Seismic Soundoff

Lia Martinez shares the critical skills necessary to network successfully. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Lia offers tips and best practices to fully utilize networking to further your career and technical skills. She explains why seven follow-ups (or touches) is the magic number, the importance of establishing credibility early, and how to use note-taking to your advantage. She outlines the unique ways that both introverts and extroverts struggle with networking (and how to address them). Lia also explores why no one can tell if you have confidence (or not) and why approaching each person as an individual treasure chest can unlock career-defining connections. This conversation may seem like a soft skill to ignore, but mastering networking could be the tool that unlocks your next scientific discovery or promotion. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Watch the entire SEG Near-Surface Geophysics Critical Skills Series - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlZgHYz

Anja Klotzsche discusses her Near-Surface Global Lecture, "Unlocking the potential of GPR for subsurface characterization by using full-waveform inversion." The heterogeneous near-surface consists of the complex interactions between rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms, which determine the availability of life-sustaining resources such as water. This environment has been increasingly exploited for human needs, such as water supply, to store our waste and food production. To assess the environmental risk associated with such exploitation and exploration, the near-surface must be investigated and characterized with high-resolution methods to enhance our understanding of hydrological and biogeochemical processes. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Anja describes the recent developments in FWI that have impacted how to apply GPR. She outlines a few of her favorite GPR applications, the impact of AI on GPR, and the role GPR and FWI can have in improving management decisions. Anja also shares t

As the size and complexity of data soars exponentially, machine learning (ML) has gained prominence in applications in geoscience and related fields. ML-powered technology increasingly rivals or surpasses human performance and fuels a large range of leading-edge research. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, mathematician Herman Jaramillo discusses his new book, Machine Learning for Science and Engineering Volume One: Fundamentals. This book teaches the underlying mathematics, terminology, and programmatic skills to implement, test, and apply ML to real-world problems. It builds the mathematical pillars required to comprehend and master modern ML concepts thoroughly and translates the newly gained mathematical understanding into better-applied data science. Herman explains why this book is a unique contribution to the growing field of machine learning, the role of intuition in using ML, and what's in this book that you rarely find in other ML books. He also goes in-depth on the critical understandin

Öz Yilmaz returns to the podcast to highlight his award-winning article, "A reality check on full-wave inversion applied to land seismic data for near-surface modeling." In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Öz assesses the accuracy of full-wave inversion applied to land seismic data for near-surface modeling. He elaborates on his definition of near-surface and explains why he believes full-wave inversion failed to yield an accurate near-surface model. Öz also describes how the seismic waves behave within the near-surface and what would make a good initial model for FWI. Using his insightful and informative style, Öz provides invaluable information on some of the most important topics facing geophysicists. Öz breaks down complex issues into understandable and actionable takeaways. Do not miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best geophysicists working today. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Read the Best Paper for 2022: Öz Yilmaz, Kai Gao, Milos Delic,

Seismic Soundoff has featured some of the most well-known geoscientists, authors, and teachers for the past seven years. And since episode 72, host Andrew Geary has asked his guests, "What is one piece of advice you would offer someone that would like to succeed in this field?" The insight and experience across the 186 episodes are vast. To help collect some of this wisdom into one episode, we're excited to present an updated episode for some of our favorite answers to this closing question. This episode features 11 of our favorite lessons from the past two and a half years. You will hear from SEG legend Öz Yilmaz, current and past SEG presidents, well-known lecturers, and other stalwarts of geophysics. See below for the complete list and links to their entire conversation. Thank you to all the past guests on Seismic Soundoff. As we approach episode 200, we couldn't have made it this far without each of you. And a special thanks to the producers and contributors to the podcast behind the scenes, including

Critical mineral exploration will play a key role in human development and progress. The April 2023 special section of The Leading Edge focuses on the issue of critical minerals from the perspective of recent progress in mining exploration and anticipated future needs as the global energy economy transitions to higher use of, and reliance on, renewables. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Dr. Alan Jones defines critical minerals and how and why each country defines them differently. He explains why the public has a dim view of mining and what we can learn from China's long-term mineral vision. He elaborates on the valuable role of copper in utilizing electric vehicles and why we still don't understand the planet we live on. Alan also makes a case for why we must inspire young minds with the possibilities of critical minerals exploration. Do you want to be part of the future of humanity? This is the question at the center of this can't miss episode. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/po

SEG President Ken Tubman discusses the future outlook of SEG and applied geophysics. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Ken provides the latest information on the ongoing SEG transformation. He outlines how SEG could allow greater experimentation, the pros and cons of its current governance structure, and how members can best contribute to SEG's future. Ken shares some risks for SEG's transformation and why building a successful future for SEG matters to him. This episode not only matters for SEG members and stakeholders and the profession of applied geophysics but provides expertise and guidance for all membership-based organizations. In addition, this conversation provides practical advice and expert recommendations that could continue to support SEG and the field moving forward. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Read the President's Page: Vision for SEG by Ken Tubman (https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/tle41100668.1) * Read the President's Page: The trans

