Seismic Soundoff

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with John Etgen, Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal winner and upcoming Distinguished Lecturer for the third and fourth quarter of 2019. John and Andrew have an engaging and multi-faceted conversation on the current capabilities of depth imaging, the limitations of full-waveform inversion, his upcoming DL tour, how his time at Stanford and the Amoco Production Research Company impacted his career, and more. This episode proudly sponsored by ION Geophysical. Interviewee biography John Etgen received a Bachelor of Science degree in geophysical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and a Ph.D. in geophysics from Stanford University. During his studies, he had the good fortune to work on a wide variety of topics in seismic imaging and data processing while learning from his mentors, Jon Claerbout and Norm Bleistein, along with many talented colleagues and fellow students. He began his industrial career at the Amoco Production Research Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In Tulsa

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with John Brittan, contributor to March's The Leading Edge. March's special section returns to a common and major topic for TLE - full-waveform inversion. John highlights the advantages and disadvantages of several FWI approaches, discusses the possibilities and limitations of the technique, and explores the common themes across the seven papers. Episode 53 proudly sponsored by ION Geophysical. Interviewee biography John Brittan received a BSc in Physics from the University of Birmingham in 1992 and, thanks to a Shell Scholarship, a PhD from Imperial College, London in Geophysics in 1995. He then was a Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellow at Imperial, being part of the team who undertook the first seismic profile across the K-T boundary crater at Chicxulub and also being part of Imperial's pioneering efforts in full-waveform inversion. He joined Petroleum Geo-Services in 1997, where he worked on the research and development of data processing a

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with John Hudson and Bill Abriel on the upcoming Energy in Data Conference. The conference will take place in Austin, Texas from 17-19 June. Powered by AAPG, SEG, and SPE, this forward-looking conference will include the latest in digital transformation trends as they relate to the energy sector (topics such as machine learning and data management storage), oil & gas development and drilling, production, and more. How can we benchmark capabilities of digital technologies? How can we uncover hidden information in old data? How can service companies and operators collaborate to bring new technology and innovation forward in solving real field problems? This is a must-attend conference for those seeking the answers to these questions and others regarding the digital transformation. Energy in Data will be highly interactive and participative with a strong mix of general sessions, breakout sessions, micro-learning short courses, and working groups. Register and learn m

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Dean Mento, Senior Petroleum Geophysicist at IHRDC and dynamic educator. Dean and Andrew discuss what's exciting about being a geophysicist, the career options available, the problems geophysicists solve, and much more. If you like adventure and solving complex problems or need help explaining your work to friends and family - this episode is for you. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6868/. Interviewee biography Mr. Mento is the Senior Petroleum Geophysicist at IHRDC, where he creates, manages, and updates geophysical collateral for IHRDC's IPIMS online courses. He worked at Halliburton-Landmark for 18 years prior to joining IHRDC. He has also worked for Lockheed Martin and Amoco Production Company. He holds a Bachelor's degree in physics and a MS in Geology (Emphasis Geophysics). Sponsor Seismic Soundoff is sponsored by the SEG Wiki - the place to find hundreds of biographies of geoscientists, open-access tutorials, and ongoing translatio

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Scott Singleton, guest editor for February's The Leading Edge. February's special section highlights eight unconventional case studies. Scott discusses how the industry can rise to the challenge of unconventional, the link between unconventional and microseismic, and a brief history on the field. Subscribers can read the full articles in the SEG Digital Library at https://library.seg.org/and abstracts are always free. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6786/. Interviewee biography Mr. Singleton graduated from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in 1979 with a BS in Geophysics and received a MS in Geophysics from Texas A&M University. His career has spanned companies from ION Geophysical Corporation and Rock Solid Images and areas of focus such as marine acquisition and processing, AVO analysis, and rock property analysis. Since 2015, he has acted as Seismic Technology Advisor at Independence Resources Management in Houston, TX, US

