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Biography

• 2018 – ongoing : Co-I BGS ODA Geoscience for Sustainable Futures
• 2016 – ongoing : Project Manager – BGS Singapore projects
• 2014 – ongoing : BGS Rock Mechanics and Physics Laboratory Manager
• 2008 – ongoing : Senior Engineering Geologist – 51����
• 2005 –2008 : Geotechnical Engineer – Waterman Civils Ltd
• 2004 –2005 : Field Geochemist – G-Base and Tellus Projects, 51����
• 1996 –1999 : Laboratory Technician (Soils and concrete testing) – Balfour Beatty plc (A1(M), M60, M6 Toll)

Research interests

• Geoscience for Development
• Geology & Engineering Geology of Singapore and Malaysia
• Experimental rock mechanics
• Characterising the geotechnical properties and behaviour of UK rock and soil formations
• Storage and communication of geotechnical information using 3D models and geographical information systems

Current projects and collaboration

• 2018 – ongoing : BGS Official Development Assistance Programme: Geoscience for Sustainable Futures – Resilience of Asian Cities Research Platform
• 2015 –2018 : Singapore – Study of Stratigraphy and Structural Geology for Application to Geological Modelling
• 2014 –2017 : Singapore – Seismic Review and Rock Laboratory Testing
• 2013 –2018 : CONTAIN – The impaCt of hydrOcarbon depletioN on the Treatment of cAprocks within performance assessment for CO2 InjectioN schemes
• 2013 – ongoing : Deformation and failure mode of the Monte Canale micro-folded gneiss
• 2013 –2018 : IMAGES – Integrated, Market-fit and Affordable Grid-scale Energy Storage (EPSRC grant funded)
• 2011 –2016 : EPS – Use of electric potential sensors in rock deformation (University of Sussex)
• 2008 – ongoing : Geotechnical and Geophysical Properties and Processes: Characterising the geotechnical properties and engineering behaviour of glacial tills and Permian-Triassic sandstones
• 2009 –2018 : Mathematical Modelling: Geotechnical property attribution of 3D models

