Leading researcher: Dr. Gideon Tibor and Dr. Mor Kanari,  Israel Oceanographic & Limnological Research (IOLR)

Together with researchers: Prof. Moshe Reshef, Dr. Beverly Goodman, Dr. Timor Katz and Asaf Giladi

Collaborating Institutes:  Tel-Aviv University, University of Haifa and IOLR

The new study is intended to examine an area located about 20 miles offshore Atlit where the morphology of the seabed is probably influenced by tectonic activity (attached image). The aim of the study is to examine recent activity (~ up to 10,000 years ago) along the strik-slip fault and if it poses a danger (geo-hazard) to the marine infrastructure. The study combines high-resolution multibeam mapping of the seafloor, high-resolution geophysical mapping of the shallow subsurface (upper hundreds of meters) and sediment sampling to tray and date the activity of the fault.

What equipment is required for the research and how does it assist the research?

The geophysical mapping is based on high resolution seismic reflection system were the acoustic source that produce the sound waves is a sparker (“electric spark”) and the receiving equipment is a multi-channel streamer of hydrophones. This equipment is owned by the School of Marine Sciences in Haifa and is associated with MERCI infrastructures.

Field of research/discipline in the marine research in which you are engaged?

Recent tectonics, seabed morphology and sedimentary processes that have implications on the development and conservation of the marine environment.

Research challenges in the Mediterranean Sea

The recent discoveries and the development of gas fields in the deep water of the Israeli Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) challenges researchers in the various fields because of the knowledge gaps that exists. The rapid development of autonomous and guided capabilities for mapping and sampling the oceans, some of which already exist at MERCI, allow researchers to gather new multidisciplinary data and conduct research to try and understand the processes that take place in Mediterranean Sea.