Use of geophysical methods for the solution of environmental problems in Israel

Boris Khesin

Integration of different geophysical methods is necessary for the study of seismic hazard problems including seismotectonic zoning. Defining such zones with different long-term seismicity within Israel may result in huge savings in the budget for anti-seismic programs. More detailed integrated geophysics is required for the solution of another group of geo-ecological problems related to detection of landslides and collapse structures, karst and other sinkholes (e.g., along Dead Sea onshore), unknown underground constructions, etc. Mapping of gas-hydrate layers on the base of seismic prospecting and well logging data is particularly important from both natural resources and ecological hazard points of view. Methane-hydrates as potential energy resources are at least twice as great as all the resources of coal, oil and conventional gas in the world. At the same time, non-controlled change of temperature and/or pressure may cause decomposition of gas-hydrate deposits, followed by destruction of offshore constructions. Some methods of electric prospecting are important for the solution of problems related to inspection of saline or other pollutions of underground waters and grounds, revealing sites of corrosion and leakage from reservoirs and pipelines. Different geophysical approaches are required for the study of physical-biological effects, e.g.: direct detection of radioactive emanations and/or revealing of fault zones as fluid flow channels, comparative analysis of the geophysical maps and areas of endemic diseases, monitoring of geophysical fields for prognosis of chronic disease intensification and human reaction weakening.