Seismic Soundoff

"The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was a wake-up call. It showed me that even the best science fails without effective communication and proactive strategies to save lives."

In this episode, host Andrew Geary talks with Ron Harris, Geological Sciences Professor at Brigham Young University, about his groundbreaking work in disaster preparedness. Ron shares insights from his Global Sustainability lecture (supported by the Baker Hughes Foundation) and the Geoscientists without Borders Java WAVES project, which focuses on how scientific research can save lives in disaster-prone regions.

KEY POINTS & TAKEAWAYS

> Proactive Disaster Preparedness: Ron champions moving beyond reactive approaches, using community-based education to prepare for potential hazards before they occur.

> The "20-20-20" Evacuation Principle: This innovative rule helps communities quickly self-evacuate after earthquakes. By combining scientific data with simple messaging, Ron created a lifesaving tool anyone can understand and implement.

> Science Meets Community Action: Through his WAVES team, Geoscientists without Borders, and In Harm's Way, Ron proves that bridging scientific insights with local leadership can dramatically reduce disaster risks.

> Cultural Engagement: Ron has found powerful ways to boost community preparedness by collaborating with Indonesian scouting groups and integrating local heroes into disaster messaging.

> A Challenge to Future Geoscientists: Ron encourages young researchers to align their skills with societal needs, demonstrating how scientific expertise can create real-world impact.

LINKS

* Support GWB - https://seg.org/programs/geoscientists-without-borders/

* Register for Ron's talk - https://seg.org/education/lectures/seg-global-sustainability-lectures-ron-harris/

* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-243-saving-lives-before-disaster-strikes-ron-harris-on-proactive-risk-reduction/ to discover past podcasts on humanitarian geophysics and all the links for this episode.

GUEST BIO

Professor Ron Harris specializes in plate tectonics and associated geophysical hazards. He received his BSc. in Geology from the University of Oregon, an MSc. in Geophysics from the Geophysical Institute of Alaska, and a Ph.D. in Geodynamics from University College London, UK.

Ron has worked for oil, mining, and environmental companies, for the U.S. Geological Survey, and with the governments of several developing countries threatened by natural hazards. Dr. Harris has taught at universities in the U.S., Great Britain, Oman, Taiwan, and Indonesia. He has been invited to make over 200 presentations, has 95 peer-reviewed publications, written books and garnered several research grants and awards.

Dr. Harris’ research integrates many sub-disciplines, but the common thread is applying geoscience to societal needs. He founded the nonprofit organization In Harm's Way, which identifies areas most vulnerable to natural disasters and helps community-based organizations communicate risk and implement effective risk-reduction strategies that save thousands of lives.

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 sponsor a future episode, email the show at [email protected].

"The geosciences cover everything from the air we breathe to the ground we walk on, and our job is to make sure policymakers see its critical value. Our reports are about translating complex science into something everyone can understand and use."

In this episode, we speak with David Wunsch to explore how geoscience can shape policy decisions that impact everyday lives. David dives into the American Geosciences Institute's (AGI) Critical Needs Document, which outlines essential priorities for geoscience in policy discussions, especially during major political transitions. Learn why concise and accessible communication is vital for bridging the gap between science and policy and how geoscientists can influence real-world change.

KEY POINTS & TAKEAWAYS

> Bringing Science to Policy: The AGI's Critical Needs Document is crafted every four years to inform policymakers, emphasizing the role of geoscience in economic, environmental, and infrastructure-related decisions.

> Effective Communication: With rapid political turnover, creating concise, accessible documents is crucial for educating experienced policymakers and newcomers about the relevance of geoscience.

> Hot Topics in Geoscience: From national security, critical minerals, and groundwater resources, the report covers pressing geoscience issues that need urgent legislative attention.

> Opportunities for Collaboration: David highlights examples of cross-disciplinary work, like wildfire management, that showcase the impact of diverse geoscience specialties working together.

> Get Involved: David challenges listeners to engage in local and national policy discussions, emphasizing that informed geoscientists can shape better decisions and counter misinformation.

Listen in to discover that, as a geoscientist or citizen, you can make a difference by bringing the power of geoscience to the forefront of policy and public awareness.

