"Geophysics plays a central role in this energy transition because it provides the tools and insights needed to understand, manage, and optimize subsurface resources. These resources are critical for both traditional and renewable energy systems."
Geophysics is essential for geothermal energy, carbon storage, hydrogen storage, and critical minerals. Joël Le Calvez and Erkan Ay explain how methods like multi-physics workflows and distributed acoustic sensing are improving reliability, scalability, and safety. They also highlight the skills and mindset geophysicists need to succeed in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
Read the October issue of The Leading Edge that features a special section about geophysics for new energies at https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/44/10.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Geophysics provides the foundation for safe, efficient, and scalable use of subsurface resources in the energy transition.
> Multi-physics workflows and DAS technologies reduce uncertainty and improve monitoring of geothermal and storage projects.
> Future geophysicists must combine technical expertise with adaptability, collaboration, and field experience.
GUEST BIOS
Joël Le Calvez is Principal Geologist at SLB, where he develops software for processing, visualization, and interpretation of microseismic monitoring data. His work supports applications ranging from hydraulic fracture treatment to CO₂ sequestration and geothermal injection, using downhole, shallow wellbore, and surface arrays. Before joining SLB, Joël contributed to research at the Bureau of Economic Geology’s Applied Geodynamics Laboratory and at Etudes et Recherches Géotechniques. He holds a Ph.D. in salt tectonics, an M.Sc. in geosciences, and a B.Sc. in physics.
Erkan Ay is an accomplished geophysicist with more than 18 years of international experience across oil and gas, carbon capture and storage, and academic research. He is recognized for advancing techniques in microseismic monitoring, DAS, 4D VSP, and seismic-while-drilling. Erkan’s work integrates seismology and petrophysics to better characterize complex subsurface structures. Currently, Erkan serves as Chair of the SEG Research Committee and Vice Chair of the SEG IMAGE 2026 Technical Committee, guiding collaborative efforts to advance geophysics for sustainable energy solutions.
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"Geophysics plays a central role in this energy transition because it provides the tools and insights needed to understand, manage, and optimize subsurface resources. These resources are critical for both traditional and renewable energy systems."
Geophysics is essential for geothermal energy, carbon storage, hydrogen storage, and critical minerals. Joël Le Calvez and Erkan Ay explain how methods like multi-physics workflows and distributed acoustic sensing are improving reliability, scalability, and safety. They also highlight the skills and mindset geophysicists need to succeed in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
Read the October issue of The Leading Edge that features a special section about geophysics for new energies at https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/44/10.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Geophysics provides the foundation for safe, efficient, and scalable use of subsurface resources in the energy transition.
> Multi-physics workflows and DAS technologies reduce uncertainty and improve monitoring of geothermal and storage projects.
> Future geophysicists must combine technical expertise with adaptability, collaboration, and field experience.
GUEST BIOS
Joël Le Calvez is Principal Geologist at SLB, where he develops software for processing, visualization, and interpretation of microseismic monitoring data. His work supports applications ranging from hydraulic fracture treatment to CO₂ sequestration and geothermal injection, using downhole, shallow wellbore, and surface arrays. Before joining SLB, Joël contributed to research at the Bureau of Economic Geology’s Applied Geodynamics Laboratory and at Etudes et Recherches Géotechniques. He holds a Ph.D. in salt tectonics, an M.Sc. in geosciences, and a B.Sc. in physics.
Erkan Ay is an accomplished geophysicist with more than 18 years of international experience across oil and gas, carbon capture and storage, and academic research. He is recognized for advancing techniques in microseismic monitoring, DAS, 4D VSP, and seismic-while-drilling. Erkan’s work integrates seismology and petrophysics to better characterize complex subsurface structures. Currently, Erkan serves as Chair of the SEG Research Committee and Vice Chair of the SEG IMAGE 2026 Technical Committee, guiding collaborative efforts to advance geophysics for sustainable energy solutions.