Key papers

• Leitgeb, E, Ghosh, S, Dobbs, M, Englisch, M, and Michela, K. 2019. Distribution of nutrients and trace elements in forest soils of Singapore. Chemosphere 22, 62-70.
• Panza, E,Agosta, F, Rustichelli, A, Vinciguerra, S C, Ougier-Simonin, A, Dobbs, M, and Prosser, G. 2019. Meso-to-microscale fracture porosity in tight limestones, results of an integrated field and laboratory study. Marine and Petroleum Geology 103. May 2019. 581-595.
• Williams, J D O, Dobbs, M R, Kingdon, A, Lark, R M, Williamson, J P, MacDonald, A M, and Ó Dochartaigh, B É. 2018. Stochastic modelling of hydraulic conductivity derived from geotechnical data; an example applied to Central Glasgow. Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 1–14.
• Dobbs, M R, Cuss, R J, Ougier-Simonin, A, Parkes, D, and Graham, C C. 2018. Yield envelope assessment as a preliminary screening tool to determine carbon capture and storage viability in depleted southern north-sea hydrocarbon reservoirs. Int. J. of Rock Mech. and Min. Sci.102 (2018) 15–27
• Agliardi, F., Dobbs, M.R., Zanchetta, S. and Vinciguerra, S. 2017. Folded fabric tunes rock deformation and failure mode in the upper crust. Scientific Reports 7, Article number: 15290.
• Bubeck, A, Walker, R J, Healy, D, Dobbs, M, and Holwell, D A. 2017. Pore geometry as a control on rock strength. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 457 (2017) 38–48.
• Archer, J W, Dobbs, M R, Reeves, H J, and Prance, R J. 2016. Measurement and correlation of acoustic emissions and pressure stimulated voltages in rock using an electric potential sensor. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 89, 26–33.
• Entwisle, D C, Culshaw, M G, Hulbert, A G, Shelley, W A, Self, S J, and Dobbs, M R. 2016. The Glasgow (Scotland) geotechnical GIS: a desk study tool. Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 27:1 63-80.,
• Kearsey, T, Williams, J, Finlayson, A, Williamson, P, Dobbs, M, Marchant, B, Kingdon, A, and Campbell, D. 2015. Testing the application and limitation of stochastic simulations to predict the lithology of glacial and fluvial deposits in Central Glasgow, UK. Engineering Geology 187 (2015) 98–112.
• Bolognesi, F, Vinciguerra, S, Bistacchi, A, and Dobbs, M. 2015. The role of the mechanical anisotropy on deformation and failure mode of phyllosilicate-rich mylonitic fabric: new insights from rock deformation laboratory experiments. Rendiconti Online della Società Geologica Italiana.
• Bolognesi, F, Bistacchi, A, Dobbs, M, Kirkham, M, and Vinciguerra, S. 2014. The lock-up angle for brittle activation of a phyllosilicate-rich mylonitic fabric: implications for rock strength and failure modes. Rendiconti Online della Società Geologica Italiana 31.
• Aydin, A, Dobbs, M R, Reeves, H J, Kirkham, M P, Graham, C C, and Jefferson, I. 2013. Electric field in compressed concrete using the Electric Potential Sensor. Second Conference on Smart Monitoring, Assessment and Rehabilitation of Civil Structures. 9–11th September 2013. Istanbul, Turkey.
• Aydin, A, Dobbs, M R, Reeves, H J, Kirkham, M P, and Graham, C C. 2013. Stress induced electric field measurements of different rock lithology using the Electric Potential Sensor. 47th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium. 23 – 26th June 2013. San Francisco, USA.
