Seismic Soundoff

"What has happened in the last few years is exploration overall has taken a little bit of a backseat. So they are starting to relook at seismic acquisition to explore new areas and solve more complex challenges."

Seismic acquisition is entering a new phase where better design and smarter technology are quietly changing how we see the subsurface. New methods like full wavefield recording, DAS, and blended acquisition are not just improvements, they are opening paths to solve problems that once seemed out of reach. As the easy resources disappear and new energy needs grow, those who understand these shifts early will have a clear advantage. In this context, we are joined by Shivaji Maitra, guest editor of The Leading Edge special section on advances in seismic acquisition, whose insights help frame where the field is headed next.

Read the February 2026 special section, "Advances in seismic acquisition," at https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/tle/issue/45/2.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Better acquisition leads to better decisions: The real breakthrough is not one tool, but smarter survey design that improves imaging and reduces uncertainty at the reservoir level.
> Dense and full wavefield data are becoming essential: Technologies like OBN and DAS are unlocking details in complex reservoirs that were previously invisible.
> Fundamentals still matter in a high-tech world: Strong physics knowledge is the hidden advantage that allows geophysicists to use AI and new tools effectively.

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/.

“You can't be stationary in this field. I've never seen anything like it."

Machine learning is changing geophysics faster than most people expected, but knowing what actually works versus what is hype is still unclear. Jerry Schuster explains why combining physics, intuition, and hands-on coding is the real advantage that many overlook. He also reveals a surprising shift where AI can act like a “free graduate student,” opening new possibilities while raising important questions about creativity and the future of work.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Big picture plus hands-on learning is the real advantage: Understanding concepts is not enough, doing the work yourself is what turns knowledge into lasting skill.
> Physics and machine learning are stronger together: Combining both approaches can outperform either one alone, giving geophysicists a powerful edge.
> AI is a tool, not a replacement: Used well, it expands your abilities and speeds up work, but creative thinking still depends on you.

LINKS
* Practical Machine Learning Methods in Geosciences 2026 virtual (China time zone): 12-13 May -> https://seg.org/shop/product/?id%20=product&id=d7c3ffd8-f69a-f011-b41b-6045bda9b090
* Practical Machine Learning Methods in Geosciences 2026 virtual (North America Time zone): 19-20 May -> https://seg.org/shop/product/?id%20=product&id=c92e0916-51fd-f011-8406-7c1e525c17aa
* Buy Machine Learning Methods in Geoscience by Gerard Schuster, featuring hands-on MATLAB and Colab labs. -> https://library.seg.org/doi/epdf/10.1190/1.9781560804048.fm
* Listen to his previous interview on his book, Machine Learning Methods in Geoscience -> https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-249-machine-learning-methods-in-geoscience/

GUEST BIO
Gerard Schuster has an M.S. (1982) and a Ph.D. (1984) from Columbia University and was a postdoctoral researcher there from 1984 to 1985. From 1985 to 2009, he was a professor of geophysics at the University of Utah and became a professor of geophysics at KAUST (2009–2021). He is currently a research professor at the University of Utah. He received several teaching and research awards while at the University of Utah. He was editor of GEOPHYSICS 2004–2005 and was awarded SEG’s Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal in 2010 for his work in seismic interferometry. SEG published Gerard's book Seismic Inversion in late 2017 and Machine Learning Methods in Geoscience in 2024.

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/.

"For early career geophysicists, I think it's really important to understand that DAS is going to have a unique role in reservoir management, be it onshore or offshore."

Distributed acoustic sensing is opening new possibilities for how geophysicists collect and use seismic data. Ali Tura shares practical insights from his experience and highlights how these ideas will be explored further in his upcoming course on DAS applications. He explains how the technology’s sensitivity, wide frequency range, and cost advantages make it valuable, while also emphasizing the importance of understanding its limitations.

