Seismic Soundoff

“The goal is to keep injected CO₂ safely in place - that’s why understanding fault networks is so critical.” In this episode, host Andrew Geary welcomes David Lubo-Robles, lead author of The Leading Edge paper on detecting small-offset faults for carbon capture and storage (CCUS). David explains how advanced seismic attributes, without relying on machine learning, can help geoscientists better map faults that influence the movement of CO₂ underground. His insights demonstrate the importance of applied geophysics in enabling safer and smarter reservoir management in the era of climate solutions. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Advanced Seismic Attributes Matter: Multispectral coherence and volumetric aberrancy help visualize subtle faults often missed by traditional methods. > Fault Mapping Is Critical for CCUS: Understanding both large and small faults reduces geological risk and improves CO₂ storage safety. > Applied Geophysics Is Essential: From modeling to monitoring, geophysicists play a vital role in every stage of a

"Publishing at a conference and publishing in GEOPHYSICS are quite different. The journal lets you go deeper and make your work reproducible and usable for others." In this insightful episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Dr. Alison Malcolm, the former Editor-in-Chief of GEOPHYSICS, SEG's leading journal for applied geophysics. Alison demystifies the often misunderstood editorial process, shares highlights from her tenure, and offers heartfelt advice for authors, reviewers, and future editors. This conversation celebrates the dedicated volunteers behind the journal and sheds light on the upcoming transition to GeoScienceWorld. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Learn how a paper travels through the editorial process from submission to acceptance, including how volunteers play a key role at every stage. > Understand what makes a strong paper submission and how to stand out as a reviewer or future editor. > Explore how the journal is evolving with the transition to a new publishing platform and the impact of AI on the editing

“The difference now is horizontal wells, faster drilling, and better geophysics. That makes today’s EGS attempts more promising than ever.” In this episode, host Andrew Geary talks with Michael Wilt and Bill Cumming, guest editors of the April 2025 The Leading Edge special section on geophysical applications to geothermal exploration and development. With decades of field experience, Bill and Michael dive into the lessons and findings from the U.S. Department of Energy's FORGE Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) research project and Fervo's Cape Modern EGS commercial project. The interview features thoughtful back-and-forth that reveals the complexity of emerging EGS techniques. They discuss how microseismic monitoring, DAS systems, P-wave velocity models, and well design are shaping the future of EGS development. Importantly, they share practical advice for how geophysicists and students can get involved in this rapidly evolving field. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Utah FORGE and Cape Modern are shaping the practical fut

“The goal of SEAM is to bring the geophysics community together to solve big, shared problems. We can go much further when we work as a team.” Host Andrew Geary sits down with Arthur Cheng, co-founder of the SEG Advanced Modeling Corporation (SEAM), to discuss how SEAM brings together industry, academia, and government to tackle the toughest geophysical problems. Through advanced numerical modeling, realistic synthetic data, carbon storage, and salt interpretation, Arthur highlights SEAM’s unique role in shaping the future of subsurface exploration and innovation. KEY TAKEAWAYS > SEAM builds ultra-realistic synthetic subsurface models that help validate and test new geophysical methods and tools before applying them in the field. > The organization bridges academia, industry, and government to focus resources on the most pressing geophysical challenges. > SEAM’s current and future projects include modeling for carbon storage, seismic inversion, near-surface imaging, and more—proactively anticipating the nex

“It’s more than just getting data - it's about inspiring your organization to take action on it.” In this episode, host Andrew Geary talks with Adam Bucki, Co-Chair for the 4D Forum, held in Galveston, TX, in November 2024. The forum brought together geophysicists, engineers, and decision-makers to explore how 4D seismic can create value, reduce cycle times, and optimize production and injection in today’s fast-moving energy landscape. Adam shares insights from keynotes, exciting tech advancements, and how the forum tackled the business and human side of getting 4D adopted across industries. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Real-world impact: Case studies from ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, and Chevron showcased how 4D seismic drives better decisions, from infill wells to carbon capture. > Tech meets people: New tools like FWI, fiber optics, and AI are exciting, but real change comes when people across companies are inspired to act on data. > Future-forward thinking: The forum highlighted the need for broader collaboration, e

