Seismic Soundoff

Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG)

Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly.

  1. Digital Twins and Generative AI in Subsurface Geophysics

    23 ОКТ.

    Digital Twins and Generative AI in Subsurface Geophysics

    "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 J. Herrmann earned his Ph.D. in engineering physics from Delft University of Technology in 1997, followed by research appointments at Stanford and MIT. He later joined the University of British Columbia faculty in 2002 and moved to the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2017, where he is the Georgia Research Alliance Scholar Chair in Energy with cross-appointments across multiple schools. Dr. Herrmann leads a cross-disciplinary research program in computational imaging, spanning seismic and medical applications, and is recognized for innovations in machine learning, optimization, and high-performance computing that have reduced costs in seismic data acquisition and imaging. A past SEG Distinguished Lecturer and recipient of the SEG Reginald Fessenden Award, he directs the Seismic Laboratory for Imaging and Modeling and co-founded the Center for Machine Learning for Seismic (ML4Seismic) to advance AI-assisted seismic imaging and reservoir monitoring through industry collaboration.

    23 мин.
  2. The Next Decade of AI in Seismic Imaging

    9 ОКТ.

    The Next Decade of AI in Seismic Imaging

    "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 in sensing technology and open data sharing are fueling breakthroughs in AI-driven geophysics. > Curiosity, adaptability, and strong fundamentals in physics and data science are essential skills for future geophysicists. GUEST BIO Amine Ourabah serves as Chief Geophysicist at STRYDE’s London office, where he leads a world-class team of imaging experts and drives the company’s data analytics strategy. He focuses on evolving STRYDE’s technology to deliver faster, leaner, and more accurate subsurface insights, particularly in support of the rapidly expanding renewables sector. THIS EPISODE SPONSORED BY KATALYST DATA MANAGEMENT Katalyst Data Management provides the only integrated, end-to-end subsurface data management solution for the oil and gas industry. Its employees operate in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America and are dedicated to optimizing the value of subsurface data, including seismic and well data. Katalyst enables clients’ digital transformation of E&P data with digitizing services and digital transformation consulting. Learn more at https://katalystdm.com. THIS EPISODE SPONSORED BY STRYDE STRYDE is the world’s premier provider of ultra-lightweight seismic nodes, revolutionizing high-density subsurface imaging by making it faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. Serving industries from oil and gas, geothermal, mining, and CCUS to academic research, STRYDE combines advanced technology, innovative exploration solutions, and expert data processing services to deliver actionable subsurface intelligence like never before. Discover STRYDE at https://stryde.io.

    27 мин.
  3. How Distributed Chemical Sensing Could Rewrite the Rules of Risk Management

    25 СЕНТ.

    How Distributed Chemical Sensing Could Rewrite the Rules of Risk Management

    “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 chemical changes directly, offering more accurate monitoring than pressure or temperature proxies. > The technology is still in its early stages, which means there are many opportunities for research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. > If developed further, DCS could provide affordable, real-time monitoring for critical infrastructure and environmental systems worldwide. LINKS * Christian Totland, Thomas Dylan Mikesell, and Peter James Thomas, (2025), "Distributed chemical sensing: An unexplored frontier in urban, industrial, and environmental monitoring," The Leading Edge 44: 598–605. - https://doi.org/10.1190/tle44080598.1 * Learn more about this special section on urban and infrastructure geophysics - https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/tle44080587.1 * Listen to Haipeng Li's interview (also from this special section) - https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-271-the-low-cost-seismic-revolution-already-buried-in-your-city/

    27 мин.
  4. The Low-Cost Seismic Revolution Already Buried in Your City

    18 СЕНТ.

    The Low-Cost Seismic Revolution Already Buried in Your City

    "By mapping fiber optic cables accurately, we can transform them into dense seismic arrays. This opens the door to city-scale imaging and monitoring." Haipeng Li explains how distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) can turn existing urban fiber optic cables into powerful seismic arrays for near-surface imaging and monitoring. By using everyday traffic and ambient noise, his team can track groundwater changes, detect geohazards, and study fault structures without costly field deployments. This approach offers a new way for geophysicists, engineers, and city planners to work together for safer, more resilient urban environments. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Existing fiber optic cables can be transformed into dense, city-scale seismic arrays using DAS technology. > Vehicle-induced seismic waves provide highly repeatable data for monitoring small subsurface changes, while ambient noise helps extend imaging depth. > Urban DAS monitoring can reveal how infrastructure affects groundwater recharge and can support hazard assessment and infrastructure planning. GUEST BIO Haipeng Li is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Geophysics Department at Stanford University, advised by Biondo Biondi in the Stanford Earth Imaging Project (SEP). His research centers on spatiotemporal subsurface monitoring, with a focus on developing efficient and robust time-lapse seismic waveform inversion methods and uncertainty quantification approaches. He applies these techniques to real-world challenges such as geological CO2 sequestration for the energy transition and groundwater monitoring in urban environments, often leveraging Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) data. He is a student member of the AGU, SSA, and SEG. LINKS * Haipeng Li, Jingxiao Liu, and Biondo L. Biondi, (2025), "Near-surface imaging and monitoring enabled by urban distributed acoustic sensing seismic arrays," The Leading Edge 44: 588–597. - https://doi.org/10.1190/tle44080588.1

