Seismic Soundoff

Tom Ewing and Mike Forrest join me ahead of the AAPG and SEG Honors and Awards ceremonies for a conversation that quickly becomes less about the awards and more about what kept them engaged for so many decades.

Tom talks about the career turns that moved him from tectonics into the Texas subsurface, consulting, regional geology, and a long habit of publishing work other geoscientists could actually use. Mike keeps coming back to something even simpler: seismic interpretation is still fun, curiosity still matters, and he still enjoys learning alongside students and colleagues.

What gives the conversation its energy is that neither sounds finished. They talk about saying yes, giving back, staying useful, and making room for the next generation in a profession that looks very different from the one they entered.

LINKS

* AAPG Honors and Awards - https://www.aapg.org/news-and-media/explorer/announcing-aapg-s-honors-and-awards-for-2027/

* SEG Honors and Awards - https://seg.org/news/society-of-exploration-geophysicists-announces-2026-honors-and-awards-recipients/

* Attend IMAGE '26 - www.imageevent.org/

* View the Inside IMAGE '26 Podcast Schedule - public.3.basecamp.com/p/LETDMZk3GvZ42PzjQMdmY7in

* Listen to Inside IMAGE Podcast Series - www.imageevent.org/podcast

As IMAGE 2026 gets underway, we return to two conversations from last year that feel even more relevant now.

Peter Duncan explains why asset turnover can create openings for smaller oil and gas companies. In today’s opening address, ExxonMobil’s John Ardill said the company is quicker to sell acreage it no longer plans to pursue rather than hold onto it. Peter described the opportunity on the other side of that process: experienced people leave or form new companies, acquire properties the majors no longer want, and become a new group of customers looking for geophysical technology and expertise.

Peter also shares a very different example of how unexpected opportunities emerge. A company approached MicroSeismic at IMAGE about monitoring sinkholes after a costly event in Florida. That conversation became several million dollars a year in ongoing work, in a market MicroSeismic would never have thought to pursue on its own.

Susan Nash picks up that theme from another direction. She sees growing need for subsurface knowledge across natural gas, geothermal, lithium, produced water, and energy storage. She also left IMAGE thinking differently about AI after hearing an approach that starts with rocks and geologic data rather than only the language geoscientists have already written, raising questions about how much interpretation and bias may already be built into training material.

Together, these 2025 conversations offer a useful way into IMAGE 2026: opportunity can emerge when assets change hands, when familiar technology finds an unexpected application, and when people put ideas next to each other that they would not have connected otherwise.

LINKS

* Attend IMAGE '26 - https://www.imageevent.org/

* View the Inside IMAGE '26 Podcast Schedule - https://public.3.basecamp.com/p/LETDMZk3GvZ42PzjQMdmY7in

* Listen to Inside IMAGE Podcast Series - https://www.imageevent.org/podcast

"I wish people understood that the pace of change across this region is not gradual anymore. It's moving very quickly and in many cases faster than traditional global markets expect."

Conflicts and disrupted energy flows have put energy security back at the center of the conversation, and Yogaani Bhatia is seeing what that means for geophysics across the Middle East and beyond. Exploration is gaining renewed attention, Saudi Arabia is building out a major mining sector, and countries such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are investing in geological knowledge and new resource development. Behind all of it is the same need: understand the subsurface well enough to make better decisions. And as investment accelerates, the challenge is not simply having better technology. It is having the people who know how to use it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

> Energy security is making subsurface knowledge strategic again: Pressure on energy flows is reinforcing the need for secure, diversified resources. Exploration is increasingly viewed not only as a commercial activity, but as a strategic capability tied to long-term energy and resource security.

> Some of the fastest change is happening across the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Asia Pacific: Saudi Arabia is expanding mining, Central Asia is investing in geological knowledge, Africa is seeing renewed frontier exploration, and Asia Pacific is advancing offshore energy, CCS, and geothermal.

> Energy and minerals draw on many of the same geophysics skills: Imaging, interpretation, data integration, and other subsurface expertise developed in oil and gas are increasingly crossing into mining, critical minerals, geothermal, and carbon storage.

> Better technology still depends on people who know how to use it: The AI and digital conversation is shifting from whether the tools have value to how they improve workflows and decisions, while organizations also face a growing need to develop talent and transfer knowledge.

THIS EPISODE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY HART ENERGY

SUPER DUG Conference & Expo is Hart Energy's premier shale event and the largest event of its kind. If you're looking to stay ahead of what's next in U.S. shale, don't miss the 2026 SUPER DUG, happening September 15-17 in Houston. Join the industry's top operators, executives and investors for three days of market outlooks, strategic discussions and unmatched networking focused on the trends shaping the future of oil and gas. Register today at https://hartenergy.com/SUPERDUG26. Be sure to use promo code SD26-SEG at checkout to save on your registration. Be part of the conversations shaping the future of U.S. shale.

LINKS

* Find upcoming events at https://seg.org/events.

* Read about GEOMIN 2025: A Global Debut in Mining Innovation and Collaboration at https://seg.org/news/geomin-2025-a-global-debut-in-mining-innovation-and-collaboration/.

