During 2013 and 2014, The Geophysical Institute of Israel executed a Land and Transition Zone High Resolution 2D seismic project in South-East Tanzania on behalf of Maurel and Prom.

The project was over 550 line kilometers long made up by dozens of seismic lines in four different areas. The survey area encompassed tough mangroves and tidal flats as well as isolated island surveys.  Therefore, using dynamite explosives was the best choice for the energy source. We created over 22,000 shot hole drills for the explosive charges using specially designed man portable drill machines. Dealing with the environmental conditions and predatory animals was made top priority by the management team and security measures were in place to ensure safety of the crew and equipment. The project lasted 14 months with more than 1.5 million man work hours and had no significant safety or security incidents. 

The GII participated in seismic processing as well and the data quality has led to a significant gas discovery at Mnazi Bay. 

Seismic refraction and MASW/ReMi methods are used to map contrasts in seismic velocities in the subsurface, usually in the first tens of meters. The method focuses on both pressure "P" and Shear "S" waves. These seismic wave velocities are correlated to changes in rock/soil properties, such as hardness and density.

The product of such a survey is a 2D profile of the velocity variation in depth. This method is used in construction and infrastructure projects where large area coverage is needed.

Applications include:

• Depth to bedrock
• Depth of groundwater level
• Elastic moduli calculation
• Finding specific variations in the subsurface

The refraction method is executed in a quick and simple operation. During one day, two to four profiles of approximately 235 meters length can be recorded (shorter and longer profiles can be recorded as well). The actual depth penetrated depends on the surface length of the profile; As a rule of thumb, 1/3 length of profile equals the depth penetration. For shallow targets (5m - 20m) a sledgehammer is used as the energy source. For deeper targets (up to ~350m depending on local conditions), a special truck mounted accelerated weight hammer is used. Downhole seismic sources can also be implemented such as explosives. 

Led by our senior geophysicists, the processing and integration with other available geo-technical data is performed in close collaboration with the client, to make sure that their targets are met. 

Contact us to determine the right design, layout, timeline and target depth for your needs.

Information from Shear "S" wave velocity is also incorporated in site effect surveys to create increase the reliability of velocity models. 

Learn more...

Terrain Types

• Urban
• Farmlands
• Deserts and Dunes
• Mountains
• Forests
• Delicate Natural Habitats

Main Technologies

Seismic Sources

• Hurricane Weight Drop
• Accelerated Weight Drop (AWD)
• Drop Hammer
• Sledge Hammer
• Shallow Borehole Explosives

Recording Systems

• Geode 24 1C stations (vertical 10Hz, vertical 4.5Hz, horizontal 8Hz), single S-wave & single P-wave
• ION 1C Sensor SM-24 (10 Hz)
• INOVA G3i SPM 24 bit Cabled systems
• INOVA Quantum Innoseis Nodal Systems (SPECS)

Ancillary Equipment

• Portable and 4x4 tractor mounted shot-hole drilling rigs
• GPS Systems: Trimble R-10 GNNS, Topcon 7505 and BR3, Garmin handhelds

Processing

• Travel Time Tomography
• GRM Method
• Surface Wave Analysis

Between the years 1998 and 2000 the GII conducted four separate seismic acquisition surveys for a variety of oil companies in Turkey.

Our clients include from TPAO - Turkey's national oil company, Turkese Perenco, Petrom of Romania,Trans Dominion Group of Canada (TurKan) and others.

Over a total of 2,380 line kilometers of 2d seismic, the terrains varied greatly from Diyarbakir, Bismil and Ataturk Lake in the South-East, through Erzurum and Kars in the North-East, to Trakya in the European part of Turkey.

The Geophysical Institute of Israel has been working in Georgia since 1997 on numerous projects. 

Our clients include CanArgo-Georgia and Georgian Britain Oil Company (GBOC), JKX UK, National Oil Co. Switzerland, Strait Oil and Gas (SOG) and Range Resources Ltd. A total of 1,275 line kilometers of 2D seismic have been acquired by GII in Georgia using vibroseis, dynamite explosive and mixed sources.

Our experience with the local people and contractors in different regions of central Georgia (Sachkhere, Chiatura, Tkibuli, Zstafoni, Kutaisi) has been exemplary and without incident. 

In the 2012 survey, for example, over 3000 drill holes were used for the explosive sources, many of them in rough terrain

In addition to the seismic acquisition, GII was awarded the Seismic Processing as well as accompanying Magnetic and Gravity surveys. This data added greatly to the interpretation of the subsurface structure. 

We have had the opportunity to work in all weather conditions in Georgia, including difficult snow, rain and fog. Despite difficult conditions, no severe injuries (Lost Time Injuries LTI) ocurred.

Between the 04th July and 18th July 2018 a swarm of earthquakes ocurred in the Northern Kinneret sea in Israel. 

