Researchers develop advanced geophysical surveying method

Combining a number of surveying techniques for the first time, Prof Lev Eppelbaum and Dr Youri Katz are said to have carried out a more accurate and in-depth land survey of Israel and the surrounding Mediterranean area than ever before. Their findings pinpoint the most likely places to find reservoirs of natural gas and oil.

Fifteen years in the making, their technique, which recently appeared in the journal Positioning, can reportedly be applied to any region in the world before the costs of drilling or mining are incurred.

To create detailed structural-tectonic maps of Israel and the surrounding areas, Prof Eppelbaum and Dr Katz carried out an integrated survey using a variety of geophysical tools, including advanced analysis of magnetic, gravitational and temperature fields; utilisation of seismic, magnetotelluric and satellite imaging; and numerous well sections and outcropping studies. All of these results were integrated with plate-tectonics reconstructions.

The researchers said that possibly the most valuable results of their study are a series of prospective maps, which identify specific areas where geological-geophysical teams are most likely to be successful in the search for natural gas and oil.