Seismic Soundoff

"We (geophysicists) need to look where the markets are rather than expect people to come to us. We have skills, and it's just about finding where we can apply these in the future." Dr. Tim Dean discusses his Honorary Lecture, "Seismic Acquisition and the Energy Transition." In this episode, we talk about: > The evolving applications of seismic acquisition beyond oil and gas > The importance of minerals for the energy transition and the role of seismic in their exploration > Innovations in seismic technology that reduce costs and expand capabilities > Why geophysics is data science - and other ways geophysicists are missing out > The potential of passive seismic techniques in large-scale mineral exploration > The future of seismic monitoring and its role in the subsurface changes > Addressing the decline in geophysics education and the need for broader application awareness > Tim's interest in collecting physical nodes The need for the world to transition away from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources i

"With ​every ​new ​acquisition, ​spend ​2% ​of ​your ​budget ​to ​do ​research ​to ​understand the ​noise ​and ​signal ​drivers ​in ​your ​area. ​It ​might ​help ​any ​future ​neighboring ​acquisition, ​or ​it ​might ​just ​help ​the ​field ​in ​general, ​​which ​you ​and ​your ​career ​will ​benefit ​from." Dr. Christof Stork discusses his Distinguished Lecture, "How Does the Thin Near Surface of the Earth Produce up to 100 Times More Noise on Land Seismic Data than on Marine Data?". OVERVIEW > The significance of addressing noise in near-surface land seismic data > The interplay of theoretical and practical approaches in seismic noise reduction > The importance of coherent noise removal before statistical noise removal > The limitations and future potential of FWI in land seismic > The role of research and development in improving land seismic data quality > The impact of corporate and economic structures on seismic research investment Along with host Andrew Geary, Christof delves into the intricate worl

"In the realm of applied geophysics, we have a lot of knowledge, a lot of skills, a lot of experience in dealing with the subsurface, which translates quite well into carbon capture and storage applications." SEG Europe Regional Advisory Committee members discuss the 4th Net-Zero Emissions annual virtual workshop. OVERVIEW > Why it's important to work towards a net-zero emissions future > The role of geophysicists in addressing net-zero challenges > The business opportunities and challenges associated with carbon capture and storage > Why SEG is an effective forum for communication and education Host Andrew Geary delves into the critical role geophysicists play in achieving net-zero emissions with guests Emin Sadikov, Antony Price, and Adriana Citlali Ramírez. They discuss the importance of repurposing knowledge, adapting skill sets, and contributing to carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology innovations. Learn about the industry's challenges and opportunities, the economic implications, and the import

"History is telling us that we're likely to get some new discoveries from introducing seismic into our mixture. Nobody understands mineral deposits like the geoscientists who work on them day in, day out." Dr. Heather Schijns explores the groundbreaking use of hard rock seismic data in mineral exploration with insights from one of the most popular papers at IMAGE 2023. OVERVIEW > The transformative impact of seismic data in identifying deeper mineral deposits and reducing exploration risks > The successful application of advanced processing techniques, like full waveform inversion and Kirchhoff pre-stack depth migration, on the Olympic Dam IOCG deposit > The counterintuitive cost benefits of seismic exploration as mining ventures deeper > The strategic approach to de-risking 3D seismic surveys for business stakeholders > The importance of seismic interpretation in effective mineral exploration and the evolving role of geoscientists in this domain > The potential for seismic methods to enhance safety and red

"Non-unique does not equal non-valuable when it comes to geophysical solutions." Dr. Irina Filina discusses April's special section on gravity, electrical, and magnetic methods in The Leading Edge. OVERVIEW > A deep dive into common non-seismic geophysical methods and their underutilization > The role of magnetics, gravity, and other methods in complementing seismic data > Case studies showcasing the cost-effectiveness and added value of non-seismic surveys > The significance of terminology and communication in the geophysical community > How non-seismic methods can address the challenges of the energy transition > The importance of curiosity and integrated teaching methods in geoscience education > Opportunities for professionals to expand their knowledge in non-seismic geophysics In a fun and enlightening conversation with host Andrew Geary, this episode delves into the often overlooked but immensely powerful non-seismic geophysical methods. As we unpack April's special section of The Leading Edge, which

"The respect and honor that we give to our predecessors really indicate what kind of character we have." This episode explores the first Geoscientists without Borders project in the United States. Host Andrew Geary speaks with the project lead, Rob Stewart, and SEG Executive Director Jim White about using the power of geophysical techniques to uncover and restore forgotten African American cemeteries. Listeners will be intrigued by the discussion on the various geophysical methods employed to detect these hidden graves, from ground-penetrating radar to metal detectors. The episode also addresses the educational benefits of involving students in such projects, instilling a sense of purpose and demonstrating the diverse applications of geophysics beyond resource extraction. We hear personal reflections on the satisfaction derived from aiding in these culturally significant endeavors and the broader impact of GWB's work. As we navigate the complexities of modern urban development and the preservation of sacre

