The British Geological Survey will undertake detailed geological and geophysical studies in the mountainous and surrounding areas in the UAE extending from Ras Al Khaimah in the north to Al Ain city in the south.

A Dh37 million contract in this respect was signed yesterday by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Obaid bin Saif Al Naseri and Executive Director of the British company Dr. Davis Falvey.

"After the conclusion of these studies, the British company will produce high quality, accurate world class geological maps at the scales of 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 in addition to tectonic maps of the entire territory of the UAE at a scale of 1:250,000, a ministry press release said yesterday.

The ministry has sought over years to produce such geological maps in the light of the present understanding of the geological evolution of the mountainous sector of the UAE and adjacent areas.

"These maps will be indispensable to the exploration for mineral resources as well as hydrocarbon deposits and ground water accumulations. Furthermore, they can be used for major civil engineering projects, such as road construction, building dams and airports, and military and education purposes," it added.

The maps will also be of immense value in positioning earthquake monitoring equipment and facilitating understanding of major structural features, which control earthquake tremors.