Seismology and earthquake engineering
Earthquakes occur in Turkey numerous times a year and they have vast human and economic cost. This was particularly evident after the Izmit Bay earthquake in 1999. The lessons learned from the quake are that the geophysical techniques should be actively applied to the areas prior to the city planning and constructing the buildings and engineering structures.
Geophysical techniques for oil and natural gas exploration
Since the 1950s many international oil companies have been attracted to Turkey because of the oil-rich neighboring countries. Both these companies as well as the national ones are actively involved in exploring oil and gas. Besides the invaluable seismic methods, electromagnetic, well-logging, gravity and magnetic techniques are being employed successfully.
Theoretical and practical geophysical methods used in mining
Turkey has served as the cradle for many civilizations that could not have advanced without the discovery and use of many essential minerals, such as iron, copper, lead etc. Turkey is rich for coal, borax, wolfram, chrome, copper, gold etc. The efforts to explore new areas, to find rare minerals like gold, uranium, thorium and so on and industrial minerals still continue today using modern geophysical and geological techniques.
Geophysical methods in archaeological applications
As the home for many early civilizations, Turkey has numerous archaeological sites. In cooperation with the archaeologists, geophysical engineers have proved to be quite successful in finding the buried structures through various geophysical methods. The applications not only find the potential sites for excavation but also reduce the cost of the projects considerably.
Exhibition
There will be many instrument as well as service companies such as oil, mining and software at the convention where the recent developments can be seen. During the meetings oral and poster presentations will take place. In addition, there will be many short courses, panels, guest speakers and field trips.
Furthermore, you will have numerous opportunities to sightsee the wide range of cultural heritage inherent to Turkey and field excursions to North Anatolian Fault Zone. In short, we welcome you - earth scientists, geophysical, geological, mining, geotechnical, construction (structural), civil and environmental engineers and archaeologists, economists, city planners, and architects- to enrich the convention and the exhibition. The participants will not only learn and experience new techniques, methodology and instruments but will also have a chance to meet old friends and make new ones. We are expecting high quality papers in all areas mentioned above. The presentations will indicate and prove clearly the very important role of geophysics and geophysical engineer in earth sciences, oil, natural gas, mineral and ground water exploration, in archeological, site and earthquake investigations.
I am looking forward to meeting many of you personally and convey my sincere regards.
Dr. Altan NECIOGLU
