Higher temperatures have increased drought frequency and intensity over the last two decades, but the trend could be reversed in the next 20 years.

A new analytical technique enables reassessment of plate boundaries and improved slip rate estimations along the Dead Sea Fault.

Long-term satellite data shows a significant cooling effect of vegetation on land surface temperature.

A data-driven modeling system that reconstructs oceanic circulation of the Red Sea highlights the importance of developing region-specific historical datasets.

Computer simulations show how nitrogen injections can help flush oil from underground storage.

Modeling air quality over the Arabian Peninsula reveals that pollution from anthropogenic sources is contributing to health risks and climate change.

Seasonal phytoplankton blooms in the Al-Wajh lagoon differ from those in the adjacent Red Sea due to regional water dynamics and nutrient availability.

A comprehensive study suggests the Arabian plate is geologically stable and capable of withstanding long-term forces from surrounding tectonic activity.

Simulations show that solar panel installations could go a long way toward addressing Saudi Arabia’s growing water crisis.

Modeling the impact of meteorological forces on the Red Sea shows that winds in the southern part of the sea modulate sea-level surges across the basin.

Warmer waters in the central tropical Pacific in recent decades have led to shifts in atmospheric wind jets, bringing more winter rainfall to the eastern Arabian Peninsula and less to the south.

Saudi Arabia might not be shaken from its ambitious development goals, but it cannot rule out large earthquakes entirely.

Studying slow, gentle and previously undetectable events will help reveal the origins of damaging earthquakes.

An extended epidemic model that accounts for uncertainty and the latest data can better predict the evolution of pandemics.

Trends in heat discomfort are more subtle than expected across Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Geologic structures and deposits below planetary surfaces can be mapped faster than ever.

Ozone depletion following the Toba eruption around 74,000 years ago compounded the ensuing volcanic winter and caused a human population bottleneck.

A detailed analysis combining seafloor mapping and earthquake and gravity data shows that the oceanic crust under the Red Sea is older than previously thought. 

The timing of phytoplankton blooms in the Red Sea could help determine next year’s fish catch.

A new analysis of satellite data gives a detailed view of how extreme dust events have changed over time.

Red Sea atlas of algal blooms reveals the need for more sustainable fish farming.

A model for the southeastern California lithosphere suggests that a strong upper crust overlies weaker lower rock layers.

Modeling shows that volcanic eruptions can cause changes in global climate, if the timing is right.

An all-inclusive climate model for the entire Red Sea region is supporting Saudi Arabia’s plans for a sustainable future.

Analysis of abnormally deep earthquakes may lead to improved seismic forecasting.

A high-resolution atmospheric assessment for the northern Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia shows the region has some of the best air quality in the Kingdom.

Modeling shows that coral reefs off the east coast of Saudi Arabia play a vital role in protecting the coastal zone.

Extra caution is required in developing climate forecasts of enclosed seas.

Understanding how storms unleash more rain over cities in the desert could improve water security in Saudi Arabia. 

Simulations reveal unexpected connections in the Red Sea basin that could help marine conservation.

Summer dust has been increasing over the Arabian Peninsula for the past decade with global implications.

Mapping variations in sunlight across the Arabian Peninsula reveals a bright future for solar energy in the region.

Automated imaging of underground salt bodies from seismic data could help streamline oil and gas exploration.

Exploring the links between natural climate cycles and the sea-surface temperature of the Red Sea reveals a cooling trend during the next few decades.

Powerful computer simulations are revealing new insights into water exchanges between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

A remote sensing algorithm offers better predictions of Red Sea coral bleaching and can be fine tuned for use in other tropical marine ecosystems. 

Algal blooms in the Red Sea can be detected with a new method that accounts for dust storms and aerosols.

World-class computing facilities at KAUST enable researchers to tackle complex questions in climate science and oceanography.  

Modeling the 3D structure of Red Sea eddies shows how transport of energy and biochemical materials influences circulation patterns in the Red Sea. 

Investigating links between surface air temperatures and large-scale circulation patterns builds understanding of climate variability in the Arabian Peninsula.

Modeling shows that the Indian summer monsoon can trigger heatwaves and sandstorms on the Arabian Peninsula. 

A comprehensive model for simulating mudcake growth during oil extraction could transform well-drilling protocols.

Volcanic eruptions in Mexico and the Philippines can lead to atmospheric changes that favor the ventilation of deep water in the Red Sea.

Advanced analysis of seismic data could lead the next wave in oil exploration.

Color changes in the northern Red Sea indicate rising sea temperatures could significantly impact tropical marine ecosystems.

Geophysical modeling of one of the world’s most important fossil sites reveals the history of the site where early humankind evolved.

A model incorporating the physics of ruptures provides valuable information about human-induced earthquakes.

Study design allows more rigorous evaluation of complex healthcare interventions.

Physicists are playing unexpected roles in meeting future global energy challenges by modeling technologies such as fracking.

Wind turbines suspended high in the sky have potential as an alternative power source for Saudi Arabia.

Modeling leads to a better understanding of the role El Niño plays in increasing rainfall along the coast of the Red Sea.

Wind intensities and wave heights in the Red Sea are decreasing over time—potential for a significant impact on its ecosystem.

Atlantic surface circulation transports high loads of plastic debris to remote Arctic waters.

Studying dusty air, especially in the Middle East, which is part of the Earth’s notorious dust belt, has both local and global significance.

Advanced numerical models are helping researchers identify potential sites to exploit offshore wind and wave energy in the Red Sea region.

An advanced numerical model is helping researchers better understand the variability of the Red Sea’s climate patterns.

Satellite radar image analysis reveals that rifting in Iceland exhibits simultaneous horizontal and sideways movement.

High-resolution modeling improves understanding of dust flow from Africa across the Red Sea toward the Arabian peninsula.

Surface deformation caused by magma rising within the crust may in turn have prevented a volcanic eruption in Saudi Arabia.

A signal processing technique that makes use of seismic echoes is able to image subsurface geology at unprecedented resolution.

Current models that predict ocean surface conditions overestimate wave patterns in the middle of the Red Sea.

Dust plays a critical role in determining rainfall over the Middle East and North Africa.

Ship-based studies of dust levels above the Red Sea reveal significant variations and confirm the reliability of satellite monitoring.

Modelling reveals how atmospheric dust influences daytime patterns of energy transfer from sunlight.

Conflict and economic crises, combined with pollution control measures, are changing the air above the Middle East.

The emergence of two volcanic islands in the Red Sea suggests a larger underlying event linked to African-Arabian plate separation.

A warmer Red Sea may be more productive due to the influence of winter monsoons.

An underwater landslide triggered by the 2011 earthquake in Japan may have exacerbated the resulting tsunami.

KAUST’s Earth Science and Engineering Program is underpinned by a drive to develop sustainable ways to get the best from natural resources and quantify environmental hazards.

First-time reports of the statistical properties of ‘whirlpools’ show they are frequent and seasonal.