"The challenge is to really bring your heart into the classroom, show up as a person, show up with care." Dr. Roel Snieder discusses how to excel as a teacher (and professional) using the Teaching with Heart practices. In this unique and encouraging episode, we explore the Teaching with Heart project. Roel makes the case for creating a more nurturing and loving educational environment. This episode examines if and how the heart can play a role in mathematics, physics, and geophysics. Roel challenges the notion that teaching to outcomes is the sole purpose of education, advocating for a balance between achieving academic goals and fostering student growth. They highlight the key to creating a lasting impact for students and challenge the notion that coddling and caring for them is the same. Listeners will be intrigued by the discussion on how meditative techniques, introspection, and awareness of one's beliefs can significantly influence the teaching dynamic. Roel also addresses the potential pitfalls of e

"Faults and fractures are not necessarily good or bad, but it's important to really understand them." Dr. Molly Turko discusses March's special section on imaging faults and fractures in The Leading Edge. In this compelling episode, host Andrew Geary and Molly dive into the murky depths of the Earth to unravel the enigmatic nature of faults and fractures. Molly sheds light on the crucial role of imaging these hidden networks in understanding their impact on production, injection, and completions. With a clear message that faults and fractures are neither inherently good nor bad, this conversation challenges common misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of detailed imaging to gauge their significance. Molly offers her expertise in navigating the persistent hurdles in characterizing faults and fractures, especially ones below seismic resolution. We explore innovative non-seismic techniques for fault detection and the potential of shear wave splitting reflectivity contrast. Additionally, the episode hig

"The value is not in the measurement per se. It is in the ability to integrate this measurement with everything else that we have access to." Dr. Joël Le Calvez discusses January's special section in The Leading Edge on microseismic monitoring. Joël shares how recent technological advancements and pressing societal concerns, like climate change and sustainability, are pushing microseismic monitoring to the forefront of geophysical research. This conversation explores the complexities of integrating microseismic data with other geophysical and geologic information. Joël discusses the intricacies and challenges of detecting microseismic activity and how monitoring these events is critical for ensuring the safe operation of projects like carbon capture and storage and geothermal energy production. Listeners will gain insights into the role of survey design in managing data volume and the importance of communication between scientists and management and among scientists themselves. This episode will help you

"There's so much high-quality data, and more and more is being made publicly available. By shifting to open source, we're choosing that the value proposition is the people." Dr. Lindsey Heagy discusses February's special section in The Leading Edge on the future of applied geophysics. In this forward-thinking episode, we explore open-source software and its possibilities to transform the geosciences. As the world potentially shifts away from a hydrocarbon-based economy, the need for innovation in areas like mineral exploration, groundwater management, and urban geophysics has never been more pressing. Lindsey shares her insights on the power of open-source software to democratize science, allowing a broader community to engage in problem-solving and innovation. She explains the nuances of open-source licensing and its implications for collaboration and commercialization. We also get an inside look at the creation and impact of SimPEG, an open-source framework for geophysical inversions, which has become a

"I've learned much more from my mistakes than I ever learned from my successes, because it was my mistakes that helped me to have successes." Meet the man behind the mission to diversify the energy sector. Dr. Isaac Crumbly shares the journey of the Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (CDEP) at Fort Valley State University, a program designed to pave the way for African American students into the energy industry. Dr. Crumbly has been pivotal in diversifying the energy industry's workforce since 1983. Dr. Crumbly's innovative approach recognized the value of internships and strategic partnerships to introduce African American students to the energy industry. At a time when energy companies in the Deep South rarely recruited African American college students for internships, Dr. Crumbly took matters into his own hands, reaching out to the industry and advocating for his students. One of his most inspiring creations is the dual degree program in geosciences, which was born out of necessity when Fort Vall

"I think that selling this idea that if you become a geoscientist in the 21st century, the frontier is not up there in the sky, but is down there underneath your feet." In this thought-provoking episode, expert geoscience communicator Iain Stewart opens our eyes to the "hidden commons" of the subsurface. Iain challenges us to rethink our relationship with the subsurface, drawing parallels between the allure of space exploration and the untapped mysteries of our planet's depths. He shares the greatest value of geoscientists and why studying geology is important. Listeners will be captivated by Iain's vision of the subsurface as a new frontier, not just for resource exploitation but as a space for sustainable development and urban innovation. From the governance of the subsurface to the emotional appeal it holds, Iain articulates the need to build empathy and understanding for this hidden realm. The conversation also tackles the geoscientist's dual role as Earth steward and resource extractor, emphasizing th

"With the magnetic method, you can say with some certainty that it will locate more than 90% of the existing wells. The grand challenge for locating abandoned wells are these wells where the casing has been pulled." Richard Hammack discusses the December special section in The Leading Edge - orphaned and abandoned wells. When we think about the environmental challenges we face, orphaned and abandoned wells might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, as this episode reveals, the issue is far more widespread and impactful than many realize. Richard expertly navigates us through the subtle yet critical distinctions between orphaned and abandoned wells, unraveling the complexities of these seemingly dormant structures that dot landscapes worldwide. The episode offers a fascinating exploration of innovative detection methods, from airborne magnetic sensors to the precision of drone technology, revealing how over 90% of steel-cased wells can be located. In contrast, wooden-cased and casing-removed

