Seismic Soundoff Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG)

"With ​every ​new ​acquisition, ​spend ​2% ​of ​your ​budget ​to ​do ​research ​to ​understand the ​noise ​and ​signal ​drivers ​in ​your ​area. ​It ​might ​help ​any ​future ​neighboring ​acquisition, ​or ​it ​might ​just ​help ​the ​field ​in ​general, ​​which ​you ​and ​your ​career ​will ​benefit ​from."

Dr. Christof Stork discusses his Distinguished Lecture, "How Does the Thin Near Surface of the Earth Produce up to 100 Times More Noise on Land Seismic Data than on Marine Data?".

OVERVIEW
> The significance of addressing noise in near-surface land seismic data
> The interplay of theoretical and practical approaches in seismic noise reduction
> The importance of coherent noise removal before statistical noise removal
> The limitations and future potential of FWI in land seismic
> The role of research and development in improving land seismic data quality
> The impact of corporate and economic structures on seismic research investment

Along with host Andrew Geary, Christof delves into the intricate world of land seismic noise. Noise is a significant challenge in land seismic data that has long been overlooked. Christof focuses on the complexities of land seismic noise and innovative methods to address it.

Christof's journey into addressing land seismic noise began with his fascination for land data and its significant yet under-researched impact on seismic imaging. Despite the advancements in marine processing and pre-stack depth migration, land seismic methods have yet to see comparable progress. He emphasizes the need for more attention and funding in this area, highlighting how crucial it is for improving seismic data quality.

Christof also illuminates the concept of "poor coupling," a term that describes the disconnect between surface geophones and the wave field at greater depths. He argues that understanding the physics behind poor coupling can lead to better signal extraction and improved seismic data quality.

One key takeaway from Christof's discussion is the importance of combining theoretical and practical approaches to tackle land seismic noise. He explains that while traditional methods rely heavily on statistical noise removal, this is limited in effectiveness. Instead, Christof advocates for a focus on coherent noise removal, which can significantly enhance the effectiveness of statistical methods and reduce the need for excessive data collection.

Christof's passion for land seismic research is evident as he calls for more investment in R&D from both the industry and academic communities. He stresses the potential benefits of dedicating a small percentage of acquisition budgets to research and creative experimentation, which could lead to significant advancements in seismic imaging.

Listeners will better understand why land seismic noise remains a complex problem and the potential pathways to progress.

LINKS
* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-224-the-physics-behind-land-seismic-noise-christof-stork/ for the complete interview transcript and to register for the DL.

GUEST BIO
Christof Stork started as a theoretical academic with a PhD in geophysics from Caltech and a post-doc from Stanford 36 years ago. He performed early leading work in reflection tomography, PSDM, WEM, RTM, and FWI before they became mainstream technologies. Ten years ago, he decided to take on noisy land seismic data where more than theory is needed. Christof has been involved with four startup companies in his quest to avoid Houston and make theory commercially viable. He’s now on his fifth, last, and craziest startup company, a land seismic processing company so that he can get his hands on more land data.

SHOW CREDITS
Andrew Geary at TreasureMint hosted, edited, and produced this episode. The SEG podcast team comprises Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

If you have episode ideas or feedback for the show or want to

"In the realm of applied geophysics, we have a lot of knowledge, a lot of skills, a lot of experience in dealing with the subsurface, which translates quite well into carbon capture and storage applications."

SEG Europe Regional Advisory Committee members discuss the 4th Net-Zero Emissions annual virtual workshop.

OVERVIEW
> Why it's important to work towards a net-zero emissions future
> The role of geophysicists in addressing net-zero challenges
> The business opportunities and challenges associated with carbon capture and storage
> Why SEG is an effective forum for communication and education

Host Andrew Geary delves into the critical role geophysicists play in achieving net-zero emissions with guests Emin Sadikov, Antony Price, and Adriana Citlali Ramírez. They discuss the importance of repurposing knowledge, adapting skill sets, and contributing to carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology innovations. Learn about the industry's challenges and opportunities, the economic implications, and the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change.

