Seismic Soundoff Research Articles

Seismic Soundoff: The benefits of ML and AI hinge on a common denominator

In this episode, Chris Hanton, director of digital transformation solutions at Ikon Science, discusses the latest insights of using machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). He highlights one frequently overlooked variable that can undermine the best technology, shares how technologists can ensure that data are trustworthy and valuable, and presents the use case for investing in ML and AI outside of increased efficiency. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/15843 .

Seismic Soundoff: What geophysicists and engineers need to know about DAS

In this episode, Mark Willis discusses his Distinguished Instructor Short Course, “Distributed acoustic sensing for seismic measurements — What geophysicists and engineers need to know.” Willis helps attendees build intuition and understanding of the value, limitations, and applications of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) seismic technology. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/15802 .

Seismic Soundoff: Staying safe during earthquakes

In this episode, Sara McBride discusses her recent paper in Geophysics, “Evidence-based guidelines for protective actions and earthquake early-warning systems.” McBride highlights the various protective actions people can take during an earthquake, the latest research in warning people of danger, and a helpful path forward to continue to save lives. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/14798 .

Seismic Soundoff: How and why DAS succeeds

In this episode, Ariel Lellouch discusses his Middle East and Africa honorary lecture, “Applications of fiber-optic sensing to borehole seismology.” Lellouch encourages geophysicists to utilize distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data in their work and explains why it is essential to look at data without any preconceptions. This is an excellent primer on DAS and a convincing case for why every geophysicist would benefit from engaging with this technology. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/14785 .

Seismic Soundoff: How to get the most from any seismic investment

This episode features Peter Rowbotham discussing his paper, “Investment in North Sea seismic leading to new opportunities,” from the April 2022 issue of The Leading Edge. Rowbotham makes a case for why it is wise to invest in seismic data. He also shares why the beginning of a project is the most important and the context in which seismic projects deliver the most value. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/14767 .

Seismic Soundoff: Field safety leadership with Kevin Bohacs

This episode features Kevin Bohacs discussing his course, “Introduction to field safety leadership.” Bohacs shares why safety is not a priority, why hardships are a nuisance, the most dangerous aspect of all fieldwork, and more. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/14747 .

Seismic Soundoff: Building a volcano early warning system — A GWB story

This episode features Katrin Sieron and Blake Weissling discussing their Geoscientists without Borders (GWB) project on Pico de Orizaba — the highest volcano in Mexico. Sieron and Weissling provide an overview of their project, highlight their accomplishments, and reflect on the legacy of their work. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/14727 .

Seismic Soundoff: Breaking down the life cycle of a well

In this episode, Sue Carr and Patrick Meroney discuss the importance of a shared definition of a well, the most important well component for geophysicists, the five life cycles of a well, and why well logs are key to successful drilling. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/13689 .

Seismic Soundoff: Persuading the decision makers

In this episode, Laura Bandura discusses her 2022 Distinguished Lecture, “Quantifying the business impact of seismic technology to deepwater exploration.” Bandura describes how to communicate technological value and expertise to decision makers. Other topics include how to tie work to financial metrics, the power of simplicity and brevity, and how geoscientists can better understand decision makers. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/13672 .

Seismic Soundoff: The hidden stories data tell

In this episode, Joe Dellinger discusses his 2022 Distinguished Instructor Short Course, “Forensic data processing.” Dellinger brings his experience, expertise, wisdom, and humor to this essential conversation on data that will be valuable for every geophysicist. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/13652 .

Seismic Soundoff: The major opportunities and challenges for SEG

In this episode, SEG President Anna Shaughnessy discusses the major opportunities and challenges facing SEG and the geosciences in the years ahead. She discusses the recently formed Strategic Options Task Force and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee, offers words of wisdom to young geoscientists, and showcases the Geophysical Sustainability Atlas. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/13633 .

Seismic Soundoff: Why theory and perfect data are necessary for seismic analysis

In this episode, Michael Burianyk discusses his new book, Understanding Amplitudes: Basic Seismic Analysis for Rock Properties. Burianyk explains why Newton's ideas still matter despite Einstein, how to approach machine learning with healthy skepticism, why real data can be a hindrance to learning, and why he took the time to learn about R. Hill. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/13608 .

Seismic Soundoff: The value and benefits of simplicity

In this episode, Jack Dvorkin highlights his upcoming Honorary Lecture, “Modern rock physics — Challenges and solutions.” Dvorkin shares why some scientists have embraced unnecessary complexity, the first step to embrace simplicity, possible consequences if rock physics continues to trend toward complexity, and more. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/13574 .

Seismic Soundoff — Coordinated by Andrew Geary

We at SEG were saddened to learn of Vladimir Grechka's death in an accident in Utah in early November. A memorial to Grechka will be published in an upcoming issue of TLE. On 8 October, Grechka was interviewed for SEG's Seismic Soundoff podcast. The following is a short excerpt from that interview, the entirety of which can be heard at https://seg.org/podcast/post/9180 .

Seismic Soundoff

How can couples best navigate dual careers? How do you balance work and life throughout a career? How can dual-career couples benefit companies? Eve Sprunt, author of A Guide for Dual-Career Couples, answers these questions and shows how management and individuals alike can activate the power of dual-career couples. The following is an excerpt from episode 81 of SEG's podcast, Seismic Soundoff. Listen to the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/9041 .

Seismic Soundoff

The following is an excerpt from SEG's podcast, Seismic Soundoff. In episode 79, host Andrew Geary highlights Estella Atekwana's upcoming virtual course, “Biogeophysics: Exploring earth's subsurface biosphere using geophysical approaches.” Atekwana explains how geophysical tools helped develop biogeophysics, why microorganisms play an important role on earth, how her research applies to the search for life on other planets, and why flexibility is the key to a successful career. Listen to the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/9011 .

Seismic Soundoff

The following is an excerpt from SEG's podcast, Seismic Soundoff. In episode 75, host Andrew Geary highlights David Lumley's President's Page column from the March 2020 issue of The Leading Edge titled “Geophysics and sustainability.” In this timely conversation, they discuss the future of geophysics education, areas SEG could develop to continue to support the science, how climate change could impact the industry, and the proposal for a new name for SEG. Listen to the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/8963 .

Seismic Soundoff

The following is an excerpt from SEG's podcast, Seismic Soundoff. In this episode, host Andrew Geary previews Dave Monk's upcoming Distinguished Instructor Short Course and book titled, “Survey design and seismic acquisition for land, marine, and in-between in light of new technology and techniques.” In this engaging conversation, Dave and Andrew discuss how full-waveform inversion impacts survey design, the research breakthroughs needed for the next evolution of seismic surveys, and one group that may not realize that this course is for them. Listen to the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/8946 .

Seismic Soundoff

The following is an excerpt from SEG's podcast, Seismic Soundoff. In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with John Etgen, Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal winner and 2019 SEG Distinguished Lecturer. Etgen and Geary have an engaging and multifaceted conversation on the current capabilities of depth imaging, the limitations of full-waveform inversion, and more. This episode is proudly sponsored by ION Geophysical. Listen to the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/7104 .

Episode 70: Celebrating Interpreter Sam with Don Herron

The following is an excerpt from SEG's podcast, Seismic Soundoff. In this episode, Don Herron — a longtime SEG member and scribe of the Interpreter Sam column — reflects on his 16 years of writing for The Leading Edge. The December 2019 issue published the final Interpreter Sam column. In this conversation, Don shares the original idea for Interpreter Sam, the best feedback he received, the future of interpretation, what he's most proud of with the column, and more. This is a must-hear episode for all interpreters and geophysicists. Listen to the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/8769 .