    20 мин.
  5. The Missing Tool Every Geoscientist Needs for the Next Decade

    11 СЕНТ.

    The Missing Tool Every Geoscientist Needs for the Next Decade

    "The glossary will bridge two complex worlds, geoscience and sustainability, and make them easier to understand." Maria Angela Capello shares her vision for a new glossary that connects geoscience to sustainability in clear, practical terms. She explains how a shared vocabulary can help scientists, educators, and policymakers better understand the purpose and global impact of geoscience work. By linking technical expertise to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the glossary aims to inspire collaboration, education, and a stronger sense of purpose across the profession. KEY TAKEAWAYS > A dedicated glossary can make sustainability concepts easier to understand and apply in geoscience work. > Geoscientists contribute to all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, not just climate-related ones. > Clear, shared language can help connect technical work to education, policy, and public understanding. GUEST BIO Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is a global leader in the energy sector, championing sustainability, equity, and diversity. An active collaborator with the United Nations and major geoscience societies, she has been honored with Italy’s Star of Italy knighthood and UNESCO recognition for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A sought-after speaker and author of three books, MAC is the only person to serve as a Distinguished Lecturer for AAPG, SPE, and SEG. She advises on sustainability, ESG, and leadership worldwide, with certifications from Cambridge University and IFP School. LINKS * Read "The Geophysical Sustainability Atlas: Mapping geophysics to the UN Sustainable Development Goals" - https://doi.org/10.1190/tle40010010.1 * K-12 Resources - https://education.americangeosciences.org/resources * Practical Geocommunication for the American Geosciences Institute - https://training.geologize.org/pages/agi

    29 мин.
  6. Searching for Water in Kakuma: A GWB Story (Re-Release)

    4 СЕНТ.

    Searching for Water in Kakuma: A GWB Story (Re-Release)

    For this episode, we’re re‑releasing one of the most powerful stories we’ve ever told - a complete listening experience that transports you to one of the most remote and challenging places on Earth. Searching for Water in Kakuma takes you inside the second‑largest refugee camp in the world, home to more than 185,000 people and still growing. There, a team of Canadian geophysicists joined forces with determined refugees and locals to take on a life‑or‑death challenge: finding safe, sustainable water for tens of thousands in East Africa. This episode offers an unflinching look at the obstacles, breakthroughs, and human resilience at the heart of applied geophysics. If you’re new to Seismic Soundoff, we’re glad you’ve chosen to listen. This podcast shares stories that connect geoscience to real‑world impact - from breakthrough research and innovative technology to the people applying them to solve Earth’s toughest challenges. Starting September 11, we’ll release three brand‑new interviews every week, bringing you fresh voices and powerful stories from across the geoscience community. For now, please enjoy this deeply personal and meaningful story. For show notes - including a full transcript, photos, and links to explore the Kakuma water project and Paul Bauman’s work - visit seg.org/podcast/Post/6368. To listen to other GWB podcasts, visit https://seg.org/podcast_tag/geoscientists-without-borders/. GEOSCIENTISTS WITHOUT BORDERS® Get involved with Geoscientists without Borders! Visit the GWB website at https://seg.org/gwb to learn about funded projects, donate, or apply to lead a project. Whether you are a student, researcher, or industry professional, your skills and support can make a significant difference. SPONSOR Schlumberger strives to be a unifying force for social and environmental stewardship, and engages in philanthropic activities that reflect the company’s values. As the founding sponsor of Geoscientists Without Borders®, Schlumberger believes in the science of geophysics to effect positive changes in communities facing environmental hardship and natural hazards. INTERVIEWS Paul Bauman, Landon Woods, Erin Ernst, Doug MacLean, Franklin Koch, Brendan O’Brien, Alastair McClymont Music in the episode courtesy of Epidemic Sound. Additional sound was provided by Brendan O’Brien. This episode was hosted, edited, and produced by Andrew Geary. Thank you to the SEG podcast team - Jennifer Crockett, Beth Donica, Ally McGinnis, Mick Swiney, and Adrienne White, as well as SEG staff Katie Burk and Linda Ford.

    43 мин.
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Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly.

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