For this year's 4th Net-Zero Emissions annual virtual workshop, the organizers will bring together regulators and policymakers, operators, vendors, and academia to have a fruitful discussion on challenges and obstacles and how geoscientists can collaborate to overcome them. In addition, prominent key speakers across Europe will highlight the most successful net-zero journeys across the industry.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to share your case studies, challenges, and proposed solutions. Register for the workshop using the links below.

LINKS
* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-223-innovating-for-a-sustainable-future-with-geophysics/ for the complete interview transcript and to register for the workshop.

GUEST BIOS
Emin Sadikhov joined Equinor in 2010 to work with seismic data processing and analysis, mainly focusing on ocean bottom seismic and time-lapse monitoring. Since 2023, Emin has chaired the SEG Europe Regional Advisory Committee. His passions are innovation, communication, and knowledge sharing.

Adriana Citlali Ramírez is the Chief Geophysicist and Senior Director at TGS. She holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Houston’s Mission-Oriented Seismic Research Program.

Antony Price is a senior geophysical specialist at TotalEnergies based in Pau, France, with over 30 years of experience in various activities, from acquisition to interpretation and reservoir modeling. Antony has been a member of the SEG for over 20 years and with the SEG Europe Regional Advisory Committee since 2017 and is currently the committee's vice-chair.

SHOW CREDITS
Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate.

SEG creates these episodes to celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow.

If you have episode ideas or feedback for the show or want to sponsor a future episode, email the show at podcast@seg.org.

Andrew Geary at TreasureMint hosted, edited and produced this episode. The SEG podcast team comprises Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

"History is telling us that we're likely to get some new discoveries from introducing seismic into our mixture. Nobody understands mineral deposits like the geoscientists who work on them day in, day out."

Dr. Heather Schijns explores the groundbreaking use of hard rock seismic data in mineral exploration with insights from one of the most popular papers at IMAGE 2023.

OVERVIEW
> The transformative impact of seismic data in identifying deeper mineral deposits and reducing exploration risks
> The successful application of advanced processing techniques, like full waveform inversion and Kirchhoff pre-stack depth migration, on the Olympic Dam IOCG deposit
> The counterintuitive cost benefits of seismic exploration as mining ventures deeper
> The strategic approach to de-risking 3D seismic surveys for business stakeholders
> The importance of seismic interpretation in effective mineral exploration and the evolving role of geoscientists in this domain
> The potential for seismic methods to enhance safety and reduce high-risk activities in mining

Host Andrew Geary and Heather Schijns discuss her expanded abstract, "Sparse 3D seismic survey over the Olympic Dam IOCG deposit."

This episode delves into why now is the perfect time for the mining industry to embrace seismic methods, especially as the search for base metal resources deepens and conventional geophysical approaches face limitations.

Listeners will be captivated by the journey from a sparse 3D seismic survey to a comprehensive understanding of the Olympic Dam deposit and how this approach paves the way for future exploration strategies. The episode also tackles the critical business aspect of seismic exploration, urging listeners to consider the value and risk reduction seismic data can provide.

LINKS
* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-222-the-seismic-approach-to-mining-geophysics-heather-schijns/ for the complete interview transcript and all the links referenced in the show.

BIOGRAPHY
Heather Schijns is the Principal Technical Specialist at Teck Resources Limited, supporting Europe/Africa exploration geophysics and generative. She is a geophysicist with experience exploring North and South America, Australia, and Africa for various commodities, including nickel, copper, lead-zinc, and coal. Heather is skilled in a range of geophysical methods, including gravity, magnetics, EM and MT, with expertise in hard rock seismic and rock physics. She's a published researcher with an MSc and PhD in Geophysics from the University of Alberta focused on hard rock seismic and rock physics.

SHOW CREDITS
Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate.

SEG creates these episodes to celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow.

