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. This episode is a wide-ranging exploration of seismic resolution based on seven new papers in The Leading Edge.

As highlighted by five papers in The Leading Edge, guest editor Katie Baker explores seismic reservoir modeling. Katie showcases the key technological advancements that unlocked seismic in defining and updating reservoir models and the historical connection between seismic data sets and reservoir modeling. She also explains the power and future of ensemble modeling and spotlights an alternative to the arduous training libraries for machine learning and seismic. 

Carlos Calderón-Macías holistically explores the near-surface scattering problem in this conversation with host Andrew Geary. He highlights ways to understand the problem better and why using the noise as signal approach should be further developed. He also explores the differences in the scattered waves for land, ocean-bottom, and near-surface data. Carlos shares what inspired this lecture, the three groups perfect for this talk, and the questions he hopes attendees will ask themselves. Not only does this conversation highlight the near-surface scattering problem, but it showcases general approaches for solving any geophysical problem.

Roel Snieder discusses his 2022 SEG-AAPG Distinguished Lecture, "Measuring variations in the seismic velocity as a diagnostic of rock damage and healing." Roel shows surprisingly that the seismic velocity is not constant at all. It varies with the seasons, temperature, precipitation, and ground shaking. He also discusses how logarithmic healing in rocks is a widespread behavior that is akin in its generality to the Gutenberg-Richter law. Roel also provides insights into the role of spirituality in science and offers actionable tips on preventing burnout. This is a wide-ranging conversation with surprising insights into rocks, as well as how to live a successful life.

Mark Willis discusses his upcoming Distinguished Instructor Short Course, "Distributed acoustic sensing for seismic measurements – what geophysicists and engineers need to know." In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Mark helps geoscientists and engineers build intuition and understanding of DAS seismic technology's value, limitations, and applications. Mark also discusses the most common objection to DAS, when DAS is better than conventional seismic acquisition, and tips for someone planning their first DAS seismic survey. Mark will be teaching this course for the first time at IMAGE, and this is a great preview of the valuable, insightful, and helpful tools and resources you will gain from this course.

Yanlong Niu discusses his paper, "In-situ physical properties of reclaimed lands in Singapore," from the May issue of The Leading Edge. Yanlong explores the value of multichannel analysis of surface waves to investigate these lands and shares what they discovered with these pioneering tests. These in-situ measurements are crucial for civil engineering constructions and the redevelopment of reclaimed lands in the future. So he also offers tips on how other geophysicists can build upon this study in their communities.

Ariel Lellouch discusses his upcoming Middle East and Africa Honorary Lecture, "Applications of fiber-optic sensing to borehole seismology." In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Ariel makes a case for geophysicists to utilize Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) data in their work and why it's essential to look at data without any pre-made ideas. He also outlines the significant benefits of vertical DAS arrays and how to know when to use vertical or horizontal DAS. This is an excellent primer on DAS and a convincing case for why every geophysicist would benefit from engaging with this technology.

Peter Rowbotham discusses his paper, "Investment in North Sea seismic leading to new opportunities," from the April issue of The Leading Edge. Peter makes the case for why it's wise to invest in seismic data. He also shares why the beginning of a project is the most important and the context where seismic projects deliver the most value. 

Amine Ourabah discusses carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) from the January 2022 special section on seismic acquisition in The Leading Edge. Amine explains why CCUS is at the center of the net-zero-emission conversation, the need for cheaper and easier-to-use technology, and the unique innovations explored in his field trial. This conversation lays out the seismic and technological needs and innovations to move carbon capture and renewable energies forward.

Michael Burianyk discusses his new book, Understanding Amplitudes: Basic seismic analysis for rock properties. Michael explains why Newton's ideas still matter despite Einstein, how to approach machine learning with healthy skepticism, why real data can be a hindrance to learning, and why he took the time to discover who was R. Hill. This is a conversation that scientists of all experiences will benefit from and learn.