Seismic Soundoff

“Deep learning is ubiquitous in data processing. The question is whether we have the courage to change the way we work.”

Yangkang Chen discusses how deep learning has moved from experimentation to production in seismic processing and earthquake monitoring. Drawing on a decade-long effort to build an operational AI-driven monitoring system, he explains why tasks like first-arrival picking, velocity analysis, denoising, and reconstruction are especially well suited for deep learning. Yangkang emphasizes that success depends not just on algorithms, but on benchmarks, stability, teamwork, and trust. He also highlights how open and reproducible research lowers barriers for adoption and helps geophysicists apply AI confidently in real workflows.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Deep learning excels at repetitive, label-intensive seismic tasks that are slow and inconsistent using traditional methods.
> Operational AI requires trust, built through benchmarks, validation, and a clear understanding of model behavior.
> Open and reproducible workflows accelerate adoption, collaboration, and innovation across the geophysics community.

Register for his course, Deep learning for revolutionizing seismic data processing, on March 24-25, 2026 at https://seg.org/shop/product/?id+=product&id=5c3b6821-549d-f011-b41b-7c1e521913ef.

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/.

“Oil company management has to understand that its business is essentially a technology business. It's not a marketing business.”

In this episode of Seismic Soundoff, Andrew Geary speaks with Dr. Leon Thomsen about his memoir, “‘Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Thomsen!’: Adventures of a Petroleum Scientist,” and a career that helped redefine applied geophysics.

Leon reflects on the experiences that shaped his scientific mindset, from early exposure to field crews, to formative lessons in geology at Caltech, to decades of research in academia and industry. He explains how curiosity-driven exploration led him to recognize the importance of seismic anisotropy and shear-wave technology, work that ultimately carried trillion-dollar implications for hydrocarbon exploration.

The conversation also explores why transformative ideas often struggle inside large organizations, how a lack of technological literacy in management can lead to missed opportunities, and why applied science can be every bit as creative and demanding as pure research.

Looking ahead, Leon shares his perspective on the future of applied geophysics, including opportunities in fracking optimization, carbon sequestration monitoring, and subsurface hydrogen exploration, and offers encouragement to young scientists preparing to navigate the energy transition.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Energy is a technology business: Long-term success depends on leadership that understands and trusts science, not just short-term metrics.
> Applied science is real science: Solving practical problems can be as intellectually challenging and rewarding as purely theoretical work.
> The next frontier is subsurface innovation: Geophysics will play a critical role in fracking efficiency, CO₂ monitoring, and hydrogen exploration during the energy transition.

LINKS
* Buy Leon's memoir - https://seg.org/shop/product/?id=fe4953e4-cc89-f011-b4cb-7c1e527dc295
* Buy his previous book, "Understanding Seismic Anisotropy in Exploration and Exploitation" - https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/seg/books/book/1042/Understanding-Seismic-Anisotropy-in-Exploration
* Read Leon's award-winning article: "A logical error in Gassmann poroelasticity" - https://www.earthdoc.org/content/journals/10.1111/1365-2478.13290

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/.

“Latin America doesn't just belong in SEG; it can help shape SEG's future. And SEG, in turn, can help shape a more connected and innovative future for geoscience in our region.”

Fernanda Hermes, SEG's Latin America Market Development & Engagement Manager, shares how Latin America is becoming a key contributor to global geophysics through its geological diversity, energy transitions, and active student communities. She explains how local partnerships and regional presence help SEG better support members and expand opportunities. Her insights show a region full of talent, ambition, and momentum for the next decade of applied geophysics.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Latin America is central to emerging sectors such as geothermal, CCS, critical minerals, and near‑surface studies.
> Strong student chapters and local societies are driving community, visibility, and professional growth.
> SEG’s regional presence builds trust, strengthens partnerships, and opens new opportunities for collaboration.

GUEST BIO
Fernanda Hermes holds a degree in geophysics from Fluminense Federal University (UFF) and is currently completing her Master's degree in Ocean and Earth Dynamics with a focus on onshore seismic data processing at GISIS/UFF. Fernanda previously volunteered with SEG as Marketing Director (2021-2023) of the Geoscientific Student Chapter (GSS-SEG). Fernanda is passionate about innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

RELATED LINKS
* Connect with Fernanda on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernanda-clara-hermes/.
* Read President’s Page: SEG’s renewed focus in Latin America by Jim White at https://doi.org/10.1190/tle44110822.1.

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/.

“Models are still the bread and butter in gravity and magnetics interpretation. Interpreters still have to condition the data properly, and that's half technical, half art.”

Betty Johnson shares how her early career in gravity and magnetics grew from curiosity, hands‑on learning, and rapidly changing technology. She explains how potential field methods remain valuable for addressing energy, water, and climate challenges because they are affordable, scalable, and deeply rooted in Earth’s history. Her reflections underscore the importance of high-quality data, solid fundamentals, and ongoing learning.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Gravity and magnetics remain essential because they are cost‑effective, scalable, and useful across many energy and environmental applications.
> Strong fundamentals in physics, geology, and modeling help interpreters make better decisions and collaborate across disciplines.
> Good data, field experience, and continuous learning are critical for building a long and impactful geophysics career.

LINKS
* Read "The Meter Reader—The tools of the trade in gravity and magnetics, 1978–1988" at https://doi.org/10.1190/tle44090738.1
* Elizabeth A. Johnson, "Gravity and magnetic analyses can address various petroleum issues" at https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1437844
* Elizabeth A. E. Johnson, "Use higher resolution gravity and magnetic data as your resource evaluation progresses" at https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1437846

THIS EPISODE SPONSORED BY STRYDE
STRYDE enables high-resolution subsurface imaging that helps emerging sectors such as CCS, hydrogen, geothermal, and minerals de-risk and accelerate exploration - delivered through the industry’s fastest, most cost-efficient, and agile seismic solution. Discover more about STRYDE at https://stryde.io/what-we-do.

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/.

“Your nomination might be the only way their work is recognized at the level it deserves. The Honors and Awards program is powered by our members and only succeeds when we take the time to lift up one another.”

Maurice Nessim explains why SEG Honors and Awards are essential for recognizing scientific, professional, and social contributions in applied geophysics. He shares how member nominations ensure a diverse and meaningful set of candidates and encourages everyone to participate before the January 1 deadline. He also highlights the value of attending the IMAGE ’26 ceremony to celebrate the awardees and learn from their achievements.

Nominate a colleague by 1 January, 2026 at https://seg.org/resources/honors-and-awards/.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
> SEG Honors and Awards rely on member nominations to recognize impactful scientific, professional, and humanitarian contributions.
> Recognition strengthens careers, elevates organizations, and encourages innovation across applied geophysics.
> Attending the IMAGE ’26 ceremony supports awardees and helps the community learn from their work.

GUEST BIO
Maurice Nessim is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Greener Cleaner Cooler Globe and currently serves as Chair of the SEG Honors and Awards Committee. He brings several decades of leadership in earth science and energy, applying that expertise to advance medical imaging through his work with Ultrasound Associates. His career includes serving as a Board Director at TGS, where he guides strategy and innovation across the geoscience and energy sectors. With more than thirty years in geophysics, he has consistently championed excellence and forward‑looking solutions. His work reflects a deep commitment to using scientific progress for societal benefit.

Complete show notes at https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-280-the-awards-that-shape-geophysics-and-why-they-need-you/.

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/.