What sets the seismic method apart from other geophysical exploration methods is its ability to deliver three-dimensional high-resolution images of the subsurface. Ramesh (Neelsh) Neelamani traces the history of the seismic method to showcase recent breakthroughs and future advancements.

Neelsh is currently ExxonMobil Senior Principal Geophysics. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Neelsh shares the insights he gained tracing the history of seismic resolution. He also spotlights the most recent technological leaps for full-waveform inversion, explains the value of spectral extrapolation, and outlines how disciplines outside geophysics impact seismic resolution.

Neelsh also highlights recent seismic acquisition techniques focused on reducing their environmental impact. This episode is a wide-ranging exploration of seismic resolution based on seven new papers in The Leading Edge.

Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast.

RELATED LINKS
* Mehdi Aharchaou, Ramesh (Neelsh) Neelamani, and Chengbo Li, (2023), "Introduction to this special section: Seismic resolution," The Leading Edge 42: 7–7. (https://doi.org/10.1190/tle42010007.1)
* Joseph M. Reilly, Mehdi Aharchaou, and Ramesh Neelamani, (2023), "A brief overview of seismic resolution in applied geophysics," The Leading Edge 42: 8–15. (https://doi.org/10.1190/tle42010008.1)
* Read the January 2023 special section: Seismic resolution. (https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/42/1)

Subscribers can read the full articles at https://library.seg.org/, and abstracts are always free.

CREDITS
Seismic Soundoff explores the depth and usefulness of geophysics for the scientific community and the public. If you want to be the first to know about the next episode, please follow or subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Two of our favorites are Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

If you have episode ideas, feedback for the show, or want to sponsor a future episode, find the box titled "Contact Seismic Soundoff" at https://seg.org/podcast. 

Zach Bridges created original music for this show. This episode was hosted, edited, and produced by me, Andrew Geary, at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team is Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

177: Searching for the perfect x-ray image of the Earth

Seismic Soundoff hosts conversations with geoscientists addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, SEG creates these episodes to celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. The new season starts January 18, 2024, with twelve new episodes weekly.

Science

"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.

#220: Revealing Lost Legacies with Geophysics (Rob Stewart & Jim White)

"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.

219: The Secret to Succeeding as a Teacher (Roel Snieder)

"Faults and fractures are not necessarily good or bad, but it's important to really understand them."

Dr. Molly Turko discusses March's special section on imaging faults and fractures in The Leading Edge.

In this compelling episode, host Andrew Geary and Molly dive into the murky depths of the Earth to unravel the enigmatic nature of faults and fractures. Molly sheds light on the crucial role of imaging these hidden networks in understanding their impact on production, injection, and completions. With a clear message that faults and fractures are neither inherently good nor bad, this conversation challenges common misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of detailed imaging to gauge their significance.

Molly offers her expertise in navigating the persistent hurdles in characterizing faults and fractures, especially ones below seismic resolution. We explore innovative non-seismic techniques for fault detection and the potential of shear wave splitting reflectivity contrast. Additionally, the episode highlights the power of the aberrancy attribute in sharpening subsurface images.

Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on the multidisciplinary nature of subsurface imaging, the exciting opportunities for geoscience innovation, and the pivotal role of technology in enhancing our understanding of fault and fracture kinematics. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of this topic for the energy transition, emphasizing the continued relevance of structural geology in emerging fields like carbon sequestration and geothermal energy.

This episode showcases the subsurface as a complex picture requiring patience, curiosity, and a multidisciplinary approach.

OVERVIEW
> The nuanced roles of faults and fractures in the subsurface and their impact on various operations
> Challenges in imaging subseismic scale faults and fractures and the promise of advanced technologies
> Insights from recent research on innovative imaging techniques and seismic attributes
> The importance of multidisciplinary approaches in geoscience and the potential for future innovations
> Open data and the need for greater industry-academia collaboration
> The significance of understanding fault and fracture kinematics for accurate subsurface characterization
> The rising importance of microseismic monitoring in the context of climate change and sustainability

LINKS
* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-218-innovations-in-fault-and-fracture-imaging-molly-turko/ for the complete interview transcript and all the links referenced in the show.

BIOGRAPHY
A passionate geologist, Dr. Molly Turko has over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and is a subject matter expert in structural geology. She received both a B.Sc. (2009) and a M.Sc. (2011) in geology from the University of Tulsa, followed by a Ph.D. (2019) from the University of Oklahoma. She has worked for several independents in the U.S., including Chesapeake Energy, and is currently full-time with Devon Energy. Her favorite role is teaching and leading field trips for Applied Stratigraphix and local geological societies. Molly is the President of AAPG's Petroleum Structure and Geomechanics Division, treasurer of the AAPG Midcontinent Section, serves on the board of the OKC Geological Society, and is an associate editor for several leading geoscience journals.