"The challenge is to learn and be aware of new techniques and applications and apply them." Eduardo Corti discusses his Honorary Lecture, "Unconventional Borehole Seismic Techniques." Unconventional borehole seismic services encompass techniques that go beyond conventional seismic methods. With over eight decades of classical seismic methods shaping our understanding, Eduardo introduces listeners to the newer techniques that have emerged in the past 15 years, which promise greater detail and higher resolution insights into reservoir properties. While these techniques may be less familiar to geophysicists in exploration and reservoir management, Eduardo emphasizes the importance of local experience and operational involvement to leverage their capabilities fully. He shares his favorites – microseismic and borehole acoustic reflection surveys – and discusses the future of these methods in Latin America, particularly in countries like Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Listeners will understand both the

"How do we move towards a greater societal understanding of what's required to achieve the goals of decarbonization? Building a sustainable society requires everybody, all the citizens, to do a whole bunch of different things, many of which are minor." Murray W. Hitzman, the Director of iCRAG, highlights the energy transition and how to communicate it with the public. iCRAG is the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre in Applied Geosciences hosted by University College Dublin. In this episode, we explore Ireland's energy and sustainability challenges. With Ireland's advantageous position for harnessing wind and solar power, as well as the untapped potential of geothermal energy, Murray provides a portrait of a country that's not only capable of making significant strides in sustainability but is also a microcosm for global change. Murray shares his journey as an economic geologist and how it has shaped his vision for iCRAG's three grand challenges: Earth system change, Earth resources, and Earth scien

"It's ​not ​like ​machine ​learning ​will ​solve ​all ​the ​problems. ​It's ​not ​a ​magical ​tool." David Lubo-Robles highlights his award-winning paper that utilized novel machine learning methods to enhance interpretability in seismic volume data from the Gulf of Mexico. Discover the power of two open-source tools - SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations) and LIME (Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations) - in enhancing the interpretability of machine models. David takes us through his team's research that garnered an Honorable Mention for Best Paper in Interpretation. He also shares his journey into geophysics, driven by a fascination with the Earth and energy discovery. Listeners will gain insight into the critical role of input quality in machine learning outcomes, the importance of balancing datasets, and the necessity of geoscientific validation. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about machine learning in geophysics, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and geological know

"The driving objective of AASPI is to try and reveal and see more patterns in the seismic data than we can see just looking at the seismic amplitude data." Heather Bedle, Principal Investigator at Attribute Assisted Seismic Processing and Interpretation (AASPI) at the University of Oklahoma, joins Seismic Soundoff. In this episode, you will discover how AASPI reveals hidden patterns in seismic data, pushes the boundaries of geologic interpretation, and reshapes our understanding of the Earth using cutting-edge research and technology. Heather shares insights into how machine learning has been utilized in geophysics for decades, emphasizes the importance of critical thinking when interpreting algorithmic outputs, and discusses the potential biases inherent in machine learning models. Listeners will be intrigued by AASPI's innovative research, including Heather's favorite attribute, aberrancy, which is pushing the boundaries of seismic detail. She also highlights AASPI's drive towards transparency and how

Biondo Biondi, the Director of the Stanford Earth imaging Project (SEP), joins Seismic Soundoff to discuss SEP's 50-year history and future outlook. Biondo reflects on SEP's founding during the 1970s oil crisis and today as it tackles modern energy challenges. Biondo discusses how improving seismic imaging can support the future of carbon capture and geothermal energy and help build resilient cities. Biondo uses an article in The Leading Edge from 1987 on the then-called Stanford Exploration Project to offer insights into what we still know and don't know about geophysical data. He also shares why he believes so many SEP alums have been guests on this podcast! The Stanford Earth imaging Project is an industry-funded academic consortium within the Geophysics Department at Stanford University. SEP research has contributed greatly to improving the theory and practice of constructing 3-D and 4-D images of the earth from seismic echo soundings. The consortium was started in the 1970s by Jon Claerbout and is curr

In this intriguing conversation, David Bartel, the Chair of the SEG Foundation, provides an exclusive insight into how the nonprofit organization is advancing geophysics research, supporting SEG members, and positively impacting society. David highlights the key programs funded by the Foundation, such as scholarships, field camps, Geoscientists without Borders, and more. He also shares some inspiring stories of students whose lives have been transformed by the Foundation's programs, emphasizing the significance of donations. He also clarifies the relationship between the SEG and its Foundation, dispels myths, and explains the significant impact of providing unrestricted annual fund gifts. By the end of the talk, listeners will better understand the SEG Foundation's crucial role in the geosciences community.

Arthur Cheng, who became the first Chinese president of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, talks about his journey from being a student to becoming the president of the Society. He shares some of the highlights from his five decades of being a member and what his role as a barrier-breaker means to him. Arthur reflects on his early days as a grad student and how he overcame his fear of giving talks. He also talks about the wide range of exploration geophysics beyond oil and gas. Additionally, he shares how SEG is adapting its programs to cater to younger members, offers advice to students, highlights the importance of volunteering, and shares his vision for the future of SEG.