LINKS

* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-242-shaping-policy-with-geoscience-agis-critical-needs-document/ for the links to the Critical Needs Document and more.

GUEST BIO

David R. Wunsch became the Director and State Geologist at the Delaware Geological Survey in November 2011 after serving as the Director of Science and Technology at the National Ground Water Association. Previously, he was the State Geologist of New Hampshire (NH) from 2000 to 2010, with roles on the NH Joint Board of Geology and the NH Water Well Board. Wunsch is a Licensed Professional Geologist in multiple states and has been an adjunct professor and visiting scholar.

In 1998-99, Wunsch served as the American Geological Institute Congressional Science Fellow, advising the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. His career includes roles as an instructor at Central Michigan University and coordinator for the Coal Field Hydrology Program at the Kentucky Geological Survey. His expertise spans groundwater monitoring, geochemistry, mine hydrology, and engineering geology.

Wunsch has held several prominent roles, including testifying before Congress on water and energy, serving on federal advisory committees, and representing scientific organizations like the Association of American State Geologists. He has received numerous accolades, including the AGI’s Outstanding Contribution to the Understanding of Geoscience award and selection as a U.S. Water Partnership consultant.

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 sponsor a future episode, email the show at [email protected].

"Geophysics and archaeology are merging in a powerful way, helping us understand ancient communities without damaging their sites. It’s about learning from the past while honoring it."

In this episode, we look at how geophysics transforms archaeology by enabling researchers to uncover hidden historical sites without digging. Guests Michael Wilt and Richard Krahenbuhl discuss incredible advances in non-invasive tools like ground-penetrating radar and drones, which help archaeologists map ancient structures, even in challenging urban environments. From Egypt’s pyramids to hidden city sites, learn how geophysical tools give us new ways to explore history and preserve it for future generations.

KEY POINTS & TAKEAWAYS

> How Geophysics is Shaping Archaeology: Discover how methods like radar, magnetics, and resistivity are helping archaeologists "see" beneath the surface without disturbing sensitive sites, preserving cultural heritage along the way.

> Challenges of Urban Archaeology: Hear about the unique struggles of working in cities, where modern infrastructure like pipes and cables can interfere with data, and discover how researchers overcome these obstacles.

> The Future of Non-Invasive Tech: Geophysical archaeology is evolving fast with emerging tools like drones and AI. Find out how these innovations lead to more precise data and help archaeologists uncover even the faintest traces of history.

> Real-World Impact on Communities: From preserving early Christian structures to documenting West Africa's historic sites, learn how geophysics helps connect people and students with their past while respecting cultural sensitivities.

> Becoming a Geophysical Archaeologist: Inspired by this field? Explore the unique blend of skills that bridge archaeology and geophysics, and hear what it takes to work in this exciting, emerging area.

Listen to this episode to learn how geophysical tools push archaeology forward, giving us new ways to study and preserve our history.

Dr. Richard Krahenbuhl is a research assistant professor in the Geophysics Department at the Colorado School of Mines.

Dr. Michael Wilt is an affiliate with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

THIS EPISODE SPONSORED BY BLUWARE

Bluware's InteractivAI is a human-powered AI seismic analysis tool, revolutionizing the way geoscientists extract value from seismic data. Unlike traditional seismic interpretation tools that just "check the box" for AI through black box algorithms, InteractivAI puts the interpreter in the driver's seat by presenting an intuitive, live feedback loop. Users experience a faster and more comprehensive interpretation, leading to higher-confidence decision-making. Learn more at https://bluware.com.

LINKS

* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-241-how-geophysics-is-revolutionizing-archaeological-exploration for the complete show notes and links to read this special section.

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 sponsor a future episode, email the show at [email protected].

“Geoethics encourages us to think beyond just technical solutions and consider the long-term social and environmental impacts. It’s about embracing humility and seeing problems through multiple lenses to find sustainable solutions.”

In this episode, Andrew Geary interviews Giuseppe Di Capua, a founding member and former president of the International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG). They discuss the connection between ethics and geoscience, highlighting the importance of ethical awareness for responsible scientific practices. Giuseppe shares insights on how geoethics can guide geoscientists to balance technical work with social and environmental responsibilities, aiming to foster sustainable interactions with our planet.

