Seismic Soundoff

• 257: How Industry Collaboration Drives Subsurface Innovation with SEAM

  “The goal of SEAM is to bring the geophysics community together to solve big, shared problems. We can go much further when we work as a team.” Host Andrew Geary sits down with Arthur Cheng, co-founder of the SEG Advanced Modeling Corporation (SEAM), to discuss how SEAM brings together industry, academia, and government to tackle the toughest geophysical problems. Through advanced numerical modeling, realistic synthetic data, carbon storage, and salt interpretation, Arthur highlights SEAM’s unique role in shaping the future of subsurface exploration and innovation. KEY TAKEAWAYS > SEAM builds ultra-realistic synthetic subsurface models that help validate and test new geophysical methods and tools before applying them in the field. > The organization bridges academia, industry, and government to focus resources on the most pressing geophysical challenges. > SEAM’s current and future projects include modeling for carbon storage, seismic inversion, near-surface imaging, and more—proactively anticipating the next 10–20 years of energy and environmental needs. CALL TO ACTION Visit https://seg.org/SEAM to explore SEAM's current projects, datasets, and opportunities to get involved. Whether you're a student, researcher, or company, SEAM offers a chance to shape the future of applied geophysics. SHARE THIS EPISODE If you found this episode helpful, please message a friend to listen. To help out, here’s a possible message you could send them. This episode breaks down how SEAM’s synthetic models help us avoid costly mistakes in real data - it’s honestly must-listen stuff. LINKS * Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-257-how-industry-collaboration-drives-subsurface-innovation-with-seam for links to get involved with SEAM and listen to previous episodes on the consortium.

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• 256: Creating Value with 4D - Lessons from a Global Forum

  “It’s more than just getting data - it's about inspiring your organization to take action on it.” 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. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Real-world impact: Case studies from ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, and Chevron showcased how 4D seismic drives better decisions, from infill wells to carbon capture. > Tech meets people: New tools like FWI, fiber optics, and AI are exciting, but real change comes when people across companies are inspired to act on data. > Future-forward thinking: The forum highlighted the need for broader collaboration, especially with reservoir engineers, production teams, and management, to unlock 4D's full value. CALL TO ACTION Check out the 4D Forum abstracts on the SEG Library at https://library.seg.org/doi/book/10.1190/4D-Forum2024 to learn more about the tech, case studies, and ideas shaping the future of reservoir monitoring. If you're curious about getting involved or bringing 4D to your organization, email Debbie Mitchell directly at [email protected]. SHARE THIS EPISODE If you found this episode helpful, please message a friend to listen. To help out, here’s a possible message you could send them. This one dives into the real business case for 4D. Perfect for your next pitch to management! LINKS * Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-256-creating-value-with-4d-lessons-from-a-global-forum for links to the abstracts and more information on the 4D Forum.

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• 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. KEY TAKEAWAYS > What geophysicists can do today - AI tools are already available to assist with seismic inversion, velocity model building, and data interpretation. Geophysicists can start experimenting with these technologies now. > AI and computational efficiency - Machine learning drastically reduces processing times, allowing faster and more cost-effective subsurface analysis. > The road to adoption - Successful AI integration in geophysics depends on bridging knowledge gaps, fostering collaboration, and ensuring transparency in machine learning models. CALL TO ACTION Want to dive deeper into this exciting field? Check out The Leading Edge’s special issue on AI in geophysics and explore Vladimir’s editorial insights. You can find it at https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/44/2. SHARE THIS EPISODE If you found this episode helpful, please message a friend to listen. To help out, here’s a possible message you could send them. AI isn’t just hype - this episode highlights real applications making a difference today. GUEST BIO Vladimir Kazei is a research geophysicist at Aramco Americas. Vladimir received his PhD in Geophysics from the Saint Petersburg State University and the Schmidt Institute of the Physics of the Earth of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2016. He then worked as a research scientist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology before joining the Houston Research Center of Aramco Americas in 2020. Vladimir’s contributions to applied geophysics in areas of machine learning, Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), and Full-Waveform Inversion (FWI) were noted as groundbreaking innovations by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and marked with a prestigious Clarence J. Karcher award in 2023. He actively participates in organizing SEG’s workshops on DAS and AI. Since 2023, Vladimir has served on The Leading Edge journal editorial board and has led special sections on Digitalization, Sustainability, and Generative and Physics-Informed AI. LINKS * Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-255-generative-physics-informed-and-agentic-ai-in-geophysics for links to the articles in The Leading Edge.

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• 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. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Geophysics in Action – Real-world examples of how GWB is helping communities with water resources, disaster resilience, and cultural heritage preservation. > The Power of Partnership – How collaborations between scientists, students, and local communities create long-lasting change. > Why You Should Get Involved – Geophysicists, companies, and donors can support GWB’s mission in many ways, which is good for business and society. CALL TO ACTION Get involved with Geoscientists without Borders! Visit https://seg.org/gwb to learn about funded projects, donate, or apply to lead a project. Whether a student, researcher, or industry professional, your skills and support can make a difference. SHARE THIS EPISODE If you found this episode helpful, please message a friend to listen. To help out, here’s a possible message you could send them. This episode is a must-listen if you want to use your geophysics skills for good. It’s full of ways you (or your company) can get involved with GWB! LINKS * Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-254-why-companies-and-individuals-should-invest-in-humanitarian-science to find links to additional GWB podcasts and donate to GWB. GUEST BIO Robert Merrill has over thirty years of industry experience, where he has worked for American Stratigraphic Company, Cities Service Company, Occidental, Unocal, and Samson in various domestic and international exploration and staff positions. He's currently president of Catheart Energy, Inc. Dr. Merrill has his PhD and MS from Arizona State University and his BA in geology from Colby College.

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• 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. Dr. 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. KEY TAKEAWAYS > How geophysics shapes sustainable development – real-world projects advancing environmental stewardship and economic growth. > The power of communication in science – why geophysicists must tell their story clearly and compellingly. > Practical steps for geophysicists – engaging with sustainability frameworks and advocating for responsible decision-making. CALL TO ACTION Don’t miss Maria Angela Capello’s upcoming honorary lecture, Rocking Sustainability: Geophysics’ Role in a Greener, Prosperous, and Socially Conscious Latin America. Register now to dive deeper into the role of geophysics in sustainability and discover actionable ways to make a difference at https://seg.org/education/lectures/seg-honorary-lecture-maria-angela-capello/. > 8 April 2025, 9 AM (CDT) > 6 May 2025, 3 PM (CDT) SHARE THIS EPISODE If you found this episode helpful, please message a friend to listen. To help out, here’s a possible message you could send them. You have to check out this episode of Seismic Soundoff! Maria Angela Capello shares incredible stories about geophysics making a real impact on sustainability in Latin America. You’ll love it! LINKS * Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-253-sustainability-prosperity-and-geophysics-in-latin-america to register for Maria Angela's lecture and learn more about The Geophysical Sustainability Atlas. GUEST BIO Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences. MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). She has been honored by the Italian Government with the “Star of Italy” knighthood and by UNESCO endorsing her work leading the “Geosciences in Action – Advancing Sustainable Development”. 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].

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