Seismic Soundoff

“You can't be stationary in this field. I've never seen anything like it." Machine learning is changing geophysics faster than most people expected, but knowing what actually works versus what is hype is still unclear. Jerry Schuster explains why combining physics, intuition, and hands-on coding is the real advantage that many overlook. He also reveals a surprising shift where AI can act like a “free graduate student,” opening new possibilities while raising important questions about creativity and the future of work. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Big picture plus hands-on learning is the real advantage: Understanding concepts is not enough, doing the work yourself is what turns knowledge into lasting skill. > Physics and machine learning are stronger together: Combining both approaches can outperform either one alone, giving geophysicists a powerful edge. > AI is a tool, not a replacement: Used well, it expands your abilities and speeds up work, but creative thinking still depends on you. LINKS * Practical Machine Lear

"For early career geophysicists, I think it's really important to understand that DAS is going to have a unique role in reservoir management, be it onshore or offshore." Distributed acoustic sensing is opening new possibilities for how geophysicists collect and use seismic data. Ali Tura shares practical insights from his experience and highlights how these ideas will be explored further in his upcoming course on DAS applications. He explains how the technology’s sensitivity, wide frequency range, and cost advantages make it valuable, while also emphasizing the importance of understanding its limitations. Learn more and register for the course (13-16 July 2026) at https://seg.org/shop/product/?id=product&id=ed9c4ebc-48dc-f011-8544-7c1e525cc2b5. KEY TAKEAWAYS > DAS sensitivity and bandwidth: DAS can detect extremely small signals across a very wide frequency range, making it useful for everything from geomechanics to seismic monitoring. > Cost and operational efficiency: Using existing fiber optic infrastru

“And what the world really needs is this flexibility on energy and the agility to ensure access and affordability. And that's where steering the offshore energy business is really critical.” Offshore energy is evolving quickly as global demand grows and new technologies emerge across oil and gas, offshore wind, and other energy systems. Alex Martinez and Joe Reilly discuss why the Offshore Technology Conference remains one of the most important places for engineers, geoscientists, and industry leaders to collaborate and share ideas. OTC 2026 in Houston (4-7 May 2026) brings the full offshore energy community together to explore solutions that will shape a reliable and sustainable energy future. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Rising global energy demand is driving offshore innovation. Growing energy needs are pushing companies to improve efficiency and develop new technologies across both traditional offshore oil and gas and emerging energy solutions. > OTC creates a unique space for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Exper

“It’s not only about discovering resources, but about safeguarding them and safeguarding our future. When you understand the subsurface, you understand the foundation of food security, water security, and environmental stability.” Ahmed Elshenawy, SEG’s 2026 Middle East and Africa Honorary Lecturer, explores how geophysics can help solve some of today’s biggest challenges in agriculture and environmental management. In this conversation, he explains how imaging the shallow subsurface can reveal hidden patterns of soil moisture, salinity, and groundwater movement that shape farming success. His work shows how understanding what lies beneath our feet may be key to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and the future of food and water security. Learn more about Ahmed's lecture and register for his 12 March webinar - https://seg.org/education/lectures/seg-honorary-lecture-ahmed-elshenawy/ KEY TAKEAWAYS > Geophysical tools can map soil moisture, salinity, and subsurface conditions that directly affect ag

“The major pitfall of machine learning of any kind is to be overly confident in the results. We run the risk of garbage in gospel out.” This discussion offers a rare chance to go a little deeper into a Leading Edge article and hear directly from the authors about the thinking behind their workflow. Satinder Chopra and Kurt Marfurt walk through how unsupervised machine learning, careful attribute selection, and simple preprocessing steps can reveal subtle channel features in a deepwater New Zealand example. It feels less like a theory lesson and more like practical guidance on using machine learning as a helpful partner in everyday seismic interpretation. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Small workflow choices have big impact. Clean input data, thoughtful attribute selection, and simple normalization steps often determine whether machine learning highlights geology or just amplifies noise. > The value is in the combination of tools and judgment. Unsupervised methods quickly expose patterns, but interpreters still need to com