Listen for a thought-provoking conversation on why geoethics is vital to responsible geoscience and how it can guide our efforts toward a more sustainable world.

KEY POINTS & TAKEAWAYS

> The Role of Geoethics: Geoethics combines scientific knowledge with ethical responsibility, encouraging geoscientists to consider their work's societal and environmental impact.

> Balancing Growth and Sustainability: Younger geoscientists face balancing economic development with the need for environmental conservation, underscoring a shift towards sustainable geoscience practices.

> IAPG's Mission: The International Association for Promoting Geoethics seeks to foster ethical awareness and inclusivity among geoscientists globally, especially in low-income countries, by promoting cooperative values like honesty, integrity, and transparency.

> Educational Shift: Giuseppe advocates for integrating geoethics into academic training for geoscientists, emphasizing the importance of ethical, social, and cultural awareness in their professional roles.

> Call to Action: Giuseppe challenges listeners to embrace geoethics in their work and daily lives, inspiring them to contribute to a sustainable future by recognizing the intricate connections between human actions and the Earth's systems.

THIS EPISODE SPONSORED BY BLUWARE

Bluware's InteractivAI is a human-powered AI seismic analysis tool, revolutionizing the way geoscientists extract value from seismic data. Unlike traditional seismic interpretation tools that just "check the box" for AI through black box algorithms, InteractivAI puts the interpreter in the driver's seat by presenting an intuitive, live feedback loop. Users experience a faster and more comprehensive interpretation, leading to higher-confidence decision-making. Learn more at https://bluware.com.

GUEST BIO

Giuseppe Di Capua is a geologist at the Istituto Nazionale Geofisica e Vulcanologia. His fields of experience cover engineering geology, geoethics, geoscience education and communication, and philosophy of geosciences. He is a Founding Member and Treasurer of the International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG); Task Leader on ethical aspects in the European Horizon 2020 project ENVRI-Plus, and Team Leader of the Erasmus+ project GOAL (Geoethics Outcomes and Awareness Learning); Member of the International Advisory Board of the European projects INTERMIN - International Network of Raw Materials Training Centres and SMART EXPLORATION; Webmaster and Member of the Publications Committee of the International Union of Geological Sciences; Member of the Executive Committee of the International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences; and author of articles in international journals and editor of books on geoethics.

LINKS

* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-240-navigating-geoethics-balancing-science-and-responsibility-in-geosciences/ for the complete show notes and links to learn more about IAPG.

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 sponsor a future episode, email the show at [email protected].

"Accessibility of subsurface data is key, especially as companies move along their digital maturity journey. A lot of valuable data is still locked up in boxes, not adding value."

In this episode, Patrick Meroney urges geophysicists to align technology with business goals, advocate for innovation within their organizations, and pursue change strategically to drive long-term success.

Patrick Meroney, Vice President of North American Operations at Katalyst Data Management, discusses the critical role of subsurface data management in geophysics and how aligning technology with business processes can drive success.

Patrick highlights the challenges of digital transformation, the risks of overlooking business goals, and the importance of workflow integration in subsurface operations. Patrick also offers actionable advice for geophysicists on optimizing technology investments and balancing innovation with cost efficiency.

KEY POINTS AND TAKEAWAYS

> Align technology with business strategy: Many companies fail to align their technology decisions with business goals, leading to great technologies failing due to mismatched processes.

> The power of integration: Patrick emphasizes that the biggest opportunity for efficiency gains lies in integrating data across geophysical workflows, which continues to be an ongoing challenge.

> Digital transformation readiness: While digital transformation is critical for data accessibility and quality, companies must align it with their readiness and long-term strategy.

> Prioritizing critical features: Geophysicists must focus on core business needs and avoid overly broad or niche requirements when selecting new technology solutions.

> Innovation vs. efficiency: Companies must clearly define whether they prioritize innovation or efficiency, as this will impact their technology investments and integration efforts.

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 www.katalystdm.com.

