Seismic Soundoff

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Lynn Sykes on his new book, Plate Tectonics and Great Earthquakes: 50 Years of Earth-Shaking Events. Andrew and Lynn discuss how the theory of plate tectonics transformed earth science and the petroleum industry, how earthquakes are more damaging in the Central and Eastern parts of the United States, the role Maurice Ewing played in plate tectonics and Lynn's career, and more. Learn more about Dr. Sykes' book at https://cup.columbia.edu/book/plate-tectonics-and-great-earthquakes/9780231186889. Interviewee biography Lynn R. Sykes is Higgins Professor Emeritus of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. His application of earthquake science to monitoring underground explosions was crucial to treaties limiting nuclear testing. He is the author of Silencing the Bomb: One Scientist’s Quest to Halt Nuclear Testing and Plate Tectonics and Great Earthquakes: 50 Years of Earth-Shaking Events. Credits Interview: Lynn S

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Simon Shaw and Arvind Sharma on July's The Leading Edge that highlights machine learning applications. Simon and Arvind discuss what problems machine learning successfully solves, the requirements and limitations of machine learning, what the next five years hold for the topic, and more. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for links to July's special section. Interviewee biographies Dr. Arvind Sharma is VP of Data and Analytics at TGS. In this role, he is responsible for Machine Learning initiatives as well as broader Digital transformation. He has over 10 years of experience in various E&P and software related work. Arvind has bachelors and masters degrees in Applied Geology and Exploration Geophysics, respectively from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. He has a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in Geophysics. Simon Shaw, Principal Geophysicist for ConocoPhillips Company, has more than 20 years’ experience in seismic data processing and geophysical researc

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Adam Mangel on June's The Leading Edge highlighting near-surface geophysics. Adam explains the reasons to study the near surface, why it applies to a wide-range of professionals, the practical applications for the field, and why more students should look to near-surface geophysics for their future. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for links to June's special section and to learn more about the SEG Near-Surface Geophysics Technical Section. Interviewee biography Adam Mangel is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Colorado School of Mines. He has a B.S. in Geology with a minor in Mathematics from the University at Buffalo and an M.S. in Hydrogeology and a PhD in Environmental Engineering, both from Clemson University. His current research largely focuses on Hydrogeophysics, i.e. using geophysical methods to study hydrologic processes. Adam is driven to improve the world's efficacy as stewards of valuable water resources given the threats of climate change to clean wa

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Michael Burianyk on his new book, Understanding Signals: Basic waveform analysis from a geophysical perspective. In this concise and informative book, Michael walks the reader through one of the foundational principles of geophysics in a way all readers can benefit. This book will help inform all aspects of the field - from geologists to programmers to managers to experienced geophysicists. And they also discuss how Fourier Analysis and The Beatles relate. You will want to hear this one. To read Michael's book, visit https://seg.org/Shop. Interviewee biography Michael Burianyk was born and raised on the Canadian Prairies. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BSc in physics and geophysics, and later received from the same institution an MSc in geological sciences, writing his thesis on seismic data he helped collect on an Arctic ice station. Next, he earned a PhD in geophysics from the University of Alberta, studying the crust and lithosphere

On this episode of Seismic Soundoff, we start a journey with a team of scientists partnering with a former Inca city in Perú. This small, rural village of 4,000 people in Zurite, Perú all rely on agriculture, but the strong, seasonal climate limits their livelihood six months of the year. Jasper Oshun, project manager for this Geoscientists Without Borders team, shares a unique history with Zurite that goes back 15 years. His local knowledge, along with his GWB team's expertise and the community's knowledge and effort, will work to build a reservoir and irrigation canal network that will benefit 120 farmers. But their work seeks to not only directly impact these families, but support each generation of Zuritaneos that come after and contribute to the scientific understanding that will benefit the world. For photos and aerial footage of Zurite, visit https://seg.org/podcast. Geoscientists Without Borders® 2018 marked the ten-year anniversary of the SEG Foundation’s Geoscientists Without Borders® program.

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Joel Sarout on May's The Leading Edge exploring rock physics. Joel highlights the nine papers and discusses the common themes and latest advances in this growing topic. He also highlights the case studies from this special section, why new geophysicists should specialize in rock physics, and considers the next advances in rock physics. Joel Sarout is a Senior Research Scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in Australia, where he currently leads the Rock Properties Team. He is a rock physicist by background and his research interests lie in experimental geophysics and geomechanics, and theoretical modeling of porous/cracked rocks behavior. His technical expertise lies in the experimental and theoretical aspects of rock/fluid interactions, anisotropy, thermal conductivity, rock damage, laboratory and field micro-seismicity, permeability, seismic dispersion and frequency effects. He holds a PhD in Earth Sciences, Rock

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Satchidananda Rath and Soman Chacko on April's The Leading Edge highlighting the recent oil and gas developments in India. First, Mr. Rath provides an overview of the current geophysical activity in India and where the next advancements might come from. Then Andrew speaks with Dr. Chacko highlighting a few of the eight papers published for this special section, discussing techniques and geophysics utilized in prolific and unexplored basins in India. Interviewee biographies Mr. Satchidananda Rath is an upstream petroleum professional with 36 years in oil and gas exploration, drilling, production, and national and international exploration project management. He is a current member of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board in India and retired as Director Operations from Oil India Limited (OIL). Dr. Soman Chacko is a Consultant Geophysicist with over 36 years of experience in the upstream oil and gas industry. He obtained a Ph.D. in Geophysics from Rice U

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