Craig J. Beasley was the driving force behind the founding of Geoscientists Without Borders. In recognition of his contribution, the Craig J. Beasley Award for Social Contribution was established and is awarded to a person or organization that has made a meritorious achievement that supports the application of geophysics to a humanitarian, public service, or other socially significant cause. This episode's guest, Paul Bauman, received the inaugural Craig J. Beasley Award for Social Contribution at SEG 2018. In this conversation, Paul and host Andrew Geary discuss what attracted him to the geosciences, the biggest source of inspiration in his career, and advice for students and early career professionals. To find biographies and the full citations of all the award winners, visit the show notes at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6707/. Biography Paul Bauman received a bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering from Princeton University, and a Master’s degree from the University of Waterloo in groundwater and g

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Shauna Oppert, guest editor for January's The Leading Edge. January's special section highlights three case studies focusing on conventional systems. These case studies take place in three different regions of the world, with each challenge tackled using innovative approaches to reservoir characterization in complex geologic regions. Shauna showcases how these papers provide insight into designing custom approaches with new technologies to address the geologic parameters challenging reservoir characterization in both new and mature oil and gas fields. Subscribers can read the full articles in the SEG Digital Library at https://library.seg.org/and abstracts are always free. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6661/. Interviewee biography Shauna Oppert is a Research Geophysicist at Chevron. She works in time-lapse geophysics, including integration of rock physics and rock mechanics principles and measurements, assessment and evaluation of seis

One of the most important functions of a professional society is honoring those who have made significant contributions to the profession and to science. In this episode we highlight two of the 2018 Honors and Awards winners: Albert Tarantola and Mrinal Sen. Albert Tarantola was awarded the 2018 Maurice Ewing Medal, the highest honor given by the SEG to a person who has made distinguished contributions both to the advancement of the science and to the profession of exploration geophysics. In a first for the Maurice Ewing Medal, Albert Tarantola was awarded the honor posthumously. Roel Snieder speaks with host Andrew Geary on his colleague receiving this honor. Mrinal Sen was awarded the 2018 Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal, an honor given to a person that has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the science of geophysical exploration as manifested during the previous five years. To find biographies and the full citations of all the award winners, visit the show notes at https://seg.org/pod

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Priyank Jaiswal, Associate Professor at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Jaiswal discusses the recent SEG near-surface event, Forum on Infrastructure, and how geophysics can play a role in this critical area. Andrew and Dr. Jaiswal discuss the potential threats to infrastructure from low-level earthquakes, how citizens and public officials can monitor and address the impact, and how geophysicists can contribute to the safety of infrastructure. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6630/. About the Forum on Infrastructure Resiliency of infrastructure and specifically critical lifeline infrastructure to high-level seismicity (large earthquakes) are often an integral part of design, construction, and execution. Today, however, infrastructure in many parts of the country, particularly the Central USA, face threat from low-level seismicity which, due to their recurrence pattern, appear to be impacting structures in complex ways that cannot be readily

The Opening Session represented the official start to the 88th Annual Meeting at Anaheim, CA in October 2018. SEG President Nancy House presented the State of the Society address and introduced the keynote speaker Darryl Willis. Darryl is Vice President, Oil, Gas and Energy at Google Cloud. He spoke on "The Cost of Status Quo – Get on Board or Get Left Behind." The episode ends with a Q&A from the audience. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6612. Biography Darryl Willis is Vice President Oil, Gas & Energy at Google Cloud. In this role, Darryl is responsible for driving Google Cloud’s business across the entire Energy sector. He is focused on developing products and solutions, providing deep line of business expertise to the sales teams, and building trusted relationships with key leaders and companies across the energy sector. Prior to joining Google, Darryl was most recently President and Chief Executive Officer for BP Angola based in Luanda. He previously served as Senior Vice Presid

