[1][2][3] The subsurface Gharif Formation has been informally divided into 3 members (Lower, Middle and Upper) by geologists from Petroleum Development Oman.

Though these members may be difficult to distinguish in certain localities due to rapid lateral facies changes, differential incision, salt movement or erosion, multiple studies have shown that these 3 members can be correlated on a regional scale.

[1][3][4] The lower member is about 65 m (214.5 ft) thick in north and central Oman.

It has been split into 3 submembers:[1][3][4] The middle member is about 85 m (280.5 ft) thick in north and Central Oman.

It contains the following 3 informal units (from the base up):[1][3] The upper member is about 90 m (295 ft) thick in north and central Oman.