Virtual: Projecting the Future of Subsurface Characterization with Seismology: Technical Dialogues from the Next Generation of Geoscientists

Talk Title: Real-time Microseismic Monitoring in the Era of Machine Learning and DAS

Abstract:

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is rapidly transforming microseismic monitoring by enabling cost-effective, dense, and real-time seismic measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution along boreholes. However, DAS data’s unique noise characteristics, directional sensitivity, and massive volume present major challenges for traditional processing and interpretation techniques. In this talk, I will highlight how machine learning (ML), especially recent advances in physics-informed neural networks and neural operators, may overcome these challenges. Drawing from our recent work, I will demonstrate ML-powered solutions for DAS denoising, event detection, and real-time source localization. These approaches offer a scalable and accurate alternative to conventional workflows. Ultimately, these advances bring us closer to the long-standing goal of real-time, high-resolution microseismic monitoring at field scale, enabling faster decisions, improved safety, and efficient resource management.

Talk Title: Subsurface Characterization in an Era of AI: Physics, Data, Models

Abstract:

Characterizing the Earth’s subsurface has long relied on combining sparse observations with physics-based models to infer structure and properties. Today, the rapid growth of data and advances in artificial intelligence are transforming this process. This talk explores how AI can complement physical modeling to integrate diverse datasets and improve interpretation, while emphasizing the continued importance of physics in building reliable, generalizable models.

Talk Title: Geological Characterization for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS): Insights from the Seismically Active Cook Inlet Basin, Alaska

Abstract:

The Cook Inlet Basin of Alaska has supplied natural gas to the Alaska Railbelt for decades, but growing energy demand and the need to reduce carbon emissions are driving interest in new low-carbon energy solutions. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) represents one potential pathway for decarbonizing Alaska’s energy infrastructure while continuing to utilize the state’s subsurface resources and geoscience expertise.
This talk will provide an overview of CCUS and discuss ongoing work from the Alaska Railbelt Carbon Capture and Storage (ARCCS) CarbonSAFE Phase II project, which is evaluating the feasibility of storing up to 100 million metric tons of CO₂ in deep geologic formations within the Cook Inlet Basin. Topics will include reservoir and seal characterization of the Mio-Oligocene Tyonek and Beluga Formations using well logs, core data, petrophysics, and reservoir modeling, as well as the unique technical challenges associated with evaluating CO₂ storage in a seismically active forearc basin.
The presentation will also highlight how geoscience plays a critical role in the energy transition through subsurface characterization, risk assessment, and long-term storage evaluation. The ARCCS project provides a real-world example of how traditional oil and gas skillsets can be applied to emerging CCUS opportunities in Alaska and beyond.

Talk Title: Using Digital Rock Technology for Subsurface Characterization

Abstract:

The talk will discuss the Digital Rock workflow and methodology, with a focus on how digital representations of rock samples are used to predict both static and dynamic reservoir properties. It will illustrate key steps from image acquisition and processing to pore-scale modeling and simulation.

Opening Keynote

As Senior Technical Advisor, Dr. Stephan Gelinsky collaborates closely with Ikon Science’s R&D team to advance rock physics modeling, quantitative interpretation (QI), and geopressure workflows. Through his company, Ephangeli Subsurface Consulting, he supports rock physics and integrated reservoir characterization industry projects and related academic research.

Before launching his own business in 2025, Stephan spent 25 years at Shell in roles including Principal Technical Expert & Advisor for QI Petrophysics, QI Manager, and project lead for integrated worldwide basin evaluations. His leadership helped reduce risks and evaluate opportunities across the full E&P lifecycle, with a strong focus on data integration and interdisciplinary field development planning for major reservoirs. Stephan began his career in 1996 in the service sector, specializing in borehole acoustics, VSP processing, and pore pressure prediction before moving into QI and rock physics. He currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Pūhiko Nukutū Hydrogen Geostorage Project in New Zealand, holds a PhD from Karlsruhe University, Germany, and is an active member of industry organizations including SEG (Research Committee Chair 2023–2025), EAGE, SPE, DPG, and SPWLA.