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Steve Sloan, special section coordinator for October's The Leading Edge. October's special section focuses on using geophysics to assess infrastructure: the roads, bridges, dams, railroads, tunnels, etc. that make life easier around the world. Steve and Andrew discuss how geophysics can be used to assess and monitor roads and bridges and geophysics' role in planning and preserving infrastructure. Steve also highlights the four articles in October's issue. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6583/. Interviewee biography Steve Sloan is a Research Geophysicist at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He specializes in near-surface seismology, including high-resolution shallow seismic reflection, refraction tomography, and surface wave methods. His research has focused on the application of geophysical methods to defense problems and geophysical characteriz

In this episode, host Andrew Geary previews the 2018 International Exposition and 88th Annual Meeting. SEG 2018 in Anaheim, California will feature robust, cutting-edge education programming including 151 Technical Program sessions, 13 Continuing Education courses, 3 Near-Surface Geophysics Technical Section Panel Discussions, 22 Postconvention Workshops, and much more. Register for Anaheim at https://seg.org/am. Andrew first speaks with the Technical Program Chair, David Alumbaugh and the Co-Chair Dimitri Bevc. He then speaks with Sarah Morton Rupert, member of the SEG Near-Surface Geophysics Technical Section executive committee. He then highlights a new program for this year - the Business of Applied Geophysics - with organizers Bill Abriel, Mike Loudin, and Sergio Chávez-Pérez. The preview concludes with conversations with the SEG Director of Global Events Operations, Rhianna Collier, and the SEG Executive Director Dorsey Morrow. There are too many amazing events to feature in this episode. Please v

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Ioan Vlad on his article in The Leading Edge analyzing over 80 years of affiliation information for articles published in GEOPHYSICS. Mr. Vlad examines long-term publishing trends in GEOPHYSICS, including affiliation information and geographic trends. Using Python, statistics, and visual analysis, he explores how understanding these trends could be valuable both for institutional decision making and for individual career planning. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6527/. Biography Ioan Vlad works as a Senior Scientific Programmer in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. His expertise includes software engineering and database administration, data analysis, scientific and High Performance Computing software development, and interfacing between research and production. He has worked for Halliburton, TGS, and Statoil ASA. He holds a M.Sc. in Geophysics from Stanford University. Subscribers can read the full articles in the SEG Digital Library and a

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Don Paul, Executive Director of the USC Energy Institute, Professor of Engineering, and holds the William M. Keck Chair of Energy Resources. Dr. Paul discusses intelligent energy, the boom and bust nature of the industry, energy careers, and much more. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6517/. Join SEG in Anaheim, California this year. The 2018 Exposition Hall and Technical Program will focus on big data, the internet of things, and many of the topics Dr. Paul discusses. Learn more and register at https://seg.org/am. Biography Don Paul is Executive Director of the USC Energy Institute, Professor of Engineering, and holds the William M. Keck Chair of Energy Resources. Dr. Paul had a distinguished 33-year career with the Chevron Corporation, retiring as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C. and is appointed by the U.S. Secre

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Linda Ford, Manager, Student and Early Career Programs and Geoscientists Without Borders at the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. Linda and Andrew discuss her article in August's The Leading Edge celebrating GWB's ten year anniversary. They talk about the program's connection with today's geoscience students, the program's impact to date, and its future legacy. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6490/. Geoscientists Without Borders® SEG is celebrating ten years of its humanitarian work around the world with Geoscientists Without Borders. This program uses the specialized knowledge and technical skills of geoscientists to mitigate natural hazards by connecting universities and industries with local communities. As a special consideration to our listeners, the SEG encourages you to become a partner in this life changing program by making a donation through the SEG Foundation. The SEG Foundation currently has GWB Matching Funds available.

