interest in Saudi caves has coincided with a Kingdom-wide interest in developing sites of geo-touristic potential; but as part of its scientific mandate, SGS has an interest in caves because they may contain a detailed record of past climate, surface processes, and be sources of data that can be used in studies of climate change.

SGS interest in caves resulted in the publication, in 2003, of a hard-back volume called The Desert Caves of Saudi Arabia, which is available for purchase from SGS. The balance of this section of the SGS website consists of excerpts from this SGS title, which focused on underground caves around the town of Ma’aqala, some 200-250 km north-northeast of Riyadh. >>>

The Empty Quarter

In the winter of 2005-2006 the Saudi Geological Survey was in the midst of planning a major field excursion to the Saudi Arabian 'Empty Quarter' for numbers of its technical staff and invited outside experts.

The field trip, which ran from February 25 to March 9, 2006 was a great success in giving the attendees a rich, varied, but quick overview of the vast region. The trip sparked interest in a number of follow-up scientific projects in the region, some of which are now being considered as cooperative programs between SGS and external agencies. >>>