"We’re not replacing geophysicists; we’re giving them superpowers to analyze data faster and better." Explore the cutting-edge world of generative and physics-informed AI with Vladimir Kazei, guest editor for The Leading Edge. AI is transforming geophysics, from revolutionizing seismic imaging to pushing the boundaries of computational efficiency. Vladimir shares how these advancements reshape subsurface exploration and what this means for the industry's future. KEY TAKEAWAYS > What geophysicists can do today - AI tools are already available to assist with seismic inversion, velocity model building, and data interpretation. Geophysicists can start experimenting with these technologies now. > AI and computational efficiency - Machine learning drastically reduces processing times, allowing faster and more cost-effective subsurface analysis. > The road to adoption - Successful AI integration in geophysics depends on bridging knowledge gaps, fostering collaboration, and ensuring transparency in machine learning

“For companies, supporting GWB isn’t just philanthropy – it’s a smart investment in the future of geophysics and global resilience.” Geoscientists without Borders (GWB) is changing lives using geophysics to tackle real-world humanitarian challenges. In this episode, Bob Merrill, Chair of the GWB Steering Committee, shares inspiring stories of geophysicists helping communities access clean water, prepare for natural disasters, and uncover archaeological wonders. Learn how companies and individuals can support these life-changing projects – and why investing in geoscience for good benefits everyone. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Geophysics in Action – Real-world examples of how GWB is helping communities with water resources, disaster resilience, and cultural heritage preservation. > The Power of Partnership – How collaborations between scientists, students, and local communities create long-lasting change. > Why You Should Get Involved – Geophysicists, companies, and donors can support GWB’s mission in many ways, which is

“Geophysicists have an incredible ability to see what’s below the surface – now we need to make sure the world sees what we do above it.” Sustainability isn’t just about the environment – it’s about people, the planet, and prosperity. Dr. Maria Angela Capello shares how geophysicists drive sustainability in Latin America and beyond in this episode. From innovative projects that support economic growth to real-world solutions addressing climate change, this conversation will inspire you to see geophysics as a powerful force for good. KEY TAKEAWAYS > How geophysics shapes sustainable development – real-world projects advancing environmental stewardship and economic growth. > The power of communication in science – why geophysicists must tell their story clearly and compellingly. > Practical steps for geophysicists – engaging with sustainability frameworks and advocating for responsible decision-making. CALL TO ACTION Don’t miss Maria Angela Capello’s upcoming honorary lecture, Rocking Sustainability: Geophy

“Geophysics lets us predict rock properties where well data is sparse - this is crucial for understanding carbon storage potential.” What if Alaska’s North Slope holds the key to large-scale carbon storage? In this episode, Rae Jacobsen discusses his research on the Ivishak Formation, revealing how geophysics can unlock new possibilities for carbon sequestration. Rae shares how simultaneous inversion, geobody extraction, and machine learning techniques help identify world-class reservoirs and why this could reshape the future of carbon storage. Dr. Rae Jacobsen is a Senior Geophysicist at ConocoPhillips Alaska. His skillset includes prospect exploration and maturation, 3D seismic interpretation, seismic attribute generation/analysis, reservoir characterization, horizontal well planning, well operations and geosteering, lease development, and well log correlation/interpretation. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Game-Changing Carbon Storage Potential: Rae’s research estimates between 1.2 to 3.8 gigatons of carbon storage in

"The difference between an ordinary geophysicist and a great one? Knowing when noise is actually signal." Joe Dellinger discusses his new book, Forensic Data Processing. In this episode, Joe shares how his career journey – from growing up surrounded by geophysics to pioneering low-frequency seismic applications – inspired him to write this book as his legacy. Host Andrew Geary and Joe dive into why understanding seismic data at a deeper level is essential, how to spot valuable insights others miss, and why forensic data processing can be a game-changer for geophysicists and managers alike. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Look under the hood – Treat seismic data like a Michelin-star meal, not fast food. The best insights come when you pay close attention to the details. > Balance curiosity and rigor – Innovation happens when you mix wild experimentation with deep, methodical analysis. The best teams need both kinds of thinkers. > Why managers should care – Joe’s book isn’t just for technical readers; it also offers valuable

