FARES HOWARI
Major Projects
Uranium Geology
Professor Fares Howari has recently published a book titled "Uranium Geology in the Middle East and North Africa." This comprehensive work explores the potential reserves of uranium resources in the region and discuss the fascinating history of exploration and development programs that have shaped this exclusive field. The book covers key contemporary topics in uranium ore exploration, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and professionals seeking to access the latest research discoveries and gain a deeper understanding of the methodologies involved. One notable aspect of the book is its coverage of modern techniques used to study geological, geochemical, and geophysical data, providing insights to predict potential ore locations across the Middle East and surrounding countries. With its comprehensive content and contribution to the field of uranium geology, Prof. Howari's book serves as an indispensable reference for scholars, geologists, and experts working in the exploration and utilization of uranium resources in the Middle East and North Africa.
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Uranium Geology
The significance and importance of this book lie in its extensive coverage of geographic and geological areas, setting it apart from previously published works in the field. It caters to researchers, doctoral and master's students, university students, and research centers. A major breakthrough revealed in this book is the identification of expected and recommended promising uranium provinces in the Middle East and North Africa region. The book thoroughly examines the distribution, environments, and geology of uranium, utilizing existing geological and tectonic data, geochronological sequences, and geochemical characteristics to determine these provinces. The proposed classifications integrate the geochemistry of uranium and its behavior in terrestrial and geological processes.
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In an interview with the UAE-based Albayan newspaper on May 22, 2022, Professor Howari emphasized the global shift in energy production and consumption patterns, particularly in hydrocarbon energy such as oil and gas. As a result, significant efforts have been made to explore alternative energy sources, with nuclear energy utilizing uranium emerging as a promising option. This has prompted intense research and exploration worldwide for new and viable sources of uranium, including within the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. MENA countries have taken the lead in uranium research, prospecting, geological studies of oil reserves, and the search for promising uranium deposits. These endeavors aim to reduce dependence on oil consumption, which amounts to hundreds of millions of tons for many countries.
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Pollution Assessment
Professor Fares Howari’s second book is coauthored with Prof M. Onsy and Evan P. and entitled Pollution Assessment for Sustainable Practices in Applied Sciences and Engineering. It provides an integrated reference for academics and professionals working on land, air, and water pollution. The protocols discussed and the extensive number of case studies help environmental engineers to quickly identify the correct process for projects under study. The book is divided into four parts; each of the first three covers a separate environment: Geosphere, Atmosphere, and Hydrosphere.
Book Link- https://www.amazon.ae/Pollution-Assessment-Sustainable-Practices-Engineering/dp/0128095822
The Sabkha Project
Sabkha, Salt Flat, and Salt Marsh areas are incredibly valuable for their potential in solar power generation, algae culture, and hydrocarbon energy exploration. Unfortunately, these areas are increasingly vulnerable due to the rapid pace of urbanization and ongoing construction projects. Recognizing the significance of these environments, Professor Fares Howari has dedicated extensive research to the study of sabkhas. His work on these unique ecosystems was showcased in the captivating film documentary, 'Megastructures - Abu Dhabi Super Tunnel.' The documentary premiered on September 5th, 2016, captivating audiences with its compelling portrayal of sabkhas. The film garnered widespread attention and was featured on national and international news platforms, shedding light on the importance of sabkhas and the challenges they face. Through scientific exploration and public awareness, we can strive to protect and harness the immense potential of these remarkable areas for a sustainable future.
Sabkha hold immense untapped potential for both scientific exploration and sustainable energy solutions. These unique coastal ecosystems offer promising opportunities for solar power generation and algae cultivation, while also presenting intriguing prospects in the realm of hydrocarbon energy. However, the delicate balance of sabkha sites is increasingly under threat from the rapid pace of urbanization and large-scale construction projects..