Inside IMAGE 2025 - Innovation, Collaboration, and the Future of Energy
Seismic Soundoff
37 minutes 25 seconds
4 months ago
Inside IMAGE 2025 - Innovation, Collaboration, and the Future of Energy
“We want attendees to walk away saying they learned something new, made a new connection, or heard a crazy idea that just might change how they work. That’s the success we hope IMAGE brings.”
In this episode of Seismic Soundoff, Julian Chenin and Paula de Oliveira share what makes IMAGE 2025 the premier geoscience event you won’t want to miss. From global collaboration and interactive pavilions to fostering the next generation of geoscientists, they reveal how IMAGE is shaping the future of energy and applied geophysics. Whether you’re looking to learn, network, or discover a new idea, this conversation will inspire you to get the most out of your IMAGE experience.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> IMAGE is more than a conference; it’s a global, collaborative space where geoscientists, students, and industry leaders tackle energy challenges together while celebrating the profession.
> New and expanded features like core displays, K-12 engagement, and networking hubs are designed to connect you with emerging technologies, fresh ideas, and career opportunities.
> Planning using the IMAGE preview guide will help you make the most of your time, ensuring you catch key technical sessions, panels, and the conversations that can spark your next breakthrough.
CALL TO ACTION
Explore the IMAGE 2025 Preview Guide at https://imageevent.org/ and start planning your conference experience today. And if you’re ready to give back, consider volunteering or mentoring to help shape the next generation of geoscientists while expanding your network and skills.
THIS EPISODE SPONSORED BY KATALYST DATA MANAGEMENT
Katalyst Data Management® provides the only fully integrated, end-to-end subsurface data solution to the oil and gas industry. Visit us at IMAGE 2025, Booth #1129, from August 25–28 to meet our global team and learn how we help clients gain value from their seismic and well data. We’ll have live demos and presentations of our latest technology and what’s next in subsurface data. Learn more at www.katalystdm.com and socials.
LINKS
* Register for IMAGE 2025 at https://www.imageevent.org/
* Read the Preview Guide at https://irp.cdn-website.com/3c79eb10/files/uploaded/IMG25_PreviewGuide_Rev20250701_web.pdf
* Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-263-image-2025-innovation-collaboration-and-the-future-of-energy/ for the complete show notes.
Seismic Soundoff
"Geophysics plays a central role in this energy transition because it provides the tools and insights needed to understand, manage, and optimize subsurface resources. These resources are critical for both traditional and renewable energy systems."
Geophysics is essential for geothermal energy, carbon storage, hydrogen storage, and critical minerals. Joël Le Calvez and Erkan Ay explain how methods like multi-physics workflows and distributed acoustic sensing are improving reliability, scalability, and safety. They also highlight the skills and mindset geophysicists need to succeed in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
Read the October issue of The Leading Edge that features a special section about geophysics for new energies at https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/44/10.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Geophysics provides the foundation for safe, efficient, and scalable use of subsurface resources in the energy transition.
> Multi-physics workflows and DAS technologies reduce uncertainty and improve monitoring of geothermal and storage projects.
> Future geophysicists must combine technical expertise with adaptability, collaboration, and field experience.
GUEST BIOS
Joël Le Calvez is Principal Geologist at SLB, where he develops software for processing, visualization, and interpretation of microseismic monitoring data. His work supports applications ranging from hydraulic fracture treatment to CO₂ sequestration and geothermal injection, using downhole, shallow wellbore, and surface arrays. Before joining SLB, Joël contributed to research at the Bureau of Economic Geology’s Applied Geodynamics Laboratory and at Etudes et Recherches Géotechniques. He holds a Ph.D. in salt tectonics, an M.Sc. in geosciences, and a B.Sc. in physics.
Erkan Ay is an accomplished geophysicist with more than 18 years of international experience across oil and gas, carbon capture and storage, and academic research. He is recognized for advancing techniques in microseismic monitoring, DAS, 4D VSP, and seismic-while-drilling. Erkan’s work integrates seismology and petrophysics to better characterize complex subsurface structures. Currently, Erkan serves as Chair of the SEG Research Committee and Vice Chair of the SEG IMAGE 2026 Technical Committee, guiding collaborative efforts to advance geophysics for sustainable energy solutions.