If you have episode ideas or feedback for the show or want to sponsor a future episode, email the show at podcast@seg.org.

Andrew Geary at TreasureMint hosted, edited and produced this episode. The SEG podcast team comprises Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

"Non-unique does not equal non-valuable when it comes to geophysical solutions."

Dr. Irina Filina discusses April's special section on gravity, electrical, and magnetic methods in The Leading Edge.

OVERVIEW
> A deep dive into common non-seismic geophysical methods and their underutilization
> The role of magnetics, gravity, and other methods in complementing seismic data
> Case studies showcasing the cost-effectiveness and added value of non-seismic surveys
> The significance of terminology and communication in the geophysical community
> How non-seismic methods can address the challenges of the energy transition
> The importance of curiosity and integrated teaching methods in geoscience education
> Opportunities for professionals to expand their knowledge in non-seismic geophysics

In a fun and enlightening conversation with host Andrew Geary, this episode delves into the often overlooked but immensely powerful non-seismic geophysical methods. As we unpack April's special section of The Leading Edge, which focuses on gravity, electrical, and magnetic methods, we discover the untapped potential of these techniques in exploring what lies beneath the Earth's surface.

Dr. Irina Filina unravels the misconceptions about non-seismic methods, particularly magnetics and gravity, and advocates for their proper use and integration with seismic data. With compelling examples, including a case study from the Gulf of Mexico and a cost-effective survey in the challenging terrains of Antarctica, this episode illustrates how these methods can significantly reduce uncertainty and costs in subsurface exploration.

Irina also emphasizes the need for innovative teaching approaches to inspire the next generation of geoscientists to embrace the full spectrum of geophysical tools. This episode is a call to curiosity, urging the geophysical community to broaden their toolkit and approach Earth exploration with an integrative mindset.

LINKS
* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-221-the-untapped-potential-of-non-seismic-methods-irina-filina/ for the complete interview transcript and all the links referenced in the show.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Irina Filina is a Geophysics Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska's Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department. She also leads the UNL Geophysics Research Group. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007 with a PhD in Geophysics. She worked in the petroleum industry for eight years before joining the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 2016.

SHOW CREDITS
Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate.

SEG creates these episodes to celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow.

If you have episode ideas or feedback for the show or want to sponsor a future episode, email the show at podcast@seg.org.

Andrew Geary at TreasureMint hosted, edited and produced this episode. The SEG podcast team comprises Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

"The respect and honor that we give to our predecessors really indicate what kind of character we have."

This episode explores the first Geoscientists without Borders project in the United States. Host Andrew Geary speaks with the project lead, Rob Stewart, and SEG Executive Director Jim White about using the power of geophysical techniques to uncover and restore forgotten African American cemeteries.

Listeners will be intrigued by the discussion on the various geophysical methods employed to detect these hidden graves, from ground-penetrating radar to metal detectors. The episode also addresses the educational benefits of involving students in such projects, instilling a sense of purpose and demonstrating the diverse applications of geophysics beyond resource extraction. We hear personal reflections on the satisfaction derived from aiding in these culturally significant endeavors and the broader impact of GWB's work.

As we navigate the complexities of modern urban development and the preservation of sacred sites, this episode illuminates the critical role of geophysicists in humanitarian efforts, the importance of community engagement, and the profound connections we forge with our history.

OVERVIEW
> An introduction to Geoscientists without Borders and its mission
> The collaborative effort to preserve African American cemeteries in Houston
> The geophysical tools and techniques aiding in the detection of unmarked graves
> The educational and motivational aspects of student participation in humanitarian geophysics
> The intersection of technology, culture, and history in geophysical applications
> The significance of GWB projects in the United States and the call for community support and involvement

LINKS
* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-220-revealing-lost-legacies-with-geophysics-rob-stewart-jim-white/ for the complete interview transcript, biographies, and all the links referenced in the show.
* Donate to Geoscientists without Borders - https://foundation.seg.org/forms/seg-foundation-

BIOGRAPHIES
Rob Stewart received his B.S. in math and physics from the University of Toronto and his Ph.D. in geophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2008, he joined the University of Houston (U.H.) as the Cullen Chair in Exploration Geophysics and is director of the Allied Geophysical Laboratories. He served as SEG President in 2018.

