Seismic Soundoff

Dr. Michal Ruder discusses continuing education and her new course, Gravity and Magnetics for Explorationists. In this forward-thinking conversation, Michal shares the most important thing for explorationists to focus on right now, what she would say to the CEO of an oil and gas company, the future of GIS data for exploration, and the importance of nonseismic work in geophysics. As the world transitions to more forms of hybrid learning, this episode will help provide clarity and direction in your continuing education. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes BIOGRAPHY Michal Ruder received her AB cum laude from Bowdoin College with a joint major in geology and physics in 1979. In 1986, she was awarded a Ph.D. in geophysics from The Pennsylvania State University. Her work experience spans government, academic, and industrial research and exploration laboratories. While at NASA during graduate school, she analyzed satellite gravity and magnetic data from the Seasat and Magsat missions. Micha

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Margariete Malenda and Tiziana Vanorio on utilizing rock physics and geophysics to decarbonize the future. In this conversation, Margariete and Tiziana highlight the role of rock physics within geophysics, short- and long-term solutions to decarbonization, common misperceptions about decarbonization among the public and scientific community, how to increase geothermal energy, and much more. This is an informative and scientific conversation on modern and cutting-edge solutions to address the earth's current needs. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and links to read the articles in April's The Leading Edge. BIOGRAPHIES Margariete Malenda is a doctoral student at Stanford University. Her current research looks at the impacts of rock-fluid interactions on elastic, mechanical, and transport on earth-derived materials. She received an M.Sc. in Geochemistry from the Colorado School of Mines and a B.Sc. in Geology from the Kutztown University

In this special episode, Seismic Soundoff features SEG’s humanitarian program, Geoscientists Without Borders (GWB). We highlight Silvio De Angelis’s project to create an international partnership to develop volcano monitoring capacities in Guatemala. In Guatemala, volcanic hazard is high with over 1.3 million people living within six miles of an erupting volcano, and over 7 million people living within 19 miles. Silvio's goal was to help build an effective early warning and volcano monitoring framework in Guatemala and improve the risk mitigation policies in the region. This episode will inspire listeners to the usefulness of applied geophysics and the unique funding opportunities through GWB. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for links to learn more about GWB, the Geophysical Sustainability Atlas, and SEG's Strategic Pillars. BIOGRAPHY Silvio De Angelis is a Senior Lecturer in Geophysics at the University of Liverpool. De Angelis is a geophysicist with a background in monitoring, interpretation, and modeling

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with John Bradford on SEG's recent statement on climate change. John led the Climate Change Task Force charged with creating a statement for SEG. The SEG Board adopted the position statement in a unanimous vote during its January 2021 meeting. In this conversation, John provides an overview of SEG's position on climate change, the role geophysics plays in achieving a net-zero-carbon future, and solutions available to address the current climate change. This is an important conversation on the future of the Earth and geophysicists' role to address climate change. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and the link to SEG's statement. ABOUT THE SEG'S CLIMATE CHANGE TASK FORCE The statement was developed by a Climate Change Task Force led by John Bradford, an SEG past president, along with David Lumley and Maria Angela Capello, current SEG Board of Directors members. Bradford is Vice President for Global Initiatives and Professor of Geophysics at th

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Mohamed Ahmed on geophysical test sites. In this conversation, Mohamed highlights the importance of field exercises, why geophysical test sites can act as a competitive advantage, and the many ways test sites can be used by students and companies (for free). This conversation showcases the importance of experiential learning in novel ways. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and links to read the articles in March's The Leading Edge. Editor's Note: The construction of the geophysical test site at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi was supported by the university, as well as the Corpus Christi Geological Society. BIOGRAPHY Dr. Mohamed Ahmed is an Assistant Professor of Geophysics at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. His work focuses on applying integrated (geophysics, remote sensing, hydrogeology, modeling, GIS) approaches to investigate a wide range of complex problems. His current research activities involve the use of gravity data

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Ray Abma on his new book, Simultaneous Source Seismic Acquisition. This book introduces simultaneous source technology and helps those who practice it succeed. This work is written through the lens of decades of experience and allows readers to understand the development of independent simultaneous sourcing. In this widely relevant and persuasive interview, Ray shares why you should acquire seismic data using simultaneous source acquisition, the close relationship between data acquisition and data processing, how marine seismic interference may be a thing of the past, and tips on convincing management and technical staff to use this new technology. This conversation applies to a wide variety of disciplines and jobs - make sure to listen! Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and links to purchase the book. BIOGRAPHY Ray Abma graduated from Stanford University in 1995 with a Ph.D. in geophysics after working in the Stanford Exploration Pro

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Stephen J. Hill on his new book, Illustrated Seismic Processing, Volume 2: Preimaging. Along with Steve's co-author Andreas Rüger, this second volume of Illustrated Seismic Processing provides a foundation for understanding the vigorous, relevant, and fascinating field of seismic processing, addressing that portion that precedes migration. Written for the non-expert, this second volume of the two-volume introductory text reveals the limitations and potential pitfalls of seismic data, explains seismic processing operations as a series of solutions to problems, and demonstrates the dependence of a final interpretable seismic volume on its many seismic processing decisions. In this engaging interview, Steve shares why they decided to present the seismic processing topics in reverse order, tips for seismic interpreters and acquisition specialists that work alongside seismic processing geophysicists, and why seismic processing is both an art and a science. And also