Dr. Elikplim Abla Dzikunoo and Abdul Rashid Seidu discuss their Geoscientists without Borders project, "Provision of potable water to communities in northeastern Ghana." This GWB project will directly help the inhabitants of two communities (Zagsliari and Salinwia) located within the Nasia river basin in the West Mamprusi district – Northeastern region of Ghana. In Zagsliari, men, women, and children will all benefit from potable water. Children will especially benefit as the current water supplies in the community expose them to diseases like cholera and dysentery. In Salinwia, families will profit greatly from the provision of boreholes, enabling them to engage in year-round irrigation farming to improve their economic fortunes and sustenance for themselves and their livestock. This was done by using Electrical Resistivity Tomography techniques to define and interpret geo-electric sections and models to show the subsurface lithology distribution and provide scientific data that will inform groundwater man

Yogaani Bhatia, SEG's Managing Director for International Operations, discusses the value of the SEG regional offices as SEG celebrates over ten years of the Middle East regional office. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Yogaani describes the work and vision for the SEG regional offices. She explains how geophysics is changing in the Middle East and highlights the similarities and differences between geophysics in the Middle East and China. Yogaani also shares what she's most proud of over the past ten years at the SEG Middle East office and why the regional offices are important to the future success of the SEG and geophysics. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Read the President's Page: The geophysical landscape in the Middle East (https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/tle41050292.1) * Discover SEG events (https://seg.org/Events/Events-Calendar/all-events) BIOGRAPHY Yogaani Bhatia is SEG's Managing Director for International Operations. She is a market devel

Dr. Cyril D. Boateng discusses his SEG Field Camp, "Investigating the slave trade in South Eastern Ghana using integrated geophysical techniques." Recently, there has been renewed interest in connecting Africans in the diaspora to their ancestral lands. In this context, significant focus has been placed on research which enhances an understanding of the circumstances of enslaved people during the days of enslavement. A lesser-known and often excluded slavery focus point is the South Eastern part of Ghana. The main goal of this field camp was to advance the field of geophysics and geoarchaeology and train a new generation of geoscientists by exploring the use of geophysics for archeological investigations related to slavery in the southeastern part of Ghana. Geophysics can be an indispensable part of archaeological investigations of slavery. The scientific findings of such non-invasive probes could help archaeologists fine-tune their search for sites and aid them in surgical excavation to unearth new data

Roman Pevzner discusses his Honorary Lecture, "Surface and borehole seismic monitoring of CO2 geological storage." Geological carbon capture and storage (CCS) or sequestration is a critical component of CO2 emission reduction, which aims to alleviate global climate change. Geological carbon storage always requires a subsurface monitoring program, and seismic methods play an important role. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Roman explains why a subsurface monitoring program is necessary for geological carbon storage and the range of seismic methods used to monitor CO2 storage. He discusses how the Australian CCS projects featured in the lecture highlight the evolution of the seismic monitoring technology used for sequestration. He also explores the advantages and disadvantages of permanently mounted seismic sources and characterizes passive data analysis. This conversation explores the goal of this lecture, the perfect audience for this talk, and the one question Roman hopes attendees take with

SEG Scholarships encourage the study of geophysics and related geosciences in universities worldwide. Due to the generosity of donors, the SEG offers a range of different scholarship opportunities to students all over the globe. In this special episode, we feature two scholarship recipients and the founder of a new Scholarship Program. Host Andrew Geary speaks first with Manika Prasad. Manika is a Colorado School of Mines professor passionate about students and diversity within the geosciences. She co-founded the SEG Educational Equity Scholarship in 2021 to support underrepresented students in their study area or that bring diversity to their attending university. Manika shares what she hopes this scholarship will achieve and why the SEG Scholarships matter to the industry's future. Next, we highlight two scholarship recipients: Juliet Nneamaka Ilechukwu and Sharmila Appini. They share how they learned about the SEG Scholarships and how it made them better students and geophysicists. They also share what t

Government policies, incentives, and funding directly impact gains in energy efficiency and energy independence. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Diana Sineva and Stephen Brown highlight recent policy changes in the United States and how it impacts the world and the oil and gas sector. In this unique conversation, Diana and Stephen explain the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and why it's important to incentivize and fund energy efficiency policies. They offer a distinctive perspective on pursuing energy independence and how businesses and consumers can utilize energy efficiency for their benefit. Additionally, Diana provides a path for geophysicists to thrive in any future energy environment. This episode explores cutting-edge policy and research to offer a novel perspective on topics that will impact the world for generations. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. BIOGRAPHIES Diana Sineva is an energy industry expert and project/product management professional who dedicated m

