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Shallow marine carbonate sediment can be significantly modified by microbial activity through encrustation, endolithic activity, or micritization on the seafloor. These alterations can be preserved in the carbonate rock records and can be used as paleo-environmental indicators and promote the development of microporosity. To assess the extent of microbial diagenesis, we buried consolidated sediment plugs in various lagoonal environments around the Arabian Peninsula (KSA, UAE, Oman) and recovered them after one year. This research project aims to compare the pre- and post-burial CT scan models of the plugs quantitatively to identify potential microbial alterations. SEM, BS-SEM, and thin section imaging are also envisaged. For this project, we are seeking for a motivated student or recent graduate with a strong background in geomodelling/geodata science and/or carbonate sedimentology.