Out of 350 events detected by the Seismological Division of the Geophysical Institute of Israel, the largest felt was a Magnitude 4.5 (Richter Scale) on the 04th of July 2018. 

Learn more about earthquakes in and around Israel.

The need to create a favourable infrastructure for natural resource exploration and development by national governments is undisputed. However, an aspect occasionally overlooked is the development of exploration service companies by governments. In 1957, the fledgling state of Israel foresaw the need for geophysical services in its budding onshore oil and gas, copper and potash industries. As a result, it founded the Geophysical Institute of Israel (GII), geophysical equipment was obtained and services and expertise developed. For 40 years the GII provided acquisition, processing, interpretation and R&D services to different executive bodies of the government. In the 1980s and ’90s the natural resource sector was privatised; since then the GII has become a business-oriented company, providing geophysical acquisition and processing services outside Israel using advanced technologies. The GII’s seismic explosive and vibroseis crews have From Institute to Global Seismic Business Geophysical Institute of Israel A GII crew operating in Georgia. specialised in complex terrain and challenging geo-political situations such as in Ethiopia, Tanzania, the DRC and Angola, on top of numerous projects in Europe and India. This year, despite the industry downturn, the GII celebrates 60 years of operations, with over 30 international acquisition projects in the oil and gas sector alone. This shows that with the correct vision, developing countries can create catalysts and enabling factors for unlocking the potential in their natural resources.

LINK to the original magazine.

Thanks to GeoExPro for showcasing our new NEW Microseismic Services in their Vol 15 magazine this year!

LINK to the original article.

Benefits of Microseismic Monitoring for CO2 Storage / Staff Writer

This helps operators mitigate the associated potential risks. 

Microseismicity is monitored at several CO₂ storage sites around the world, including: In Salah (Algeria), Decatur (Illinois, U.S.) and Longyearbyen CO₂Lab (Svalbard).

Problems Detecting Microseismic Events: In most cases the CO2 injection induced very weak seismic events, only detectable by shallow-buried near-surface or downhole sensors. Microseismic monitoring helps assess the potential for induced seismicity that may affect local infrastructure and communities near the site.

Reducing the Cost of Microseismic Monitoring: In addition to 2D and 3D onshore seismic acquisition and processing, The Geophysical Institute of Israel is developing methods to detect microseismic events using near-surface sensors, thus reducing the cost of microseismic monitoring while preserving the required regulatory insight and providing additional information for the operators.

LINK to the original article.

During the months of September and October 2015, The Geophysical Institute of Israel executed a 2D seismic acquisition project in the South Golan Heights for Afek Oil & Gas Ltd. 

Representation

The GII is the Israeli representative of Seismic Mechatronics - providing rugged and reliable electric seismic sources with a minimal environmental footprint for seismic acquisition.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information regarding seismic equipment.

Agents

The GII has Agents and Representatives around the globe. By promoting GII's services and "keeping an eye and ear on the lookout" for new projects and clients you can become part of the success.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to see how you can be part of our global team. 

Partnerships

We believe that expanding our capabilities and reach doesn't always have to be via the old-school in-house way. By creating firm, mutually beneficial commercial and R&D partnerships, we place ourselves on the fast-track for further success. 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to see how you can be part of our global team. 

Careers

There are currently no open positions at GII. 

Tenders

There are currently no open tenders at GII. 

The Geophysical Institute of Israel is committed to operating its global business in a moral, ethical and professional manner, regardless of geography, and without harm to people, assets or the environment. By adhering to the global industry standards and making sure that our team, partners, sub-contractors and clients go so as well we aim to minimize the risk and impact on lives and the environment. The GII is a long standing member of the International Association of Geophysical Contractors. 

Quality 

We believe that every client and every project is unique. To get to quality outcomes every time - we operate in a systematic way in the office and out in the field. The GII is annually certified to ISO 9001:2015 is the latest Quality Management System. 

Health, Safety and Environment

Keeping our staff, clients, partners and the local communities safe is our top priority. Our Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Management System (MS) provides the structure for managing, organizing, planning and acting in a systematic way using the IOGP Operating System Framework Report No. 510.

The GII is certified to the highest global standards of Occupational Hazard Management (ISO 14001:2015) and Environmental Management (ISO 45001:2018) by the Israeli Standards Institute. 

Our Cycle of Safety emphasizes 7 key elements:

1. Leadership & Commitment
2. Policy & Objectives
3. Organization, Responsibilities & Resources
4. Risk Management
5. Planning
6. Implementation & Monitoring
7. Audit & Review

>> Download our HSE Policies

Social Responsibility

Every geophysical operation means interacting with the local population. At GII we pride ourselves in making sure that our activities have a positive impact on the lives of the community. Hiring and training as many local personnel as possible and going beyond the 'local content" requirements in supplies and manpower is part of the way we work.