The Carbon Capture Project
In our ever-evolving world, the continuous development and growing greenhouse gas emissions from natural and human activities pose a significant challenge to our climate. Committed to environmental stewardship, Professor Fares Howari has spearheaded various projects focused on carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technology to combat air pollution and address climate change. Collaborating with his colleagues, Prof. Howari has explored innovative solutions using local resources. One noteworthy projects includes harnessing the waste from UAE date palm trees to produce leaf biochar, a cost-effective material that efficiently captures and stores carbon dioxide. This sustainable approach not only aids in the management of CO2 capture and storage but also demonstrates the potential of utilizing natural resources to tackle global environmental issues, such as mitigating global warming. Prof. Howari's dedication to leveraging natural resources for CO2 capture and sequestration is part of the way for transformative solutions in the fight against climate change.
Prof. Fares Howari introduced with his colleagues a coral propagation lab in Zayed University and has carried out several projects to culture one million coral reef colonies in Abu Dhabi waters. This work could potentially increase the Emirate’s total coral reef area, protect the marine environment and prevent future coastal erosion. In the UAE, coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse habitats, and their protection is important due to their critical role in sustaining commercial fisheries, their biodiversity value, and their role as major structural builders in shallow marine habitats of the UAE. The project aims to reduce the negative impact of climate change on coral reefs, as well as increase the coral reef total area in the emirate’s waters and help to rehabilitate areas affected by climate change and human activities. This research will help identify promising and adaptable coral species.
Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival
Prof. Fares Howari has organized several editions of Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival in collaboration with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, supported by ADNOC and the British Council. Through this, he helps promote climate change awareness and forge new relationships between the humanities, arts, and sciences, to encourage environmental sciences and sustainability discussions among diverse communities in the UAE. The development of documentaries and films is a key for highlighting positive and impactful environmental work. They offer powerful mediums that can raise awareness about significant and important topics, such as climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and degradation of nature, to name a few. Under his leadership, several students have participated in contributing to the festival, providing their time and sharing their knowledge with the community to bring the subject to life. Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival features a curated line-up of award-winning Emirati and international films that tackle the climate crisis, the impact of urban pollution, global water shortage and various environmental and social issues. Through Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival’s, Prof. Howari’s mission is to bring together the local community and mobilize action on important environmental and social issues.
Mars Project
Prof. Fares Howari has introduced the Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Center at Zayed University to support fundamental, theoretical, and computational research lines in key areas such as: space sciences, remote sensing, and Mars mission, among others. During the past 15 years he has successfully and significantly contributed to knowledge in this domain, delivering on several million-dollar funded projects on behalf of the various space agencies.
Prof. Fares Howari has introduced the Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Center at Zayed University to support fundamental, theoretical, and computational research lines in key areas such as: space sciences, remote sensing, and Mars mission, among others. During the past 15 years he has successfully and significantly contributed to knowledge in this domain, delivering on several million-dollar funded projects on behalf of the various space agencies.
Analysis of the data presented in his research shows that, although the identity of the components can often be found from diagnostic wavelengths of absorption bands, the quantitative abundance determination requires knowledge of the complex refractive indices and average particle scattering albedo, phase function, and size. He eventually developed a method for spectrally unmixing halite and gypsum combinations. Using the known refractive indexes of the components, and with the assistance of Hapke theory and Legendre polynomials, his team developed a method to find the component particle sizes and mixing coefficients for blends of halite and gypsum. In related research, he carried out detailed chronological and compositional analyses along with detailed spectral analysis of three unnamed craters on the surface of Mars. Knowledge about chronology/age analysis and compositional analysis of Mars’ surface is essential for future manned and unmanned missions.
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Prof Howari and his team developed several spectral libraries through major grant from the UAE Space Agency. The public can now interact with and access spectral information through the UAE’s first spectral library website. This library is considered the first of its kind in the UAE to help in caring out planetary studies, environmental studies, as well as training and consultancy in the remote sensing sector. Through this grant, he and his team designed Mars Simulation Chamber, which creates the environment of any planet to study and simulate these environments using hyperspectral imaging in the laboratory. This grant supported numerous research in key areas, including space sciences, climate change, marine pollution and water security, among others.
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