• Aydin, A, Dobbs, M R, Reeves, H J, Graham, C C, and Kirkham, M P. 2013. Measuring stress induced electric field in Sandstone and Granite using the Electric Potential Sensor. EUROCK 2013 21–26th September 2013. Wroclaw, Poland.
• Dobbs, M R, Culshaw, M G, Northmore, K J, Reeves, H J, and Entwisle, D C. 2012. Methodology for creating national engineering geological maps of the UK. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 45, 335–347.
• MacDonald, A M, Maurice, L, Dobbs, M R, Reeves, H J and Auton, C A. 2012. Relating in situ hydraulic conductivity, particle size and relative density of superficial deposits in a heterogeneous catchment. Journal of Hydrology, 434–435, 130–141.
• Culshaw, M G, Dobbs, M, Reeves, H, J, Northmore, K J & Entwisle, D C. 2010. A tribute to Professor William Dearman: New small-scale engineering geological maps of the UK. In: Williams, A L, Pinches, G M, Chn, C Y, McMorran, T J & Massey, C I(eds). Geologically Active: Proceedings of the 11th IAEG Congress, Auckland, New Zealand, 5–10 Sept 2010. 187–198.

Published outputs

• Harrington, J F, Graham, C C, Dobbs, M, Cuss, R J, Daniels, K A, Wiseall, A C, Parkes, D, Paluzny-Rodriquez, A, Zimmerman, R, Salimzadeh, S, Tsaparli, V, Tempone, P, Xenias, D, and Whitmarsh, L. 2018. CONTAIN D11: Integrated final results and conclusions. CONTAIN Report D11. (72pp).
• Dobbs, M R, Kirkham, M P, Ougier-Simonin, A, and Cuss, R J. 2016. CONTAIN D3: Experimental parameters from reservoir material testing. Deliverable, D3. BGS Open Report OR/16/048. 157pp.
• Entwisle, D C, Hobbs, P R N, Northmore, K J, Skipper, J, Raines, M R, Self, S J, Ellison, R A, and Jones, L D. 2013. Engineering Geology of British Rocks and Soils – Lambeth Group. 51���� Open Report, OR/13/006. 316pp. (Editors K J Northmore, M R Dobbs & S J Price)
• Williams, J D O, and Dobbs, M R. 2012. Particle Size Distribution analysis of central Glasgow in relation to lithology classification used in stochastic modelling. 51���� Internal Report IR/12/039.
• Dobbs, M R, Hobbs, P R N, and Kirkham, M. 2012. MTS Rock Press User Manual – Tensile Strength Testing. 51����. INTERNAL REPORT IR/12/014.
• Dobbs, M R, Hobbs, P R N, and Kirkham, M. 2012. MTS Rock Press User Manual – Triaxial Testing. 51���� INTERNAL REPORT IR/12/012.
• Dobbs, M R, Hobbs, P R N, and Kirkham, M. 2012. MTS Rock Press User Manual – Uniaxial Testing.51���� INTERNAL REPORT IR/12/013.
• BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 2011. Engineering Geology (Bedrock) Map of the United Kingdom. William R Dearman, Marcus R Dobbs, Martin G Culshaw, Kevin J Northmore, David C Entwisle and Helen J Reeves.
• BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 2011. Engineering Geology (Superficial) Map of the United Kingdom. William R Dearman, Marcus R Dobbs, Martin G Culshaw, Kevin J Northmore, David C Entwisle and Helen J Reeves.
• BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 2011. Extended key for the engineering geology maps of the United Kingdom. William R Dearman, Marcus R Dobbs, Martin G Culshaw, Kevin J Northmore, David C Entwisle and Helen J Reeves.
• Dobbs, M R. 2009. Tills Engineering Geology: Haslingden and Bowlee Boreholes, Lancashire. 51���� Open File Report, OR/09/044. 46pp.