Technological advancements in geophysical sensors and sensor platforms over the past decade have given rise to the rapidly growing and innovative field of drone-based geophysics. As improvements in reliability, payload capacity, coverage capability, resolution, data quality, cost, and personnel safety continue to be realized, the widespread application of drone geophysics marks an exciting new era of innovation in near-surface geophysics. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Dr. Callum Walter discusses the benefits of drone surveys when taking on dirty, dangerous, and demanding jobs. He highlights the similarities and differences compared to other geophysical surveys and the unique difficulties when collecting data by drones. Callum outlines a few case studies currently benefiting from drones, the possibility of rocket-powered drones, and using drones in off-world environments. Callum also offers when drones could be right for your project profile. This episode is a fascinating, cutting-edge convers

What sets the seismic method apart from other geophysical exploration methods is its ability to deliver three-dimensional high-resolution images of the subsurface. Ramesh (Neelsh) Neelamani traces the history of the seismic method to showcase recent breakthroughs and future advancements. Neelsh is currently ExxonMobil Senior Principal Geophysics. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Neelsh shares the insights he gained tracing the history of seismic resolution. He also spotlights the most recent technological leaps for full-waveform inversion, explains the value of spectral extrapolation, and outlines how disciplines outside geophysics impact seismic resolution. Neelsh also highlights recent seismic acquisition techniques focused on reducing their environmental impact. This episode is a wide-ranging exploration of seismic resolution based on seven new papers in The Leading Edge. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Mehdi Aharchaou, Ramesh (Neelsh) Neelamani, and C

Boris Gurevich provides an insider's perspective on the value of expanding your knowledge and awareness of the wide-ranging discipline of geophysics. Boris currently serves as Chair of the Distinguished Lecture Committee at the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Boris shares the benefits and primary function of SEG's educational lectures. And there's a strong chance the primary function differs from what you think! Boris provides a helpful overview of this often overlooked, free resource. He also shares tips to maximize your engagement and learning and the best ways to get involved, from attendees to companies to lecturers. The Honorary and Distinguished Lectures provide an invaluable resource to the geophysics community and the public. This conversation will provide the shortcut to help you get the most out of it. Listen to the complete podcast archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Register for upcoming events (https://seg.org/Education/Lectur

The seismic data set is a fundamental requirement for producing oil and gas fields. Reservoir modeling utilizing seismic interpretations drove insights into reservoir quality and performance, helping to understand the communication between reservoir units and wells, particularly in fields with many wells. Over time, technological advancements led to a reduction in the cost of reservoir modeling, while increased acquisition, processing, and utility of seismic data provided the means to drive innovation toward incorporating seismic. Today, 3D and 4D seismic data play pivotal roles in defining and updating reservoir models where hundreds to thousands of simulations can be realized in a reservoir model to explore history matching and model uncertainties. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, guest editor Katie Baker explores seismic reservoir modeling as highlighted by five papers in The Leading Edge. Katie showcases the key technological advancements that unlocked seismic in defining and updating reservo

Leo Eisner discusses his Honorary Lecture, "Mapping pore pressure with beach balls." The stress field of the Earth's crust has been studied for many decades as a part of seismology and geomechanics. Traditional stress inversion methods utilize focal mechanisms of earthquakes as this is typically the only data available at a regional scale and lower crust. With earthquake mechanisms, it's possible to reconstruct principal stress directions and a ratio of principal stress magnitudes but not the full stress tensor. However, combining data from reservoir injections and focal mechanisms from induced microseismicity overcomes this limitation. In this talk, Leo will show how they applied joint stress inversion to a geothermal and unconventional dataset and illustrate how microseismicity can be used to map pore pressure. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Leo breaks down the perfect audience for this lecture and the insights attendees will take away. Leo highlights how the bad attitude of a manager inspir

Serguei Goussev discusses his new book, Gravity & Magnetic Encyclopedic Dictionary. This book contains more than 3,200 entries and presents a terminology-guided summary of the gravity and magnetic theory, measuring instruments, methods of data acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation for geophysical studies of the Earth and other planets. Terrestrial applications include engineering (karst and faults), geodesy, geothermal, groundwater, volcano, and global tectonic studies, CO2 sequestration, reservoir monitoring, exploration for oil and gas, rare earth elements, iron, gold, and other mineral resources. In this episode, Serguei shares his motivation for compiling this resource and the unique format he created for this dictionary. He also highlights a few of his favorite terms and what he hopes this book achieves. Across many disciplines, especially those interested in rare earth elements and mineral resources, this will serve as an essential and comprehensive resource. This useful and fun conver

GeoFORCE Program Director Dr. Leah Turner discusses building the pipeline for the next generation of geoscientists. GeoFORCE Texas received the 2022 Special Commendation Award at IMAGE. The program is a free K-12 outreach program designed to increase the number and diversity of students pursuing STEM degrees and careers, especially geology. Each summer GeoFORCE Texas takes over 300 high school students on spectacular geological field trips in Texas and throughout the United States. Taught by university faculty, research scientists, and area educators and mentored by professional geologists from industry partners, the trips engage and empower students by exposing them to something completely different than their home and school environment. GeoFORCE Texas aims to inspire the next generation of geoscientists, foster increased diversity in the U.S. workforce, and create an increased awareness of the importance of geosciences in the communities the program serves. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, L