Professor of Structural Geology and Tectonics at University of Granada, Spain
Professor Juan I. Soto is a distinguished geologist specializing in structural geology and tectonics. With a current appointment as Full Professor at Granada University and a research affiliation at the Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas at Austin, his professional trajectory spans over three decades. Renowned for his contributions to salt and shale tectonics, Soto has built a prolific academic and research career characterized by cross-continental collaborations, editorial leadership, and applied scientific consultancy. His work merges rigorous academic research with practical exploration solutions, making him a prominent figure in global geoscience.
Profile
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Education
Professor Soto earned his Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Granada University in 1991, focusing on geodynamic processes. Prior to that, he completed an M.S. in Earth Sciences in 1988 through a consortium of Spanish universities—Granada, Salamanca, and Oviedo—and a B.S. with a thesis diploma from Granada University in 1986. This robust academic foundation equipped him with the interdisciplinary insight that later defined his research and teaching.
Experience
Juan I. Soto began his academic career in 1989 as an adjunct professor at Granada University, progressing to lecturer by 1995 and then to full professor by 2008. His leadership in structural geology extended beyond Spain when he joined the Bureau of Economic Geology in Texas as a research scientist in 2020 and later became a research affiliate in 2025. Soto has taught extensively, supervised numerous graduate theses, and directed institutional departments. In addition to his academic roles, he has held numerous editorial positions and conducted seismic and tectonic consulting for global industry leaders such as PEMEX, Schlumberger, REPSOL, and ExxonMobil.
Research Interest
Professor Soto’s research focuses on salt and shale tectonics, tectonic processes in sedimentary basins and orogenic belts, and advanced 2D/3D seismic interpretation. His investigations explore the dynamic interactions of geological structures in complex environments, contributing critical insights into hydrocarbon exploration and basin evolution. His innovative work on mobile shales and the integration of experimental modeling with seismic data has helped advance both academic understanding and industry application in structural geology.
Awards and Recognition
Professor Soto’s accolades include the prestigious “Salvador de Madariaga” Fellowship awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Education in 2017, and several fellowships across major institutions such as University College London, Oxford University, and Rice University. He has also been selected as an invited speaker by esteemed organizations and institutions globally, including SINOPEC, Academia Sinica, National Central University, and CNOOC International, which reflects the international impact and recognition of his work. Furthermore, his role as editor and convener for high-impact journals and scientific workshops underscores his influence on the field’s discourse.
Selected Publications
Among his many publications, seven stand out for their recent impact:
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Soto, J.I., et al. (2025). Structures in the active western foothills of Southwestern Taiwan: Fault-related folding versus shale tectonics. Interpretation, 13(2).
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Soto, J.I., et al. (2024). Mobile shales: Historical perspective, seismic expression, and open questions. Interpretation, 12(4).
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Soto, J.I., et al. (2024). Shortening a mixed salt and mobile shale system: A case study from East Breaks, NW Gulf of Mexico. Interpretation, 12(4).
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Soto, J.I., et al. (2024). Contrasting styles of salt-tectonic processes in the Ionian Zone (Greece and Albania). Tectonics, 43(1).
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Soto, J.I., et al. (2023). Mud volcanoes guided by thrusting in compressional settings. Geology, 51(8).
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Soto, J.I., et al. (2023). Interaction between salt and mobile shale in the East Breaks foldbelt. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 155.
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Soto, J.I., et al. (2021). Proposal for a mechanical model of mobile shales. Scientific Reports (Nature), 11, 23785.
These papers, widely cited in journals such as Geology, Scientific Reports, and Tectonics, highlight his pivotal contributions to the structural understanding of complex tectonic systems.
Conclusion
Professor Juan I. Soto stands at the forefront of geological sciences, with a career defined by innovation, academic rigor, and practical application. His sustained contributions to the understanding of tectonic deformation in salt and shale contexts, his global consultancy footprint, and his editorial leadership mark him as a scholar of high international standing. His work not only enriches academic discourse but also significantly supports energy exploration efforts worldwide. Professor Soto’s distinguished service in education, research, and geoscientific collaboration makes him an exemplary nominee for recognition in any prestigious award program.