Episode 256: Creating Value with 4D – Lessons from a Global Forum
In this episode, host Andrew Geary talks with Adam Bucki, Co-Chair for the 4D Forum, held in Galveston, TX, in November 2024. The forum brought together geophysicists, engineers, and decision-makers to explore how 4D seismic can create value, reduce cycle times, and optimize production and injection in today’s fast-moving energy landscape. Adam shares insights from keynotes, exciting tech advancements, and how the forum tackled the business and human side of getting 4D adopted across industries.
Episode 255: Generative, Physics-Informed and Agentic AI in Geophysics
“We’re not replacing geophysicists; we’re giving them superpowers to analyze data faster and better.”
Explore the cutting-edge world of generative and physics-informed AI with Vladimir Kazei, guest editor for The Leading Edge. AI is transforming geophysics, from revolutionizing seismic imaging to pushing the boundaries of computational efficiency. Vladimir shares how these advancements reshape subsurface exploration and what this means for the industry’s future.
Episode 254: Why Companies and Individuals Should Invest in Humanitarian Science
“For companies, supporting GWB isn’t just philanthropy – it’s a smart investment in the future of geophysics and global resilience.”
Geoscientists without Borders (GWB) is changing lives using geophysics to tackle real-world humanitarian challenges. In this episode, Bob Merrill, Chair of the GWB Steering Committee, shares inspiring stories of geophysicists helping communities access clean water, prepare for natural disasters, and uncover archaeological wonders. Learn how companies and individuals can support these life-changing projects – and why investing in geoscience for good benefits everyone.
Episode 253: Sustainability, Prosperity, and Geophysics in Latin America
“Geophysicists have an incredible ability to see what’s below the surface – now we need to make sure the world sees what we do above it.”
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment – it’s about people, the planet, and prosperity. Maria Angela Capello shares how geophysicists drive sustainability in Latin America and beyond in this episode. From innovative projects that support economic growth to real-world solutions addressing climate change, this conversation will inspire you to see geophysics as a powerful force for good.
Episode 252: How the Ivishak Formation Could Change Carbon Sequestration
“Geophysics lets us predict rock properties where well data is sparse – this is crucial for understanding carbon storage potential.”
What if Alaska’s North Slope holds the key to large-scale carbon storage? In this episode, Rae Jacobsen discusses his research on the Ivishak Formation, revealing how geophysics can unlock new possibilities for carbon sequestration. Rae shares how simultaneous inversion, geobody extraction, and machine learning techniques help identify world-class reservoirs and why this could reshape the future of carbon storage.
Episode 251: From Noise to Knowledge – Lessons in Geophysics and Innovation
“The difference between an ordinary geophysicist and a great one? Knowing when noise is actually signal.”
Joe Dellinger discusses his new book, Forensic Data Processing. In this episode, Joe shares how his career journey – from growing up surrounded by geophysics to pioneering low-frequency seismic applications – inspired him to write this book as his legacy. Host Andrew Geary and Joe dive into why understanding seismic data at a deeper level is essential, how to spot valuable insights others miss, and why forensic data processing can be a game-changer for geophysicists and managers alike.
Episode 250: Bridging Science and Society – The Impact of Geoscientists without Borders
“Humanitarian geophysics isn’t separate from the industry – it’s part of what makes our profession so valuable to the world.”
In this episode, Geophysical Society of Houston Honoree Craig Beasley discusses the importance of the Geoscientists without Borders (GWB) program for companies interested in aligning with the UNSDGs and achieving their CSR goals. He also shares insights on how geoscientists can use their skills and experience from traditional (O&G) exploration work to contribute to solving humanitarian challenges globally.
Episode 249: Machine Learning Methods in Geoscience
“The biggest challenge for geophysicists? Learning machine learning’s ‘new language’ from the world of statistics.”
Machine learning is transforming geoscience, and Gerard Schuster explains how. This conversation explores key ML applications in seismic interpretation, the role of convolutional neural networks in fault detection, and why hands-on labs are essential for mastering these techniques. With real-world examples and insights from his new book, Machine Learning Methods in Geoscience, this episode delivers practical knowledge for integrating ML into geophysics.
Episode 248: AI, FWI, and the Future of Subsurface Imaging
“Reservoir characterization has evolved beyond oil and gas. It’s now central to our clean energy future.”
In this episode, Andrew Geary speaks with Satinder Chopra and Heather Bedle, guest editors for December’s The Leading Edge special section on reservoir characterization. They explore how this critical topic is transforming as geophysics expands its role in the global energy transition. From carbon storage to geothermal and hydrogen solutions, this episode highlights why reservoir characterization is at the heart of our clean energy future.
Episode 247: From Pitfalls to Potential – Making the Most of Seismic Attributes
“Seismic attributes are not just colorful pictures; they’re meaningful tools that can guide geoscientists to more accurate interpretations.”
In this episode, Andrew Geary sits down with Satinder Chopra and Kurt Marfurt, authors of Essentials of Seismic Attributes and Impedance Inversion, to discuss their comprehensive guide to understanding and applying seismic attributes in geophysics. They explore the power of attributes for interpreting seismic data, their practical applications, and common pitfalls to avoid. If you’re ready to deepen your understanding of seismic attributes and their real-world impact, this conversation is packed with expert insights.