Seismic Soundoff

"We are trying to enable the geoscientists to do their work better and faster." In this episode, we explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in seismic interpretation, focusing on the advantages of a data-centric approach over the traditional model-centric method. Morten Ofstad, a computer scientist, emphasizes the limitations of pre-trained "black box" deep learning models and advocates for interactive deep learning to improve interpretation accuracy. The discussion highlights VDS, a data format designed for random access and compression, and emphasizes the importance of empowering geoscientists to interact directly with AI-driven interpretation processes. In this episode, we talk about: > The differences between model-centric and data-centric approaches to AI in seismic interpretation. > The limitations of "black box" deep learning models in seismic interpretation and how an interactive approach can improve accuracy and insights. > The importance of high-quality data and accurate labels in training

"The critical zone are the things that impact humans and animals on the earth, more so than a lot of other parts that geophysicists might study." Kamini Singha explores the fascinating world of the Earth's critical zone. This episode uncovers the significance of this thin skin of the Earth and its profound impact on human and ecological systems. In this episode, we talk about: > The definition and importance of the Earth's critical zone > Challenges in studying the critical zone and the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration > The role of geophysics as a "macroscope" to study large-scale subsurface processes > Specific examples of geophysical methods used to study critical zone processes > Insights from Kamini's research on solute transport and groundwater remediation > Emerging trends in hydrogeophysics and critical zone science > The importance of understanding geophysical measurements in complex Earth systems Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical zone's role in addressi

"How could you apply your own personal knowledge of geoscience, whatever specialty it is, to help solve humanitarian problems, no matter what the scale is?" Join host Andrew Geary as he speaks with Beth Burton to explore the newly formed Geoscientists without Borders (GWB) Technical Review Subcommittee (TRSC). This episode delves into the TRSC's history, purpose, and operations, offering insights into its significant role in advancing humanitarian projects through geoscience. In this episode, we talk about: > The formation and mission of the TRSC > Key principles and guidelines that shape the committee's operations > Criteria for evaluating and selecting projects for funding > The significance of the first mainland USA project in Houston > Upcoming GWB events at IMAGE, including a technical session and field trip > The evolving role of the committee and lessons learned > Opportunities for geoscientists to apply their knowledge to humanitarian efforts Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of th

Get ready to immerse yourself in cutting-edge geoscience technologies and connect with industry experts. In this episode, Wenyi Hu and Ken Tubman join host Andrew Geary to discuss the upcoming IMAGE '24 conference, which promises the largest technical program to date with over 1,200 presentations. In this episode, we talk about: > The expansion and evolution of poster presentations to enhance networking and discussion > The introduction of a geographic focus in the technical program, covering six regions > The benefits of integrating geophysical and geological technologies > The diverse range of exhibitors > Numerous networking opportunities, from informal interactions on the exhibition floor to special events like Geoscientists without Borders > The value of short courses for both early career and seasoned professionals Listeners will gain a comprehensive overview of what to expect at IMAGE '24, from the technical sessions and poster presentations to the exhibition hall and networking events. This episode

"Sven showed us that the goal of a presentation is to transfer knowledge and insight, not to show people how smart you are." In this heartfelt episode, we honor the legacy of Sven Treitel, a beloved figure in geophysics and at SEG. Kurt Marfurt and Sam Gray join host Andrew Geary to reflect on Sven's profound impact on their work and the field. In this episode, we talk about: > How a 25 cents coffee subsidy proved an invaluable investment for Amoco > The power and usefulness of the "chicken test" > How the gaming and AI industry of today relates to the oil and gas industry > The groundbreaking contributions of Sven and Enders Robinson, particularly in digital signal processing > Sven's approach to making complex concepts accessible and understandable > Sven's dedication to professional societies and his mentorship beyond Amoco > How Sven's international background shaped his perspectives and interactions > The humor and humility that made Sven a beloved mentor and colleague Listeners will gain a deep appr

"Understanding the problem is sometimes more important than getting to a solution." In this episode, Dr. Eileen Martin, winner of the 2024 J. Clarence Karcher Award, shares actionable advice and resources to help you make a positive impact in your professional environment. In this episode, we talk about: > The definitions of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the context of geophysics > The mission statement of the JEDI Committee and its guiding principles > The challenges and opportunities of a volunteer-driven organization > The JEDI Ambassadors program and its role in promoting JEDI principles > How to question biases and actively support colleagues from underrepresented backgrounds > Practical ways to foster inclusion and belonging in professional settings > The importance of recognizing and nominating diverse talent for awards In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Eileen Martin elaborates on the JEDI Committee's initiatives, including the JEDI Ambassadors program, which aims to integ

"Energy transition is everywhere. It is an underlying trend, and sustainability is something that we have to incorporate into every company's strategy." Sophie Zurquiyah, CEO of Viridien, discusses the transformation of CGG into Viridien. In this episode, we talk about: > The reasons behind CGG's rebranding to Viridien > The significance of technology and quality of service in differentiation in the marketplace > The role of AI and machine learning in enhancing product offerings > The impact of the energy transition on Viridien's goals and strategies > Key trends shaping the future of the oil and gas sector > The influence of being based in the EU on Viridien's business approach > Strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive industry > Sophie's vision for Viridien's future and its evolution over the next decade In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Sophie highlights the impact of the energy transition on Viridien's strategies and goals and shares her insights on key trends in

"Understanding the problem is sometimes often more important than getting to a solution." Madhav Vyas and Dr. David Lubo-Robles discuss June's The Leading Edge on subsurface uncertainty. In this episode, we talk about: > Methods for assessing uncertainty in seismic workflows > Significant sources of subsurface uncertainty > How integrating different data sources can reduce subsurface uncertainty > The concept of rugosity and its effect on seismic image resolution > The advantages of using invertible neural networks > How to better communicate uncertainty to stakeholders and management > Emerging technologies and methodologies to reduce subsurface uncertainty In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Madhav and David explore the complexities of predicting subsurface outcomes and the various sources of uncertainty that geophysicists must address. The discussion highlights how integrating geologic, petrophysical, and geochemical data can help reduce uncertainty and improve decision-making. The episode al

"The energy transition has opened many new areas, many new doors, and rock physics is really at the center of that." Dr. Laurent Louis highlights rock physics in May's The Leading Edge. In this episode, we talk about: > How rock physics has improved the field of geophysics > The accuracy and applicability of Asaka's rock physics model > Discovering inaccuracies in Gassmann's equation > The development of modern digital tools for the field of rock physics > Why rock physics can address the challenges of the energy transition In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Laurent Louis delves into rock physics' transformative impact on geophysics. He explores the development of effective medium models, the challenges of modeling anisotropy and integrating modern digital tools in rock physics. Laurent emphasizes the need for new models to address the energy transition and the importance of collaboration in integrating various technologies. He also highlights the practical challenges and future directions for

"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