Learn more and register for the course (13-16 July 2026) at https://seg.org/shop/product/?id=product&id=ed9c4ebc-48dc-f011-8544-7c1e525cc2b5.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
> DAS sensitivity and bandwidth: DAS can detect extremely small signals across a very wide frequency range, making it useful for everything from geomechanics to seismic monitoring.
> Cost and operational efficiency: Using existing fiber optic infrastructure allows teams to run surveys at much lower cost, especially for repeated monitoring like 4D seismic or CO2 storage.
> Fit-for-purpose application: DAS is powerful but not universal, so success depends on choosing the right use case, deployment method, and survey design.

GUEST BIO
Ali Tura is Professor of Geophysics and Co-director of the Reservoir Characterization Project at Colorado School of Mines. His expertise is in the areas of petroleum systems, reservoir characterization and monitoring, seismic methods, CO2 and sequestration, fiber optics technology, and data analytics. He is also Chief Scientist at Tulip Geosciences, a geosciences consulting and training company. Before this, he was Geophysical Senior Fellow at ConocoPhillips, Geophysical Advisor at Chevron, and 4D subject matter expert at Shell. He has been an SEG member and active in the industry for more than 37 years and served as SEG Vice-president, Board of Directors of SEG-SEAM Inc., Chairman of the SEG Research Committee, Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Leading Edge, and Chairman of the SEG Global Affairs Committee.

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/.

“And what the world really needs is this flexibility on energy and the agility to ensure access and affordability. And that's where steering the offshore energy business is really critical.”

Offshore energy is evolving quickly as global demand grows and new technologies emerge across oil and gas, offshore wind, and other energy systems. Alex Martinez and Joe Reilly discuss why the Offshore Technology Conference remains one of the most important places for engineers, geoscientists, and industry leaders to collaborate and share ideas. OTC 2026 in Houston (4-7 May 2026) brings the full offshore energy community together to explore solutions that will shape a reliable and sustainable energy future.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Rising global energy demand is driving offshore innovation. Growing energy needs are pushing companies to improve efficiency and develop new technologies across both traditional offshore oil and gas and emerging energy solutions.
> OTC creates a unique space for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Experts from many technical fields come together to share ideas and solve complex offshore energy challenges.
> Geoscientists play an important role in the future of offshore energy. Understanding the subsurface remains critical for oil and gas, offshore wind, and carbon storage projects.

LINKS
* Learn more OTC '26 - https://2026.otcnet.org/
* Register for the event (4-7 May 2026) - https://2026.otcnet.org/registration

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/.

“It’s not only about discovering resources, but about safeguarding them and safeguarding our future. When you understand the subsurface, you understand the foundation of food security, water security, and environmental stability.”

Ahmed Elshenawy, SEG’s 2026 Middle East and Africa Honorary Lecturer, explores how geophysics can help solve some of today’s biggest challenges in agriculture and environmental management. In this conversation, he explains how imaging the shallow subsurface can reveal hidden patterns of soil moisture, salinity, and groundwater movement that shape farming success. His work shows how understanding what lies beneath our feet may be key to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and the future of food and water security.

Learn more about Ahmed's lecture and register for his 12 March webinar - https://seg.org/education/lectures/seg-honorary-lecture-ahmed-elshenawy/

KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Geophysical tools can map soil moisture, salinity, and subsurface conditions that directly affect agriculture and water management.
> The same methods used in energy and mineral exploration can support sustainability, land restoration, and climate adaptation.
> Students who combine geophysics with hydrology, soil science, and data science will find growing career opportunities in environmental and agricultural applications.

GUEST BIO
Since 2000, Ahmed has been involved as a research team member of several national, international, and private projects regarding the application of geophysical methods for groundwater exploration, water management, aquifer characterization, desertification process monitoring, sustainable development, engineering, geotechnical and environmental problems. He’s conducted intensive data acquisition, processing, modeling, and interpretation of geoelectric and electromagnetic (VES, 2D/3D ERT, SP, IP/SIP, VLF, TDEM, and MT), geomagnetic and seismic refraction measurements as well as petrophysical measurements on both field and laboratory scale in Egypt, UK, and USA.

Currently Ahmed is CEO of the Egyptian team of the project: Sustainable Approaches to Water and Soil Management for Drylands in the Mediterranean Basin (SALM-MED) funded by the European Union’s Programme for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA).

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/.