GUEST BIO

Patrick Meroney has worked in and around Information Management in Exploration and Production for over 30 years. He has written and presented on various topics, including GIS, Information Architecture and Delivery, Data Governance, and Organizational Readiness. Pat has held various positions in the E&P business and within IT and IM organizations at ConocoPhillips and Repsol and is currently the Vice President of North American Operations at Katalyst Data Management.

LINKS

* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-239-unlocking-subsurface-success-integrating-data-and-strategy-in-geophysics/ for links to past episodes highlighting topics discussed in this episode.

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 sponsor a future episode, email the show at [email protected].

"The MTArray is changing how we explore for minerals and critical resources, and it’s paving the way for sustainable energy development."

In this episode of Seismic Soundoff, host Andrew Geary speaks with Adam Schultz about completing the U.S. Magnetotelluric (MT) Array after 18 years. This groundbreaking project has mapped the electrical properties of the Earth’s crust across the contiguous United States.

Adam explains how this geophysical method has evolved from pure science into a critical tool for protecting national infrastructure and identifying valuable resources. He shares insights into the unexpected challenges and major discoveries made while offering a bold call to action for the geophysics community to think bigger and push the boundaries of exploration. Listen to learn how the MTArray is shaping the future of geophysics and infrastructure resilience.

KEY POINTS AND TAKEAWAYS

> The USMTArray's Evolution: Originally part of the EarthScope program, the MTArray project became crucial for understanding power grid and national infrastructure risks, especially from space weather events.

> Critical Infrastructure Protection: Data from the MTArray has helped power grid operators mitigate risks from geomagnetically induced currents, potentially preventing large-scale outages during extreme solar storms.

> East Coast Vulnerabilities: The discovery of a sharp transition in the Earth's crust along the eastern U.S. revealed hidden vulnerabilities to geomagnetic storms, challenging previous assumptions about regional risk.

> Surprising Challenges and Successes: The MTArray faced unexpected difficulties, especially in challenging environments like the Gulf Coast, but also saw breakthrough moments, including stunning data collected during a major solar storm.

> A Call for Bold Exploration: Adam urges geophysicists to think bigger, use larger arrays, and embrace time-varying, 4D imaging to advance the field and apply geophysical techniques to real-world problems like sustainable energy development and critical mineral exploration.

Editor's Note: Special thanks to Xiaolei Tu for recommending this episode.

GUEST BIO

Dr. Adam Schultz is a Professor of Geophysics at the College of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science at Oregon State University. Adam led the 18-year effort to map the electrical properties of Earth’s crust and mantle across the contiguous United States.

LINKS

* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-238-unveiling-the-earths-secrets-the-completion-of-the-u-s-magnetotelluric-array/ for links to learn more about this project and Dr. Schultz.

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 sponsor a future episode, email the show at [email protected].

"Sustainability isn't just about the environment; it's about the economics and profitability of companies, too. We need the expertise, we need the technology - if you like solving challenges, this is the place to be."

In this episode of Seismic Soundoff, host Andrew Geary sits down with Sandy Spørck to discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating a sustainable future within the oil and gas industry. Sandy shares her journey from an engineering mindset to embracing a broader, more scientific view of sustainability and TGS's steps to reach net-zero emissions. They explore the complexities of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), the role of education, and the importance of collaboration in navigating the energy transition.

KEY POINTS

> Sustainability and ESG: Sandy explains the difference between sustainability (as defined by the UN) and ESG, highlighting how both frameworks guide corporate transparency and environmental responsibility in the oil and gas industry.

> TGS's Net-Zero Goals: TGS has committed to reducing emissions from its maritime operations by 75% by 2050 and transitioning to 100% renewable energy for onshore activities.

> Decentralizing Sustainability Efforts: Sandy emphasizes the importance of involving a broader range of stakeholders across TGS, creating a sustainability network that brings diverse perspectives.

> The Challenge of Climate Transition: Achieving sustainability goals is a complex process that involves trial and error, with the next few years focused on aligning efforts and understanding what works.

> Education and Understanding: Sandy advocates for education as the foundation of sustainable progress, not only as a means to lift people out of poverty but also to foster a deeper understanding of the economic, societal, and environmental impacts of energy transition.