James C. White is the Executive Director of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. James's professional career spans the geophysical industry, with experience in executive management, business development, strategic planning, risk analysis, program management, and financial strategies. He has served in several nonprofit organizations, including, most recently, the IAGC Chairman of the Board. White holds a bachelor's degree in geoscience from Penn State University.

SHOW CREDITS
Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate.

SEG creates these episodes to celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow.

If you have episode ideas or feedback for the show or want to sponsor a future episode, email the show at podcast@seg.org.

This episode was hosted, edited, and produced by Andrew Geary at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team comprises Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

"The challenge is to really bring your heart into the classroom, show up as a person, show up with care."

Dr. Roel Snieder discusses how to excel as a teacher (and professional) using the Teaching with Heart practices.

In this unique and encouraging episode, we explore the Teaching with Heart project. Roel makes the case for creating a more nurturing and loving educational environment. This episode examines if and how the heart can play a role in mathematics, physics, and geophysics.

Roel challenges the notion that teaching to outcomes is the sole purpose of education, advocating for a balance between achieving academic goals and fostering student growth. They highlight the key to creating a lasting impact for students and challenge the notion that coddling and caring for them is the same.

Listeners will be intrigued by the discussion on how meditative techniques, introspection, and awareness of one's beliefs can significantly influence the teaching dynamic. Roel also addresses the potential pitfalls of ego in teaching, the importance of seeing students as individuals with unique challenges and aspirations, and the delicate balance of maintaining professional boundaries while cultivating meaningful relationships.

This episode is not just for educators. It's a reminder that the learning journey - which never ends - is enriched when both teachers and students show up as whole, interconnected individuals.

OVERVIEW
> The philosophy behind the Teaching with Heart project and its impact on higher education
> The importance of integrating care and love into teaching without compromising on academic rigor
> Challenges and opportunities in the advisor-student relationship and how to navigate them
> Practical tips for educators to foster a caring classroom environment, even within time constraints
> The transformative power of truly listening to and understanding students' needs and aspirations
> Reflections on personal growth and the broader implications of Teaching with Heart in the academic world

LINKS
* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-219-the-secret-to-succeeding-as-a-teacher-roel-snieder/ for the complete interview transcript and all the links referenced in the show.

BIOGRAPHY
Roel Snieder holds the W.M. Keck Distinguished Chair of Professional Development Education at the Colorado School of Mines. He received in 1984 a Master's degree in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics from Princeton University and, in 1987, a Ph.D. in seismology from Utrecht University. From 1993-2000, he was a professor of seismology at Utrecht University and served as Dean of the Faculty of Earth Sciences. Roel served on the editorial boards of Geophysical Journal International, Inverse Problems, Reviews of Geophysics, the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, and the European Journal of Physics. In 2000, he was elected as Fellow of the American Geophysical Union. He is the author of the textbooks "A Guided Tour of Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences," "The Art of Being a Scientist," and "The Joy of Science," which is published by Cambridge University Press. In 2011, he was elected as an Honorary Member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, and in 2014, he received a research award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. In 2016, Roel received the Beno Gutenberg Medal from the European Geophysical Union and the Outstanding Educator Award from the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. He received in 2020 the Ange Melagro Prize for his outstanding class, Science and Spirituality. In 2023, Roel received the Outstanding Faculty Award from the Colorado School of Mines Board of Trustees. From 2000-2014, he was a firefighter in Genesee Fire Rescue, where he served for two years as Fire Chief.

SHOW CREDITS
This episode was hosted, edited, and produced by Andrew Geary at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team comprises Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.