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.

218: Innovations in Fault and Fracture Imaging (Molly Turko)

"The value is not in the measurement per se. It is in the ability to integrate this measurement with everything else that we have access to."

Dr. Joël Le Calvez discusses January's special section in The Leading Edge on microseismic monitoring.

Joël shares how recent technological advancements and pressing societal concerns, like climate change and sustainability, are pushing microseismic monitoring to the forefront of geophysical research.

This conversation explores the complexities of integrating microseismic data with other geophysical and geologic information. Joël discusses the intricacies and challenges of detecting microseismic activity and how monitoring these events is critical for ensuring the safe operation of projects like carbon capture and storage and geothermal energy production.

Listeners will gain insights into the role of survey design in managing data volume and the importance of communication between scientists and management and among scientists themselves. This episode will help you reflect on the next frontier in microseismic monitoring and how it will shape our understanding of the subsurface.

OVERVIEW
> The rising importance of microseismic monitoring in the context of climate change and sustainability
> The technical hurdles of detecting small-scale seismic events and the environmental factors influencing them
> The synergy of microseismic data with other geophysical and geological data sets
> The promise of machine learning in predicting and processing microseismic events
> The challenges of real-time passive monitoring using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)
> The value of cross-disciplinary communication and the potential for future applications of microseismic technology

LINKS
* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-217-advancing-subsurface-knowledge-through-microseismic-insights-joel-le-calvez/ for the complete interview transcript and all the links referenced in the show.

BIOGRAPHY
Joël Le Calvez is the Principal Geologist at Schlumberger. He actively participates in the development of the processing, visualization, and interpretation software Schlumberger currently uses in relation to the monitoring of induced microseismicity coupled to hydraulic fracture treatment and other applications (e.g., CO2 sequestration, geothermal injection, etc.) using downhole, shallow wellbores and surface arrays. Before joining Schlumberger, Joël worked for the Bureau of Economic Geology at the Applied Geodynamics Laboratory and Etudes et Recherches Géotechniques. Joël was awarded a Ph.D. in salt tectonics, a M.Sc. in geosciences, and a B.Sc. in 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.

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

217: Advancing Subsurface Knowledge Through Microseismic Insights (Joël Le Calvez)

"There's so much high-quality data, and more and more is being made publicly available. By shifting to open source, we're choosing that the value proposition is the people."

Dr. Lindsey Heagy discusses February's special section in The Leading Edge on the future of applied geophysics.

In this forward-thinking episode, we explore open-source software and its possibilities to transform the geosciences. As the world potentially shifts away from a hydrocarbon-based economy, the need for innovation in areas like mineral exploration, groundwater management, and urban geophysics has never been more pressing.

Lindsey shares her insights on the power of open-source software to democratize science, allowing a broader community to engage in problem-solving and innovation. She explains the nuances of open-source licensing and its implications for collaboration and commercialization. We also get an inside look at the creation and impact of SimPEG, an open-source framework for geophysical inversions, which has become a sandbox for researchers to plug in new ideas without reinventing the wheel.

This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, education, and research. Lindsey highlights how tools developed for teaching can lead to new research insights and how the open-source movement is redefining the value of scientific contributions.

OVERVIEW
* The timely importance of re-evaluating priorities in geophysics
* The role of high-quality, publicly available data in expanding participation in science
* The definition and implications of different open-source licenses
* The story behind the development of SimPEG and its impact on geophysical research and education
* How open-source software fosters collaboration between academia and industry
* The future of open science and the evolution of scientific contributions

TIMESTAMPS
> 1:50 - The February issue of TLE explores the future of applied geophysics
> 3:22 - What are some of the opportunities for applied geophysics?
> 4:50 - Defining open-source software
> 6:58 - Why the licensing terms matter
> 8:29 - The motivating factors behind SimPEG
> 14:46 - Making the business case for using open-source software
> 20:31 - The importance of sharing data and code for the future of geophysics

LINKS
* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/216-rethinking-data-geophysics-in-the-era-of-change-lindsey-heagy/ for the complete interview transcript and all the links referenced in the show.

BIOGRAPHY
Lindsey Heagy (https://lindseyjh.ca/) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS) at the University of British Columbia.

Her research interests are in data science and inverse theory applied to questions in resource exploration, groundwater, and environmental applications. Her research group primarily focuses on machine learning and inversion methods for characterizing the subsurface using geophysical data, including electrical and electromagnetic data, as well as potential fields (gravity and magnetic data).

Lindsey contributes to open-source projects, including software for computational geophysics and open-access educational resources for geosciences.

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.

177: Searching for the perfect x-ray image of the Earth

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