Dr. Xiaogui Miao highlights her SEG Honorary Lecture 2021 talk, "From multi-component imaging to ocean bottom seismic technology - challenges or opportunities?". In this intriguing conversation, Xiaogui makes a convincing argument that utilizing multi-component imaging is a low-cost and low-effort option for companies to better discover oil and gas. She also discusses how utilizing multi-component technology is like moving from black and white images to color and how recent advancements in converted-wave imaging have addressed long-standing challenges. This episode will challenge the status quo and help the geophysicist make a persuasive case to management to use multi-component imaging. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and links for Xiaogui's free lecture. BIOGRAPHY Xiaogui Miao, Ph.D. quested after multi-component imaging and processing technologies for more than 20 years. Dr. Xiaogui Miao has the expertise and possessed extensive experience in land 3D3C and Ocean Bottom Sensor (O

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Kerry Key and Chloe Gustafson on their massive freshwater discovery off the East Coast of the United States. According to the United Nations, 60% of the world's population lives in places with high water stress, meaning that more water is being withdrawn than is currently available. In this crucial conversation, Kerry and Chloe discuss how they used existing geophysical techniques in a new way to discover freshwater off the United States' Atlantic Coast, the equivalent amount that would fill 1.1 billion Olympic-sized swimming pools. Kerry and Chloe also share how scientists in other parts of the world could utilize this discovery to find their own sources of freshwater and what the future could look like if electromagnetic methods get widely adopted for seeking freshwater. This is a fun and exciting conversation on how geophysics can help the world. You'll want to share this one with your family and friends! Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the links to the r

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Jean Legault on mining geophysics, the featured special section in February's The Leading Edge. In this conversation, Jean highlights the similarities and differences of mining geophysics with seismic, why now is a great time to be a mining geophysicist, and the growth of machine learning in the field. There's something in this interview for everyone. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and links to this month's special section on mining geophysics. BIOGRAPHY Jean M. Legault is a 30-year career exploration geophysicist. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in applied science (geophysics) at Queen's University at Kingston, ON, and his Master's degree in applied science (geophysics) at École Polytechnique of University of Montreal, QC. He is an experienced geophysicist in both the ground and airborne geophysics sectors since 1985. He is chief geophysicist at Geotech Ltd. (Aurora), a worldwide airborne geophysical service provider, where he is

Dr. Adriana Citlali Ramírez highlights her SEG Honorary Lecture Europe 2021 talk, "Seismic technology in northern European waters and the prevalence of multiples." In this compelling conversation, Adriana showcases the value of exploring and developing mature oil and gas fields, the value of moving first on new technology, and offers great advice to succeed in the industry. This episode will convince you to sign up for her free lecture! Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and links for Adriana's free lecture. BIOGRAPHY Adriana Citlali Ramírez is a Mexican citizen who has a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Houston’s Mission-Oriented Seismic Research Program. During her graduate studies, Adriana did internships with Shell, Statoil (now Equinor), ConocoPhillips, and BP. After graduation, she worked in R&D at WesternGeco in the United States, and later at PGS in the UK. In 2012, Adriana joined Equinor’s Research and Technology Exploration unit in Norway, where she led the R&D work r

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Emer Caslin on the Geophysical Sustainability Atlas, the featured article in January's The Leading Edge. To help provide a clear value proposition to inspire new generations of scientists to pursue careers in geophysics and motivate current geophysicists to expand their activities and utilize their skills, a small group worked on mapping geophysical applications and practices to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. This Geophysical Sustainability Atlas was developed to illustrate how geophysics contributes to each of the SDGs and to provide examples of specific applications and collaboration strategies. In this conversation, Emer provides an overview of the Atlas, how individuals and companies can utilize it to create meaningful impact, how professional societies can contribute to the SDGs, and why incorporating the SDGs into strategic planning could support the next generation of geophysicists. This is an impor

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Les Denham on his new book, Blizzards and Broken Grousers: A Year of Antarctic Glaciology. Detailing one year of Antarctic field operations in 1970–71 acquiring ice thickness data with radar, gravity, and magnetometer measurements, this book depicts the pioneering spirit of geophysics in the time when field operations spanned the globe. Moreover, the data collected now underpin models of ice behavior used to assess climate change. Les offers a rare personal account of a scientific journey. This book (https://seg.org/shop/products/detail/237626086) provides a detailed account of the author’s Antarctic experience in a time before GPS, satellite communications, internet, and even links to Antarctica by air. In this conversation, Les shares the inspiration behind the book, his most memorable field trip in Antarctica, and how the technology he utilized in 1970 can help the geophysicists of today. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and links t