"Humanitarian geophysics isn’t separate from the industry – it’s part of what makes our profession so valuable to the world." In this episode, Geophysical Society of Houston Honoree Craig Beasley discusses the importance of the Geoscientists without Borders (GWB) program for companies interested in aligning with the UNSDGs and achieving their CSR goals. He also shares insights on how geoscientists can use their skills and experience from traditional (O&G) exploration work to contribute to solving humanitarian challenges globally. KEY TAKEAWAYS > The Origins of GWB – Craig shares how a personal connection to the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and early skepticism from universities led to the creation of GWB. > The Power of Applied Geophysics – GWB projects have made a tangible difference in communities worldwide, from groundwater exploration to natural disaster preparedness. > The Future of Humanitarian Geophysics – Craig discusses the ongoing funding challenges and the importance of inspiring the next generation o

“The biggest challenge for geophysicists? Learning machine learning's ‘new language’ from the world of statistics.” Machine learning is transforming geoscience, and Gerard Schuster explains how. This conversation explores key ML applications in seismic interpretation, the role of convolutional neural networks in fault detection, and why hands-on labs are essential for mastering these techniques. With real-world examples and insights from his new book, Machine Learning Methods in Geoscience, this episode delivers practical knowledge for integrating ML into geophysics. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Why ML matters for geoscientists – The demand for ML skills is growing, and Jerry shares how this shift shapes education and careers. > CNNs in action – Convolutional neural networks are used to detect rock cracks in Saudi Arabia through drone imagery. > Transformers vs. traditional neural networks – Transformers process seismic data differently by capturing long-range dependencies, offering new advantages. NEXT STEP Explore Ma

"Reservoir characterization has evolved beyond oil and gas. It’s now central to our clean energy future." In this episode, Andrew Geary speaks with Satinder Chopra and Heather Bedle, guest editors for December’s The Leading Edge special section on reservoir characterization. They explore how this critical topic is transforming as geophysics expands its role in the global energy transition. From carbon storage to geothermal and hydrogen solutions, this episode highlights why reservoir characterization is at the heart of our clean energy future. KEY TAKEAWAYS > The Expanding Role of Reservoir Characterization: Learn how techniques traditionally used in oil and gas are now essential for carbon storage, geothermal projects, and hydrogen exploration. > Cutting-Edge Techniques in Action: Discover how advanced methods like full waveform inversion (FWI) and machine learning enhance our ability to map and monitor subsurface formations. > The Importance of Collaboration: Hear why integrating geophysics with geology,

"Seismic attributes are not just colorful pictures; they’re meaningful tools that can guide geoscientists to more accurate interpretations." In this episode, Andrew Geary sits down with Satinder Chopra and Kurt Marfurt, authors of Essentials of Seismic Attributes and Impedance Inversion, to discuss their comprehensive guide to understanding and applying seismic attributes in geophysics. They explore the power of attributes for interpreting seismic data, their practical applications, and common pitfalls to avoid. If you’re ready to deepen your understanding of seismic attributes and their real-world impact, this conversation is packed with expert insights. KEY TAKEAWAYS > The Value of Attributes: Learn how seismic attributes unlock insights into stratigraphy, tectonics, and depositional systems beyond what amplitudes alone can reveal. > Practical Advice for Geoscientists: Discover tips on avoiding common pitfalls, from using preconditioned data to optimizing parameters and algorithms. > Integrated Interpreta

"Physics-based methods honor our understanding of the subsurface, while machine learning fills the gaps - but combining them is key." Andrew Geary chats with Mrinal Sen, a pioneer in seismic data analysis, about his Distinguished Instructor Short Course (DISC) and forthcoming book, Physics and Data Driven Seismic Data Analysis: A Narrative of Two Approaches. Mrinal shares how blending physics-based methods with machine learning unlocks new possibilities in seismic interpretation. Whether you're a student, geophysicist, or industry leader, this discussion is packed with insights into navigating the evolving landscape of seismic analysis. KEY TAKEAWAYS > The Power of Combining Approaches: Learn how integrating physics-driven and data-driven methods enhances seismic problem-solving. > Applications in Seismic Analysis: Discover real-world uses of machine learning, from denoising seismic data to improving full-waveform inversion. > A Practical Guide for Decision-Makers: Gain tools to decide when and how to lever