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Alireza Malehmir, professor of applied geophysics at Uppsala University. Andrew and Dr. Malehmir discuss geophysics role in preventing natural hazards and best practices for communicating science to the public and policy makers. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6476. Biography Alireza Malehmir is professor and senior lecturer at Uppsala University. He holds expertise as a controlled source seismologist, mining geophysicist, and applied geophysicist. He serves as vice-chair of the EAGE Near-Surface Geoscience Division and has been a guest editor for GEOPHYSICS and Interpretation. Dr. Malehmir led a Geoscientists Without Borders project focused on quick-clay, or rapid Earth flow landslides in Sweden. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2uKH7Gz. He has a PhD in geophysics from Uppsala University. Sponsor Seismic Soundoff is sponsored by the SEG Wiki - the place to find hundreds of biographies of geoscientists, open-access tutorials, and ongoing t

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with three authors from the special section highlighting the Mediterranean region in July's The Leading Edge. These authors discuss the latest scientific scholarship and future prospects in the Mediterranean after a record-breaking find in 2015. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6438. Interviewee biographies Giovanni Rusciadelli is Associate Professor in Sedimentology & Stratigraphy at the University of Chieti and the Founder and Managing Director of Strata Georesearch, a spin-off of the University of Chieti. He is currently interested in seismic modelling of slope-margin systems based on detailed outcrop descriptions. Peter Shiner is a Senior Geoscience Advisor at Strata Georesearch and has a M.Sc. in sedimentology from the University of London. He is particularly interested in the integration of outcrop and subsurface datasets to reduce subsurface risk in exploitation of carbonate systems. Hamed El-Mowafy is the Principal Exploration and Pr

In this episode, we highlight a team of Canadian geophysicists that traveled to the second largest refugee camp in the world to find water. The Kakuma Camp in Kenya is home to 185,000 refugees and growing. This is the story of passionate geophysicists working with driven refugees and locals to bring water to 140,000 people in East Africa. In this episode of Seismic Soundoff, what happened when geophysics went to Kakuma. For show notes, including a full transcript, photos and links to dig deeper into the Kakuma water project and Paul Bauman’s work, visit https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6368. Every June 20 marks World Refugee Day, #WithRefugees. To learn more, visit http://www.unhcr.org. Interactive transcript at https://goo.gl/nnbCmv. Geoscientists Without Borders® 2018 marks the ten-year anniversary of the SEG Foundation’s Geoscientists Without Borders® program. The program uses the specialized knowledge and technical skills of geoscientists to mitigate natural hazards by connecting universities and industr

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Nishank Saxena on advancements in image processing and machine learning. June's The Leading Edge highlights these topics and showcases methods to achieve meaningful geological results while reducing costs and increasing speed. Nishank Saxena served as a guest editor. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6353. Interviewee bio Dr. Nishank Saxena works as a research petrophysicist at Shell. His interests include all aspects of theoretical and computational geophysics. Nishank also pioneered the work on generating benchmarks for the digital rock physics technology. He received his Ph.D. in geophysics and seismology from Stanford University. SEG awarded him the J. Clarence Karcher Award in 2016. Gary Mavko, in his citation, stated, "Through his passion, creativity, and good nature, Nishank Saxena has helped to raise the bar in rock-physics research. I believe that, with Nishank and others of his generation, the future of geophysics is in good

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Doug Foster about the May 2018 issue of The Leading Edge. This issue's special section articles highlight geomechanics, its integration with geophysics, and how it could help reduce induced seismicity and increase gas productivity. Doug Foster served as a coordinator for the special section. Show notes and links at https://seg.org/podcast/Post/6311. Interviewee bio Dr. Doug Foster received his Ph.D. in geophysics from Columbia University. He has worked as a research geophysicist at ARCO, Mobil, Phillips Petroleum, and as a Senior Scientist at ConocoPhillips. His career interests have ranged from wave propagation, inverse problems and applied geophysics. He also taught as an adjunct Professor in the physics department at the University of Houston and served as vice-chairman of the Ultra-Deepwater Advisory Committee for the U.S. Department of Energy. Subscribers can read the full articles in the SEG Digital Library at https://library.seg.org/. Abstracts are a