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Dr. Whitney Trainor-Guitton on geothermal energy, the featured special section in December's The Leading Edge. This episode is a great start to 2021 with a deep look at geothermal energy. Whitney provides a great primer on geothermal energy, explores the role of induced seismicity and full-waveform inversion within geothermal, and explains why managers should always use the value of information metric when making decisions. Whitney brings a lot of insight and expertise to this topic. Whether you are new to geothermal energy, seeking to get more involved or consider yourself an expert, you will get something from this episode. A highly recommended listen! Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and links to this month's special section on geothermal energy. BIOGRAPHY Dr. Whitney Trainor-Guitton is an assistant professor at Colorado School of Mines and a Geophysicist at SeaOwl Energy Services. Her research blends spatial statistics, data scienc

Since episode 72, host Andrew Geary has been asking his guests one question - "What is one piece of advice you would offer someone that would like to succeed in this field?" To celebrate 100 episodes of Seismic Soundoff, Andrew has selected the top 10 responses. In reviewing the responses, common themes repeated throughout. These themes included keeping an open mind and staying flexible. Another common lesson was to continue developing your skills and collaborate with others (especially across disciplines). As 2021 begins, the producers hope the advice offered by these top geoscientists provides clarity and insight for your professional career. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes. INTERVIEWS (in order of appearance) * Dave Monk * Aria Abubakar * Patricia de Lugão * Anna Shaughnessy * Sid Misra * Kurt Marfurt * Steve Sloan * Estella Atekwana * Rick Miller * Andrea Crook CREDITS Original music by Zach Bridges. This episode was hosted, edited, and produced by Andrew Geary at 51 feature

Dr. Lucy MacGregor highlights her 2021 Distinguished Lecturer talk, "Multi-physics analysis: extracting the most from diverse datasets." In this incisive conversation, Lucy shows how combining datasets can compensate for weaknesses in each, how utilizing gravity data improves the seismic image, the biggest obstacle in utilizing datasets, and more. This episode will get you excited to start working with multiple datasets to improve your results. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and the link to Lucy's upcoming tour. BIOGRAPHY Dr. Lucy MacGregor is a leading researcher in multi-physics analysis with particular expertise in the integration of electromagnetic methods into reservoir characterization workflows. She served as SEG Honorary Lecturer in Europe in 2011. Lucy has a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge for research in the field of controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) methods and over 25 years’ experience in marine EM surveying and its application to the detection and chara

Dr. Saleh A. Al-Dossary highlights his 2020 Honorary Lecturer tour, "Improving reservoir characterization using four innovative seismic technologies." In this intriguing conversation, Saleh explores four new techniques to extract new geologic information from seismic data and to enhance the understanding of geologic features in a reservoir. This episode will inform you of the latest technology with a goal to improve hydrocarbon exploration and data processing. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and the link to Saleh's upcoming lecture tour. BIOGRAPHY Saleh A. Al-Dossary began his work at Saudi Aramco in the Dhahran Geophysical Research Group, contributing to edge-preserving and smoothing developments. He now works in the Exploration Application Services Department developing new seismic processing and attributes algorithms. Al-Dossary received his B.S. degree in computer science with a minor in geophysics from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM. He received

Andrea Crook, President of OptiSeis Solutions Ltd., joins the podcast to discuss how to take full advantage of online learning and continuing education. Andrea shares the learning resources supporting her professional development, the activities she considers essential for all geophysicists, how her company has adjusted during the pandemic, and the future of geophysical software. This is a helpful conversation on taking full advantage of the online resources and virtual learning widely available to help you start 2021 on your best path. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and the links to learning resources. BIOGRAPHY Andrea Crook, President of OptiSeis Solutions Ltd., graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2002 with a B.Sc. in Geophysics. She began her career as a seismic processor at Shell Canada and later moved into the Geophysical Operations group where she designed and implemented 2D, 3D, 4D, and experimental seismic acquisition projects. Building on the knowledge she gai

SEG President-Elect Anna Shaughnessy joins the podcast to highlight her 2020 Honorary Lecturer tour, "Developing a successful career in geophysics today." In this timely discussion, Anna shares her insights on navigating your career in a transitional industry, how to stay relevant no matter your discipline, actions to take to set up for a successful career, and offers the key to choosing your career field. It doesn't matter if you are a student, early career, or experiencing a career transition, Anna's valuable perspective will offer support and guidance for your professional path. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and the link to Anna's upcoming lecture tour. BIOGRAPHY Anna Shaughnessy received her undergraduate from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and her MSc. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her industry career started as a geophysical interpreter and quickly moved to management of technical teams within the energy industry. She has held leadership ro

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Ariel Lellouch and Tieyuan Zhu on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), the featured special section in November's The Leading Edge. Ariel and Tieyuan highlight new developments in algorithms impacting microseismic, new findings for hydraulic fracturing, and discuss their disagreement for the current rate the geophysics industry is adopting and utilizing DAS. This is an exciting conversation on technology that has a wide range of applications for geophysics. Hear the latest in research in 20 minutes! Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and links to this month's special section on smart city geophysics. BIOGRAPHIES Ariel Lellouch is a research geoscientist and post-doc at Stanford Exploration Project. He is passionate about seismic wave propagation, and more importantly, what we can infer from these waves regarding subsurface properties. Currently, he's working on applications of DAS data to all sorts of geophysical problems: properties of g