“I think that for geophysicists out there, people need to realize that it's an integrated career path. You can't separate the geophysics from the HPC anymore, if we ever did to begin with.” High-performance computing is becoming more important as seismic data grows in size and complexity. This episode highlights the January The Leading Edge special section on high-performance computing. Guest editors Madhav Vyas and Elizabeth L’Heureux share their perspective on GPUs, CPUs, AI tools, and better algorithms in geophysics, and they stress that future success depends on combining geophysical knowledge with strong computational skills. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Modern seismic imaging depends on both advanced physics and powerful, well-chosen computing hardware. > Data movement and system architecture can limit performance as much as raw processing speed. > Geophysicists increasingly need programming and computational science skills alongside domain expertise. LINKS * Read the January 2026 special section, High-performanc

“This project really bridged the gap that we get from just learning in university and actually doing it in real life. It is actually making an impact on society.” Stella Eulia Andoka and Michael Partogi share how their student team used applied geophysical tools to investigate groundwater contamination affecting more than 2,600 families living near the Cipayung landfill in Indonesia. With support from the SEG Foundation and Geoscientists Without Borders, the project expanded beyond data collection to include community education and engagement with residents, schools, and local decision-makers. Their work shows how resourceful, student-led teams can deliver meaningful, real-world impact through applied geoscience. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Student-led geophysics projects can have a direct impact on community awareness and local decision-making. > Modest funding can deliver strong returns when teams work creatively and efficiently. > Applied geophysics becomes more powerful when paired with education and community trus

“Deep learning is ubiquitous in data processing. The question is whether we have the courage to change the way we work.” Yangkang Chen discusses how deep learning has moved from experimentation to production in seismic processing and earthquake monitoring. Drawing on a decade-long effort to build an operational AI-driven monitoring system, he explains why tasks like first-arrival picking, velocity analysis, denoising, and reconstruction are especially well suited for deep learning. Yangkang emphasizes that success depends not just on algorithms, but on benchmarks, stability, teamwork, and trust. He also highlights how open and reproducible research lowers barriers for adoption and helps geophysicists apply AI confidently in real workflows. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Deep learning excels at repetitive, label-intensive seismic tasks that are slow and inconsistent using traditional methods. > Operational AI requires trust, built through benchmarks, validation, and a clear understanding of model behavior. > Open and repro

“Oil company management has to understand that its business is essentially a technology business. It's not a marketing business.” In this episode of Seismic Soundoff, Andrew Geary speaks with Dr. Leon Thomsen about his memoir, “‘Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Thomsen!’: Adventures of a Petroleum Scientist,” and a career that helped redefine applied geophysics. Leon reflects on the experiences that shaped his scientific mindset, from early exposure to field crews, to formative lessons in geology at Caltech, to decades of research in academia and industry. He explains how curiosity-driven exploration led him to recognize the importance of seismic anisotropy and shear-wave technology, work that ultimately carried trillion-dollar implications for hydrocarbon exploration. The conversation also explores why transformative ideas often struggle inside large organizations, how a lack of technological literacy in management can lead to missed opportunities, and why applied science can be every bit as creative and demandi

“Latin America doesn't just belong in SEG; it can help shape SEG's future. And SEG, in turn, can help shape a more connected and innovative future for geoscience in our region.” Fernanda Hermes, SEG's Latin America Market Development & Engagement Manager, shares how Latin America is becoming a key contributor to global geophysics through its geological diversity, energy transitions, and active student communities. She explains how local partnerships and regional presence help SEG better support members and expand opportunities. Her insights show a region full of talent, ambition, and momentum for the next decade of applied geophysics. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Latin America is central to emerging sectors such as geothermal, CCS, critical minerals, and near‑surface studies. > Strong student chapters and local societies are driving community, visibility, and professional growth. > SEG’s regional presence builds trust, strengthens partnerships, and opens new opportunities for collaboration. GUEST BIO Fernanda Hermes ho

