EXHIBIT 99.1

Global Geophysical Reports Second Quarter Adjusted Loss of $0.03 Per Share

Backlog Increases to $201 Million; Data Library Late Sales Reach Record Levels

HOUSTON, Aug. 5, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Geophysical Services, Inc. (NYSE:GGS) today reported a second quarter adjusted loss of $0.03 per share. The adjusted loss per share excludes non-cash, pre-tax amortization expense of approximately $19.2 million related to late sales and library backstop charges, certain other pre-tax, non-recurring charges of approximately $0.4 million recorded as a component of SG&A, with all adjustments normalized to a standard effective tax rate. For the second quarter, the Company recorded a loss of $0.42 per share.

Global also reported a sequential increase in backlog of approximately 12%. Backlog as of June 30, 2013 was $201 million, comprised of $174 million in Proprietary Services and $27 million in Multi-client Services. Backlog as of March 31, 2013 was $180 million, comprised of $136 million in Proprietary Services and $44 million in Multi-client Services.

Year-to-date library late sale revenues through June 30, 2013 were a record $50.2 million, higher than any other annual period in the Company's history. Second quarter data library late sales were $22.5 million. Overall, Company revenue in the second quarter was $63.4 million.

The Company maintained its commitment to remain cash flow neutral with respect to its investments in Multi-client library in the second quarter with investments of $51.4 million on a year-to-date basis through June 30, 2013. This level of investment was offset by $51.7 million of Multi-client pre-commitment revenue and Multi-client deferred revenue as of June 30, 2013.

"During the quarter, the Company continued to make steady progress on its key priorities," commented Richard White, CEO. "Backlog growth is one of the strongest indicators that we are doing the right things for our customers. We are also making good progress in fulfilling one of the top objectives I laid out for the team at the beginning of the year. Migrating the mix of business to a higher weighting of Proprietary Services remains a priority. Backlog now distinctly reflects that focus with over 85% of the total attributable to our Proprietary Services segment. Equally important, contract additions that drove backlog growth came from both long-term customer relationships as well as new customer relationships in several markets.

"As I indicated in the prior quarter, we also expect the geographic mix of our data acquisition revenues to be more heavily weighted to international operations. Our current backlog reflects this shift with over 70% being attributable to operations outside of North America. We continue to see high levels of bidding and tendering activity in these key international markets and expect this trend to continue.

"Within the North American market, we have started the transition to a majority weighting in Proprietary programs. Although still early in this effort, our backlog for the region includes customer commitments supporting this objective.

"Global also made substantial progress in capturing value from its Data Library assets. I'm pleased to report that Multi-client late sale revenues reached an all-time high on a year-to-date basis at the end of the second quarter, as compared to all other annual periods in the Company's history. Central to this effort was the new marketing and distribution relationship we announced at the end of the first quarter. Although non-cash amortization charges related to these assets burden operating income, the cash margin generation potential of our diverse library portfolio remains quite attractive.

"While we continue to make substantial progress on many fronts, the second quarter was a transitional period as we ramp up international operations and transition our focus in the North American market from Multi-client to Proprietary. Our focus is an orderly build out of the Proprietary order book with attention to execution for customers and the generation of superior returns for shareholders," noted White.

Second Quarter 2013 Results

The following tables set forth consolidated revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and for the corresponding period of 2012 (amounts in millions):

We recorded revenues of $63.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to $97.4 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $34.0 million, or 35%.

We recorded revenues from Proprietary Services of $26.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, compared to $58.6 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $31.8 million, or 54%. Of this amount, the decrease related to our international Proprietary operations was $33.6 million, primarily due to a decrease in crew activities in Colombia and Brazil.

Multi-client Services generated revenues of $36.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to $38.8 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $2.2 million, or 6%. The $36.6 million in Multi-client Services revenues included $22.5 million of late sale revenues and $14.1 million of pre-commitment revenues. This compared to $10.6 million of late sale revenues, $24.7 million of pre-commitment revenues, and $3.5 million in non-cash data swap transactions during the same period of 2012.

Included within operating expenses is Multi-client Services amortization of $24.4 million. The average amortization rate for the quarter was 67%. Gross depreciation expense for the quarter was $9.5 million, of which $0.9 million was capitalized in connection with our Multi-client Services library investments resulting in net depreciation expense of $8.6 million.

Selling, General and Administrative Costs for the quarter included $5.9 million of Multi-client sales commissions.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 Results

The following tables set forth consolidated revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the corresponding period of 2012 (amounts in millions):

We recorded revenues of $146.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared to $193.5 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $46.7 million, or 24%.