Editor's Note: Between the recording and release of this podcast, PGS and TGS merged. Sandy Spørck speaks to us from her position at PGS as Chief Sustainability Officer and is now leading integration activities and strategic alignment between PGS and TGS.

THIS EPISODE SPONSORED BY BLUWARE

Bluware's InteractivAI is a human-powered AI seismic analysis tool, revolutionizing the way geoscientists extract value from seismic data. Unlike traditional seismic interpretation tools that just "check the box" for AI through black box algorithms, InteractivAI puts the interpreter in the driver's seat by presenting an intuitive, live feedback loop. Users experience a faster and more comprehensive interpretation, leading to higher-confidence decision-making. Learn more at https://bluware.com.

SANDY'S CALL TO ACTION

> Actively contribute to sustainability by focusing on what you can control or influence

> Encourage decentralizing sustainability efforts - involve people across different roles to drive progress collectively.

> Do not feel overwhelmed by the enormity of climate challenges, but take meaningful, manageable actions, such as improving waste management or supporting sustainable practices within one's capacity.

GUEST BIO

After serving as Chief Sustainability Officer at PGS, Sandy Spørck leads integration activities and strategic alignment between PGS and TGS. Sandy holds a Master of Science Degree in International Management, Business Law, Tax, and Accounting from The Norwegian School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Arizona State University.

LINKS

* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-237-tgss-path-to-net-zero-sustainability-insights-from-sandy-sporck/ for Sandy's full biography and the complete show notes.

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 sponsor a future episode, email the show at [email protected].

"The Zohr discovery is an interesting one because all of a sudden it makes everybody sort of scratch their head and go like, 'So what have we missed elsewhere?'"

Dr. Walter Rietveld discusses September's The Leading Edge, which focuses on the Eastern Mediterranean.

In this episode:

> Discover the challenges and opportunities in the Eastern Mediterranean's oil and gas exploration, a region attracting significant industry interest due to recent discoveries and proximity to major markets.

> Explore the complexities of the Messenian interval, a geographically variable layer that creates significant hurdles for seismic imaging.

> Learn how innovative technologies like multi-azimuth seismic and ocean bottom node (OBN) acquisition and advanced processing techniques like full waveform inversion (FWI) are being used to overcome these imaging challenges.

> Examine the success story of the Atoll field, where OBN acquisition and advanced imaging led to significant improvements in seismic data quality, enabling better reservoir characterization and well planning.

> Understand the shift in exploration focus from post-Messenian to deeper pre-Messenian plays, driven by factors like the depletion of shallower targets and the potential of deeper channel systems as reservoirs.

This interview focuses on the challenges and technological advancements in Eastern Mediterranean oil and gas exploration. Walter discusses how innovations such as multi-azimuth seismic, ocean bottom node acquisition, and full waveform inversion improve subsurface imaging, particularly in geologically complex areas like the Messenian interval. He highlights the success of these technologies in the Atoll field. He suggests that similar techniques, successfully employed in other regions like the Gulf of Mexico, hold promise for maximizing the value of existing data in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Walter encourages listeners to explore the special section on the Eastern Mediterranean in The Leading Edge to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions discussed. He closes the conversation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration within the industry, even among competitors, for advancing exploration efforts.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY VIRIDIEN

Viridien is an advanced technology, digital, and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With comprehensive geoscience expertise, remarkable subsurface imaging, and a unique Earth data library, Viridien provides new insights to reduce exploration risk and optimize field development. Learn how Viridien can help you meet complex challenges in frontier basins around the world. Visit https://www.viridiengroup.com - and see things differently.

LINKS

* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-236-unlocking-the-eastern-mediterraneans-seismic-secrets/ for the complete show notes and the links for September's The Leading Edge.

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 sponsor a future episode, email the show at [email protected].

"Geophysics can be used as a science tool to inform and engage the community and to give them the autonomy to make educated decisions."

Dr. Julia Correa discusses August's The Leading Edge, which focuses on geophysics and sustainability.

In this episode, we talk about:

> How applied geophysics and seismic methods are a natural fit for ensuring safe and compliant carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects.