* Learn more about IMAGE '26 and register today at https://www.imageevent.org/.

ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF

Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.

"We have to absorb and analyze more data than ever in shorter amounts of time. Spending a day thinking about these workflows can bring you insights into practical ways to integrate the model and data across disciplines."

Subsurface teams have more data than ever, but that does not guarantee better decisions. Maisha Amaru explains why geology and geophysics need to connect early, before uncertainty leads to weak models or repeated work. Her DISC course, Using All Your Data: Integration of Geology and Geophysics, offers a full day on August 16 to step back and think through these workflows before IMAGE ’26 begins. The course and accompanying book provide practical ways to improve integration, use new tools carefully, and make better use of the information already available.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

> More data does not automatically produce better answers: Teams need time to test what the data support, where uncertainty remains, and what matters for the decision.

> Integration works best when it begins early: Connecting geology and geophysics before models are finalized can reduce rework and reveal problems sooner.

> A day away from routine work can create long-term value: The August 16 DISC course gives attendees space to learn, make connections, and begin IMAGE ’26 with integration already in focus.

LINKS

* Register for the August 16 session of Using All Your Data: Integration of Geology and Geophysics at https://www.imageevent.org/short-course/using-all-your-data-integration-of-geology-and-geophysics

* Learn more about Maisha's course and see the full schedule at https://seg.org/education/courses/maisha-amaru-disc/

* Learn more about IMAGE '26 and register today at https://www.imageevent.org/.

ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF

Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.

“We’re moving from isolated geoscience disciplines to integrated subsurface solutions. You’re seeing AI becoming an enabling technology rather than the story itself.”

Adam R. Goss and Bunmi Elebiju explain why IMAGE ’26 is designed to reward people who look beyond their usual discipline. AI, uncertainty, regional geology, and emerging energy applications are woven through the program because the real value comes from seeing how different parts of geoscience connect to better decisions. This conversation helps attendees understand what to look for, how to navigate the program, and why the session you did not plan to attend may be the one that changes how you approach your work.

Learn more about IMAGE '26 and register today at https://www.imageevent.org/.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

> Integration was a deliberate program decision: The committee avoided separate SEG, AAPG, and narrowly defined technology silos because today’s geoscientists must connect geology, geophysics, digital tools, uncertainty, finance, and business decisions.

> AI has moved from demonstration to accountability: The important question at IMAGE ’26 is no longer whether AI can interpret seismic data, accelerate FWI, or pick wells, but where it improves decision quality, where poor data limits it, and where human expertise remains essential.

> Attendees should organize IMAGE around a problem, not a job title: Following one technical objective across regions, disciplines, oral sessions, and posters can reveal ideas that would remain hidden inside a geology, geophysics, basin, or technology track.

THIS EPISODE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY VIRIDIEN

As an industry leader in imaging distributed acoustic sensing data, Viridien brings proven expertise across 2D, 3D, and 4D projects by combining advanced algorithms and HPC. Delivering clearer images, faster interpretation, and deeper insight for oil & gas reservoir monitoring and carbon storage projects. Discover more at https://viridiengroup.com/DAS.

ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF

Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.

"It helps to see the bigger picture, to get out of your own sphere of interest. So it can be a good way to see different angles of your own industry.”

Applied geoscience is becoming more connected as carbon management, geothermal, digital technology, near surface work, and traditional energy increasingly share the same tools, ideas, and challenges. Molly Turko and Edith Miller explain how IMAGE ’26 is adapting to that shift while trying to serve both specialists and attendees exploring beyond their usual areas. They discuss how the event’s hubs, pavilions, technical sessions, and shared spaces can help people find useful ideas without becoming overwhelmed by the size of the program.

Learn more about IMAGE '26 and register today at https://www.imageevent.org/.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

> Integration is no longer the new idea. It is the expectation: Digital technology, carbon management, geothermal, oil and gas, and other disciplines are increasingly presented as parts of the same geoscience landscape rather than separate conversations.

> A larger program is only useful if people can find their way through it: IMAGE ’26 aims to give specialists enough content in areas such as geothermal, oil and gas, and emerging energy without leaving first time attendees overwhelmed by the number of choices.

> The value extends beyond technical knowledge: Edith draws a distinction between the career case and the business case for attending. People can build relationships and discover new career directions while also bringing back ideas, technologies, and perspectives that improve their company’s work.

THIS EPISODE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY VIRIDIEN

As an industry leader in imaging distributed acoustic sensing data, Viridien brings proven expertise across 2D, 3D, and 4D projects by combining advanced algorithms and HPC. Delivering clearer images, faster interpretation, and deeper insight for oil & gas reservoir monitoring and carbon storage projects. Discover more at https://viridiengroup.com/DAS.

ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF

Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.

“It’s hard to tell where the limit is in terms of where it can go. You have to see what is possible to want to drive this.”

Andrew Geary speaks with Malc Kent about why distributed acoustic sensing is gaining momentum across carbon storage, geothermal, infrastructure, and reservoir monitoring. The technology can collect enormous amounts of subsurface data, but the bigger challenge is turning that information into decisions industries trust. For geophysicists and students, that gap between technical progress and real-world adoption is where many of the strongest opportunities are emerging.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

> DAS can change how the subsurface is monitored: Permanent or existing fiber can support more frequent observations while reducing the need to repeatedly deploy conventional equipment.