We recorded revenues from Proprietary Services of $54.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, compared to $123.4 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $69.2 million, or 56%. Of this amount, the decrease related to our international Proprietary operations was $63.7 million, primarily due to a decrease in crew activities in Colombia and Brazil. Table 1 provides an analysis of segment margins.

Multi-client Services generated revenues of $92.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 compared to $70.1 million for the same period of 2012, an increase of $22.5 million, or 32%. The increase was primarily attributable to higher late sale revenues, including $24.3 million from the contribution of our Mulit-client data marketing and distribution relationship. The $92.6 million in Multi-client Services revenues included $50.2 million of late sale revenues and $42.4 million of pre-commitment revenues. This compared to $25.3 million of late sale revenues, $40.3 million of pre-commitment revenues, and $4.5 million in non-cash data swap transactions during the same period of 2012. Table 3 provides selected data regarding Multi-client Services library activities.

Included within operating expenses is Multi-client Services amortization of $72.0 million, of which $13.0 million is attributable to impairment related charges for certain library assets. The average amortization rate for the six months ended June 30, 2013, excluding impairment related charges was 64%. Gross depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $18.5 million, of which $2.6 million was capitalized in connection with Multi-client Services library investments resulting in net depreciation expense of $15.9 million. Table 2 provides a reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to EBIT, EBITDA and Cash EBITDA (non-GAAP measures).

About Global Geophysical Services, Inc.

GGS provides an integrated suite of Geoscience solutions to the global oil and gas industry including high-resolution RG-3D Reservoir Grade^SM seismic data acquisition, Multi-client data library products, micro seismic monitoring, seismic data processing, data analysis, and interpretation services. GGS combines experience, innovation, operational safety, and environmental responsibility with leading edge geophysical technology to facilitate successful E&P execution. GGS' combined product and service offerings provide the ability to Gain InSight^SM in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons. GGS is headquartered in Houston, Texas. To learn more about GGS, visit www.GlobalGeophysical.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this earnings release that address activities, events or developments that Global Geophysical expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements about business outlook for the year, backlog and bid activity, business strategy, and related financial performance and statements with respect to future events. Such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company based on management's experience and perception of historical trends, industry conditions, market position, future operations, profitability, liquidity, backlog, capital resources and other information currently available to management and believed to be appropriate.

Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, disruptions in the global economy, dependence upon energy industry spending, delays, reductions or cancellations of service contracts, high fixed costs of operations, weather interruptions, inability to obtain land access rights of way, industry competition, limited number of customers, credit risk related to our customers, asset impairments, the availability of capital resources, and operational disruptions. Global Geophysical Services Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors identified that may affect Global's business, results of operations, and financial condition. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategies and liquidity. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will be correct. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements that may accompany such forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

Backlog estimates are based on a number of assumptions and estimates including assumptions related to foreign exchange rates, proportionate performance of contracts and our valuation of assets, such as seismic data, to be received by us as payment under certain agreements. The realization of our backlog estimates are further affected by our performance under term rate contracts, as the early or late completion of a project under term rate contracts will generally result in decreased or increased, as the case may be, revenues derived from these projects. Contracts for services are occasionally modified by mutual consent and may be cancelable by the client under certain circumstances. Consequently, backlog as of any particular date may not be indicative of actual operating results for any future period. More information can be found set forth under "Risk Factors" in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this press release to "Global Geophysical Services," "Global Geophysical," "Global," "GGS," the "Company," "we," "us," "our," or "ours" refer to Global Geophysical Services, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company believes EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because this measure is widely used by investors in the energy industry to measure a company's operating performance without regard to items excluded from the calculation of such term, which can vary substantially from company to company depending upon, among other factors, accounting methods, book value of assets, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired. The Company further believes EBITDA helps investors more meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the effect of our capital structure and asset base from the Company's operating structure. EBITDA is also used as a supplemental financial measure by the Company's management in presentations to our board of directors, as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting, and as a component for setting incentive compensation.

EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income and operating income and these measures may vary among other companies. Limitations to using EBITDA as an analytical tool include:

• EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or capital commitments;
• EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on, our debt;
• although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;
• and other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

CONTACT: Mathew Verghese
         Chief Financial Officer
         ir@globalgeophysical.com
         Phone: 713-808-1750
         Fax: (713) 972-1008
         www.globalgeophysical.com