Commissioned reports

• Dobbs, M.R., Haslam, R.B., and Tamayo-Mas, E. 2018. Desk-based review of software used by the oil and gas industry to model hydraulic fracturing. Environment Agency Report. Project number SC170020.
• Kendall, R.S., Leslie, A.G, Gillespie, M.R., Dodd, T.J.H., Kearsey, T.I., Bide, T.P., and Dobbs, M.R. 2018. A Summary of the Geology of Singapore. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/18/076. Version 2, July 2018.
• Gillespie, M.R., Leslie, A.G, Dodd, T.J.H., Bide, T.P., Kendall, R.S., Kearsey, T.I., Dobbs, M.R., and Lee, K.W. 2018. Bedrock Stratigraphy of Singapore. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/18/001. 137pp.
• Leslie, A.G, Gillespie, M.R., Dodd, T.J.H., Kendall, R.S., Bide, T.P., Kearsey, T.I., Dobbs, M.R. and Lee, K.W. 2018. Interpretative Geological Studies Report for Singapore. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/17/140. 313pp.
• Leslie, A.G, Gillespie, M.R., Dodd, T.J.H., Kendall, R.S., & Dobbs, M R. 2018. Field Geology Report for Singapore. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/17/108. 409pp.
• Kearsey, T., Haslam, R.B., Williamson, P. & Dobbs, M.R. 2018. Final 3D National Geological Bedrock Model Report. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/18/071. 41pp.
• Kearsey, T., Haslam, R.B., Williamson, P. & Dobbs, M.R. 2018. Final Area A Geological Bedrock Model Report. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/18/070. 22pp.
• White J. C., Evans D. J., Leslie A. G., Dobbs M. R., 2017. Reprocessing and reinterpretation of 2D seismic lines in Area A and Area C, Singapore. 51���� BGS commissioned Report, CR/17/109. 159pp.
• Gillespie, M R, Leslie, A G, Dodd, T, Kendall, R S, Bide, T, Kearsey, T, Goodenough, K M, Wakefield, O J and Dobbs, M R. 2017. Final Bedrock Geology Core Logging Report. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/17/061. 43pp.
• FORD, J. R. AND DOBBS, M. R.. 2016. Desk Study and Review Report on previous maps, publications and data on the geology of Singapore. 51���� Internal Report, CR\16\059. 68 pp.
• EVANS, D. J., LESLIE, A. G., White, J. C., DOBBS, M.R. AND DASHWOOD, B.A.J.. 2016. Area B Seismic Audit Report. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/16/210. 75pp.
• EVANS, D. J., LESLIE, A. G., White, J. C., DOBBS, M.R. AND DASHWOOD, B.A.J.. 2016. Area F Seismic Audit Report. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/16/211. 97pp.
• EVANS, D. J., WHITE, J. C., Dashwood, B.A.J., DOBBS, M.R. AND LESLIE, A. G.. 2016. Area B Main Production Seismic Stage Review Report. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/16/186. 47pp.
• EVANS, D. J., WHITE, J. C., Dashwood, B.A.J., DOBBS, M.R. AND LESLIE, A. G.. 2016. Area F Main Production Seismic Stage Review Report. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/16/187. 39pp.
• WHITE, J. C., DASHWOOD, B.A.J., DOBBS, M.R., EVANS, D. J., LESLIE, A. G., JACKSON, P. , HAWDON, K., DEEMING, K. AND ALI, M.. 2016. Area B Seismic First Line Stage Review Report. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/16/132. 107pp.
• WHITE, J. C., DASHWOOD, B.A.J., DOBBS, M.R., EVANS, D. J., LESLIE, A. G., JACKSON, P. , HAWDON, K., DEEMING, K. AND ALI, M.. 2016. Area F Seismic First Line Stage Review Report. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/16/133. 102pp.
• A R Farrant and M R Dobbs. 2012. Pen Park Hole Cave Survey Project, Southmead, Bristol. British Geological Surevy Commissioned Report CR/12/104.
• DOBBS, M. HOUGH, E. & EVANS, D.J. 2009a. Report on the Hay Nook Borehole, Preesall, Lancashire. 51����, Commercial in Confidence report to Canatxx Gas Storage Limited, January 2009, BGS Report Number CR/09/049.
• DOBBS, M. HOUGH, E. & EVANS, D.J. 2009b. Report on the Burrows Marsh Borehole (Middle Deviated), Preesall, Lancashire. 51����, Commercial in Confidence report to Canatxx Gas Storage Limited, January 2009, BGS Report Number CR/09/015.
• Hough, E & Dobbs, M & Witney, P. 2010. Hay Nook and Burrows Marsh (Middle Deviated) borehole core lithological logging. 51���� Commissioned Report CR/10/128.
• JACKSON, P., DOBBS, M.R., DASHWOOD, B.A.J., HAWDON, K., DEEMING, K. AND ALI, M. . 2014. Area B Seismic Trials Stage Review Report. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/14/107. 51pp.
• JACKSON, P., DOBBS, M.R., Hawdon, K., Deeming, K., Ali, M. and Dashwood, B.A.J.. 2014. Area F Seismic Trials Stage Review Report. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/14/106. 53pp.
• M. Dobbs and P. S. Balson. 2010. Drigg Spit: Intrusive Investigations. 51���� Commissioned Report CR/10/050
• MR DOBBS, A OUGIER-SIMONIN. 2016. Multi-stage triaxial rock testing of sandstone, siltstone and mudstone specimens for York Potash Mineral Transport System. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/16/140. 163pp.
• MR DOBBS. 2015. Triaxial Deformation Tests on Ludlow Shale Group Siltstone. 51���� Commissioned Report, CR/15/098. 133pp.
• MR Dobbs & MP Kirkham. 2013. Laboratory rock testing of samples from boreholes HZEM-2, ST-51-C, MNSA-1 and ST-51-E for Saudi Aramco. 51���� Commissioned Report CR/13/132.
• MR Dobbs, MP Kirkham, AS Butcher & S Wathall. 2014. Multi-stage triaxial rock testing of sandstone, siltstone and mudstone specimens for York Potash Mineral Transport System. 51���� COMMISSIONED REPORT CR/14/126.
• P.R.N. Hobbs, M. R. Dobbs and R. J. Cuss. 2012. Desk Based Study and Literature Review of Diapirism in Plastic Clays and an analysis of the Critical state of Boom Clay. 51���� Commercial Report CR/11/012.

Published outputs

• ORC-ID: 0000-0002-4070-1704

• engineering geological classification
• mapping and modelling
• experimental rock and soil mechanics
• urban geoscience
• geoscience for sustainable development
• site investigation and interpretation
• project and laboratory facilities management

• Fellow of the Geological Society of London
• Associate of the Royal School of Mines
• UK representative to the Coordinating Committee of Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia (CCOP)