> The technology may be moving faster than industry adoption: Large data volumes, installation costs, regulatory acceptance, and confidence in a new way of collecting seismic information still stand between successful trials and routine use.

> The opportunity extends well beyond oil and gas: Carbon storage, geothermal, mining, infrastructure, and security all need better monitoring, creating new roles for geophysicists who can connect sensing, imaging, computing, and decisions.

THIS EPISODE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY VIRIDIEN

As an industry leader in imaging distributed acoustic sensing data, Viridien brings proven expertise across 2D, 3D, and 4D projects by combining advanced algorithms and HPC. Delivering clearer images, faster interpretation, and deeper insight for oil & gas reservoir monitoring and carbon storage projects. Discover more at https://viridiengroup.com/DAS.

LINKS

* SEG/SPE Workshop: Fibre for the Future: AI-Driven Intelligence for Exploration, Production & Development - 21–22 July 2026, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -> https://seg.org/calendar_events/seg-spe-fibre-for-the-future-ai-driven-intelligence/

* SPE Workshop: Subsea Fiber Optic Sensing: From Deployment to Decision Making - 12–13 November 2026, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil -> https://www.spe-events.org/workshop/fiber-optic-sensing

ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF

Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.

"That’s what we’re trying to achieve with this forum: bringing all the people together with different backgrounds and create this community, which I don’t think fully exists right now.”

Jiajia Sun and Nadine Veillette preview SEG’s first Critical Minerals Forum for the mining community in North America. Critical minerals are becoming more important to energy systems, supply chains, and public policy, but finding them still depends on difficult subsurface decisions. The conversation shows why geophysics matters when it is integrated with geology, geochemistry, drilling, and uncertainty. For students and working geophysicists, this is a growing area where technical skill, communication, and practical decision-making all matter.

Learn more about the Critical Minerals Forum at https://seg.org/calendar_events/critical-minerals-forum/.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

> Integration is now central to critical mineral exploration: Geophysics is most useful when it helps test geological ideas, reduce uncertainty, and guide better decisions about where to collect data or drill.

> Mining creates a different mindset for geophysicists: Compared with oil and gas, mineral exploration often works with sparser drilling, smaller budgets, and more variable geological systems.

> Critical minerals are opening new career paths: The field needs geophysicists who can combine imaging, inversion, AI, geology, communication, and decision-focused workflows.

ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF

Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.

"I feel like we are making a change in the way that people now see the volcanoes and see the earthquakes in El Salvador. So in that sense, I think we are making a a big change.”

Adonay Martinez Coto and Susana Delgado discuss their Geoscientists Without Borders project to improve seismic monitoring around Santa Ana volcano in El Salvador. Their work shows how geophysics can move beyond instruments and data to help communities understand hazards, prepare for future activity, and see science as part of daily life. The project also shows why community-centered geophysics matters: instruments in schools and local spaces can turn monitoring into education, awareness, and preparedness. For listeners, it is a clear example of how applied geoscience can serve people before the next disaster happens.

LINKS

* Learn more about GWB and donate today at https://seg.org/programs/geoscientists-without-borders/

* Learn more about Adonay and Susana's work at https://seg.org/gwb_projects/el-salvador/

KEY TAKEAWAYS

> Community trust is part of the science: Volcano monitoring becomes more valuable when schools, local businesses, agencies, and residents understand why the instruments are there and how the data can help them.

> Better data can change preparedness: A stronger seismic network near Santa Ana volcano can help scientists distinguish between tectonic and volcanic earthquakes, improving awareness of what may be happening beneath the surface.

> Field geophysics requires more than technical training: The project pushed students to learn instrumentation, networking, communication, and community engagement, showing where future workforce needs are growing.

ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF

Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.

“If you're curious about geophysics, there's definitely a place in geophysics for you. The field is so interdisciplinary.”

Johanna Villagomez joins Andrew Geary to share how curiosity, fieldwork, student leadership, and outreach are shaping her path as a PhD student in geophysics at the University of Houston. Her story shows why applied geophysics matters now: the field connects directly to water, energy, climate, critical minerals, and the decisions communities make about the subsurface.

For students, she makes the field feel open and reachable, while also being honest about the skills that matter most, including coding, fundamentals, communication, and collaboration. As AI, larger datasets, and new sensing tools change the profession, the future belongs to geophysicists who can understand the science and explain why it matters.

Explore SEG student programs to find scholarships, mentorship, student chapters, and opportunities to build your path in geophysics at https://seg.org/programs/student-programs/.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

> Fieldwork creates ownership: Collecting seismic data in the field gives students a deeper connection to the full geophysical workflow, from instruments to interpretation.

> AI raises the value of fundamentals: Coding and machine learning matter, but geophysicists still need strong quantitative skills to know when an answer is wrong.

> Communication is a technical skill: Whether speaking to policymakers, students, or other geophysicists, clear explanations help science reach the people who need it.

ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF

Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.