> The importance of clear and effective science communication between geophysicists and stakeholders, including the public, regarding topics like CCUS.

> How innovative technologies, like fiber optics, drones (UAVs), and machine learning, are being integrated into geophysical research and data acquisition to create more robust monitoring solutions for various applications, including sustainable energy.

> How geophysics enables a carbon-neutral future, specifically in areas like geothermal energy, hydrogen storage, and lithium extraction.

> The need for geophysicists to expand their understanding of sustainability beyond resource extraction to focus on how their work can positively impact the planet and inform the public.

Julia concludes with a call to action, urging geophysicists to think beyond short-term solutions and embrace innovative geophysics applications for a sustainable future. She challenges the community to push the boundaries of the field and actively engage with the public to ensure a healthy planet for generations to come.

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 www.katalystdm.com.

GUEST BIO

Dr. Julia Correa is a Research Scientist in the Energy Geoscience Division. Her research is focused on developing an intelligent seismic monitoring array for subsurface surveillance in energy-related projects (Carbon Capture and Storage, Enhanced Geothermal, Oil & Gas). She uses fiber-optic sensing and permanent surface orbital vibrators (SOV) to develop an alternative, cost-effective monitoring system. Julia is involved in the optimization of acquisition and processing flows, as well as in the development of new fiber-optic cable designs.

LINKS

* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-235-advancing-sustainability-through-applied-geophysics/ for the complete show notes and the links for August's The Leading Edge.

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 sponsor a future episode, email the show at [email protected].

"We are trying to enable the geoscientists to do their work better and faster."

In this episode, we explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in seismic interpretation, focusing on the advantages of a data-centric approach over the traditional model-centric method. Morten Ofstad, a computer scientist, emphasizes the limitations of pre-trained "black box" deep learning models and advocates for interactive deep learning to improve interpretation accuracy. The discussion highlights VDS, a data format designed for random access and compression, and emphasizes the importance of empowering geoscientists to interact directly with AI-driven interpretation processes.

In this episode, we talk about:

> The differences between model-centric and data-centric approaches to AI in seismic interpretation.

> The limitations of "black box" deep learning models in seismic interpretation and how an interactive approach can improve accuracy and insights.

> The importance of high-quality data and accurate labels in training AI models for seismic interpretation and how the data-centric approach helps identify inaccuracies.

> How virtual data storage (VDS), a data format designed for random access and compression, can improve the efficiency of data-centric AI workflows in seismic interpretation.

> The potential of data-centric AI to empower geoscientists, enabling them to work faster and more accurately.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY BLUWARE

Bluware's InteractivAI is a human-powered AI seismic analysis tool, revolutionizing the way geoscientists extract value from seismic data. Unlike traditional seismic interpretation tools that just "check the box" for AI through black box algorithms, InteractivAI puts the interpreter in the driver’s seat by presenting an intuitive, live feedback loop. Users experience a faster and more comprehensive interpretation, leading to higher-confidence decision-making. Learn more at https://bluware.com.

GUEST BIO

Morten Ofstad has worked with computer graphics since graduating from high school. As one of the first employees of Norwegian games developer Funcom, he created the game engine for the 2D games that formed the basis of Funcom's initial growth. He's been working as the lead developer of several successful game titles from studios like Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in London and Innerloop Studios in Oslo. Between jobs in the games industry, he completed an M.Sc. in computer science at the University of Oslo, graduating with honors. Besides 3D graphics, Morten's interests include compiler technology, system architecture, and image processing.

KEY IDEAS AND FACTS

* Limitations of Model-Centric AI

* Benefits of Data-Centric & Interactive Deep Learning

* Addressing Challenges of Data Quality and Labeling

* VDS Data Format as an Enabler

CALL TO ACTION

* Explore how data-centric AI tools can be integrated into geoscientists' workflows.

* Move beyond simply asking questions and receiving answers, and instead utilize AI to "interrogate your data" and gain deeper insights.

LINKS

* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-234-how-ai-is-being-applied-to-seismic-interpretation/ for a breakdown of the key terms discussed and the complete show notes.

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 sponsor a future episode, email the show at [email protected].