The origin of carbonate mud in modern and ancient carbonate sedimentary systems is still today the subject of debate among carbonate sedimentologists. Although there is extensive research on modern Caribbean systems, little research has been conducted in the Arabian Gulf since the 1960s. The aim of this project is to decipher the source and the origin of carbonate mud collected along the Arabian Gulf coasts (KSA, UAE) by (1) investigating the geochemical fingerprints of carbonate components (i.e ooids, peloids, bivalves…) and by (2) experimenting in the laboratory the abrasion potential of these specific components to produce mud. Correlation and mixing models will be used to explain the mud as a mixture of end-member components. For this project, we are looking for a motivated student/recent graduate with a background in carbonate sedimentology, analytical geochemistry and ease in laboratory work.