"Fiber optics can thrive in the harshest environments, proving robust for oil, gas, and carbon capture projects." This episode dives into the cutting-edge world of fiber optics with Joël Le Calvez, guest editor for November 2024's The Leading Edge. Fiber optics, a technology ubiquitous in daily life, is revolutionizing geophysics, offering real-time, cost-effective, and highly precise data collection capabilities. Joël breaks down six groundbreaking papers showcasing how fiber optics transform oil and gas, carbon capture, and even seafloor imaging. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Revolutionary Applications: Fiber optics enables continuous, distributed sensing over large areas, reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency for seismic surveys, leak detection, and more. > Cutting-Edge Innovations: The special section highlights advancements in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) for seismic profiling, carbon storage monitoring, and real-time event detection. > Bridging Disciplines: Fiber optics has the potential to bre

"Collaboration across disciplines and regions is where significant advancements in geophysics happen. It’s at these intersections that we push boundaries." President John Eastwood shares his inspiring vision for the Society of Exploration Geophysicists in 2025. From advancing the next generation of geophysicists to fostering global collaboration, John outlines his priorities for ensuring the SEG remains a leading force in applied geophysics. Join us for the final episode of 2024 as John discusses the importance of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability in shaping the future of the geophysics community. Key Takeaways =========== * Broadening Geophysics: John highlights the evolution of applied geophysics, emphasizing its growing relevance in renewable energy, CO2 storage, and environmental solutions beyond traditional oil and gas applications. * Empowering the Next Generation: SEG’s future depends on nurturing the next wave of geophysicists through scholarships, leadership programs, and global outreach i

"The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was a wake-up call. It showed me that even the best science fails without effective communication and proactive strategies to save lives." In this episode, host Andrew Geary talks with Ron Harris, Geological Sciences Professor at Brigham Young University, about his groundbreaking work in disaster preparedness. Ron shares insights from his Global Sustainability lecture (supported by the Baker Hughes Foundation) and the Geoscientists without Borders Java WAVES project, which focuses on how scientific research can save lives in disaster-prone regions. KEY POINTS & TAKEAWAYS > Proactive Disaster Preparedness: Ron champions moving beyond reactive approaches, using community-based education to prepare for potential hazards before they occur. > The "20-20-20" Evacuation Principle: This innovative rule helps communities quickly self-evacuate after earthquakes. By combining scientific data with simple messaging, Ron created a lifesaving tool anyone can understand and implement. > Scien

"The geosciences cover everything from the air we breathe to the ground we walk on, and our job is to make sure policymakers see its critical value. Our reports are about translating complex science into something everyone can understand and use." In this episode, we speak with David Wunsch to explore how geoscience can shape policy decisions that impact everyday lives. David dives into the American Geosciences Institute's (AGI) Critical Needs Document, which outlines essential priorities for geoscience in policy discussions, especially during major political transitions. Learn why concise and accessible communication is vital for bridging the gap between science and policy and how geoscientists can influence real-world change. KEY POINTS & TAKEAWAYS > Bringing Science to Policy: The AGI's Critical Needs Document is crafted every four years to inform policymakers, emphasizing the role of geoscience in economic, environmental, and infrastructure-related decisions. > Effective Communication: With rapid politi

"Geophysics and archaeology are merging in a powerful way, helping us understand ancient communities without damaging their sites. It’s about learning from the past while honoring it." In this episode, we look at how geophysics transforms archaeology by enabling researchers to uncover hidden historical sites without digging. Guests Michael Wilt and Richard Krahenbuhl discuss incredible advances in non-invasive tools like ground-penetrating radar and drones, which help archaeologists map ancient structures, even in challenging urban environments. From Egypt’s pyramids to hidden city sites, learn how geophysical tools give us new ways to explore history and preserve it for future generations. KEY POINTS & TAKEAWAYS > How Geophysics is Shaping Archaeology: Discover how methods like radar, magnetics, and resistivity are helping archaeologists "see" beneath the surface without disturbing sensitive sites, preserving cultural heritage along the way. > Challenges of Urban Archaeology: Hear about the unique struggle