“Models are still the bread and butter in gravity and magnetics interpretation. Interpreters still have to condition the data properly, and that's half technical, half art.” Betty Johnson shares how her early career in gravity and magnetics grew from curiosity, hands‑on learning, and rapidly changing technology. She explains how potential field methods remain valuable for addressing energy, water, and climate challenges because they are affordable, scalable, and deeply rooted in Earth’s history. Her reflections underscore the importance of high-quality data, solid fundamentals, and ongoing learning. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Gravity and magnetics remain essential because they are cost‑effective, scalable, and useful across many energy and environmental applications. > Strong fundamentals in physics, geology, and modeling help interpreters make better decisions and collaborate across disciplines. > Good data, field experience, and continuous learning are critical for building a long and impactful geophysics career. L

“Your nomination might be the only way their work is recognized at the level it deserves. The Honors and Awards program is powered by our members and only succeeds when we take the time to lift up one another.” Maurice Nessim explains why SEG Honors and Awards are essential for recognizing scientific, professional, and social contributions in applied geophysics. He shares how member nominations ensure a diverse and meaningful set of candidates and encourages everyone to participate before the January 1 deadline. He also highlights the value of attending the IMAGE ’26 ceremony to celebrate the awardees and learn from their achievements. Nominate a colleague by 1 January, 2026 at https://seg.org/resources/honors-and-awards/. KEY TAKEAWAYS > SEG Honors and Awards rely on member nominations to recognize impactful scientific, professional, and humanitarian contributions. > Recognition strengthens careers, elevates organizations, and encourages innovation across applied geophysics. > Attending the IMAGE ’26 cere

"Sustainability is about reliance and resilience. Our focus needs to be on how systems remain reliable over time." Céline Gerson shares how Fugro is reshaping its business to focus on resilience, adaptability, and sustainability. She explains the importance of critical minerals, coastal resilience, and digital transformation for the future of geophysics. Her insights highlight how innovation, respect, and collaboration can help geoscientists succeed in a rapidly changing world. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Innovation often emerges during times of crisis, and companies can use downturns to launch new technologies and approaches. > Applied geophysics plays a direct role in climate resiliency projects, from strengthening coastal infrastructure to modeling storm surge impacts. > Transparency about data limitations and involving diverse teams in decision-making strengthens risk management and builds trust in geoscience recommendations. GUEST BIO Céline Gerson is the Group Director Americas at Fugro and President of Fugro US

"Sometimes the traditional methods are way more effective or efficient in handling certain things. To succeed in this new paradigm, we need to build on our strong fundamentals and progress further." Ivan Lim Chen Ning shares how data-driven methods are reshaping geophysics by challenging traditional workflows and opening new possibilities. He highlights the role of AI, machine learning, and fiber-optic sensing in improving seismic interpretation, imaging, and monitoring. His insights show how combining strong fundamentals with modern digital tools can help geophysicists solve problems more effectively. Read the September issue of TLE about data-driven geophysics at https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/44/9. KEY TAKEAWAYS > AI and data-driven tools open new paths. They help geophysicists move beyond traditional workflows to find faster and simpler solutions. > Fiber-optic sensing changes monitoring. DAS provides continuous well data, replacing point sensors and revealing signals directly. > Strong fundamental

"The applications of drones in geophysics have increased dramatically in the last 10 years. Drones can be said to be an established platform for geophysical measurement methods." Drones have quickly moved from experimental tools to essential platforms in geophysics. Johannes Stoll explains how advances in sensor miniaturization, AI navigation, and regulatory clarity are enabling wide-area surveys that deliver better data at lower costs. He highlights how collaboration across disciplines and countries is driving innovation, opening new opportunities for energy transition projects and subsurface modeling. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Drones are now established tools for geophysical surveys, especially in magnetics and electromagnetics. > Sensor miniaturization and AI navigation are enabling wider, more precise, and cost-effective measurements. > Collaboration between industry, academia, and government is critical to advancing drone-based geophysics. LINKS * UAVs and Drones in Geophysics (1-3 December 2025): Read the sum

"Geophysics plays a central role in this energy transition because it provides the tools and insights needed to understand, manage, and optimize subsurface resources. These resources are critical for both traditional and renewable energy systems." Geophysics is essential for geothermal energy, carbon storage, hydrogen storage, and critical minerals. Joël Le Calvez and Erkan Ay explain how methods like multi-physics workflows and distributed acoustic sensing are improving reliability, scalability, and safety. They also highlight the skills and mindset geophysicists need to succeed in a rapidly changing energy landscape. Read the October issue of The Leading Edge that features a special section about geophysics for new energies at https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/44/10. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Geophysics provides the foundation for safe, efficient, and scalable use of subsurface resources in the energy transition. > Multi-physics workflows and DAS technologies reduce uncertainty and improve monitoring of geotherma

"Generative modeling is a game-changer. We can now capture high-dimensional statistics that we could never have captured in the past." Felix Herrmann explains how digital twins and generative AI are reshaping subsurface geophysics. He highlights the importance of open-source tools, multimodal data, and uncertainty-aware models for better decision-making in energy and storage projects. By combining physics with AI, his work shows how geophysics can move beyond silos and create more reliable and efficient solutions. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Digital twins informed by multimodal data can reduce uncertainty and improve reservoir management. > Open-source tools and agreed benchmarks are essential for accelerating innovation in geophysics. > Combining physics-based models with generative AI creates robust, practical solutions for complex subsurface challenges. Read Felix's article in The Leading Edge, "President's Page: Digital twins in the era of generative AI," at https://doi.org/10.1190/tle42110730.1. GUEST BIO Felix

"South America is a region with great potential in terms of energy transition, mining, and geothermal. I would like to be part of the next major discoveries in critical minerals and contribute to new technologies for future generations." Ana Curcio shares her journey from academia to industry and highlights the growing role of geophysics in South America’s energy and resource development. She explains the challenges of lithium brine exploration, the promise of geothermal energy, and the importance of connecting geophysics with engineering. Her insights show how geophysicists can play a key role in sustainable resource management and the energy transition. Read her article, "President's Page: Resources and geophysical opportunities in South America," on the SEG Library at https://doi.org/10.1190/tle41040228.1. For a continuing conversation on geophysics in Latin America, listen to episode 282 - https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-282-how-latin-america-is-shaping-the-next-era-of-geophysics/. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Ge

"Physics-based approaches are like solving a puzzle with a set of rules. Data-driven geophysics is more like giving the puzzle to a computer that can learn the rules itself." Amine Ourabah shares how data-driven geophysics is transforming our understanding of the subsurface by combining physics with the power of machine learning. He explains how new tools, such as nimble nodes and distributed acoustic sensing, are making seismic imaging faster, cheaper, and more accessible across various industries, including oil and gas, geothermal, and carbon storage. Amine also highlights the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and simplicity in shaping the next generation of geophysicists and technologies. Read the September issue of The Leading Edge that features a special section about data-driven geophysics at https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/44/9. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Data-driven methods reduce uncertainty, speed up workflows, and make seismic imaging more affordable for industries with limited budgets. > Advances

“Distributed chemical sensing really is the next frontier in fiber-optic monitoring. It adds a new dimension by directly connecting chemical changes in the environment to signals we can read.” Distributed chemical sensing (DCS) is an emerging technology that utilizes fiber optics to measure chemical changes over long distances in real-time. Authors Christian Totland, Thomas Dylan Mikesell, and Peter James Thomas join host Andrew Geary to discuss their new paper, "Distributed chemical sensing: An unexplored frontier in urban, industrial, and environmental monitoring." Unlike traditional point sensors, which only capture data at one location, DCS has the potential to provide continuous chemical information with both high spatial and temporal resolution. This innovation could transform how we monitor pipelines, groundwater, and industrial sites, while also opening new opportunities for collaboration between geophysics, chemistry, and material science. KEY TAKEAWAYS > DCS can detect leaks, contamination, and ch