"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.
Searching for Water in Kakuma: A GWB Story (Re-Release)
Seismic Soundoff
43 minutes 25 seconds
2 months ago
Searching for Water in Kakuma: A GWB Story (Re-Release)
For this episode, we’re re‑releasing one of the most powerful stories we’ve ever told - a complete listening experience that transports you to one of the most remote and challenging places on Earth.
Searching for Water in Kakuma takes you inside the second‑largest refugee camp in the world, home to more than 185,000 people and still growing. There, a team of Canadian geophysicists joined forces with determined refugees and locals to take on a life‑or‑death challenge: finding safe, sustainable water for tens of thousands in East Africa.
This episode offers an unflinching look at the obstacles, breakthroughs, and human resilience at the heart of applied geophysics.
If you’re new to Seismic Soundoff, we’re glad you’ve chosen to listen. This podcast shares stories that connect geoscience to real‑world impact - from breakthrough research and innovative technology to the people applying them to solve Earth’s toughest challenges.
Starting September 11, we’ll release three brand‑new interviews every week, bringing you fresh voices and powerful stories from across the geoscience community.
For now, please enjoy this deeply personal and meaningful story.
For show notes - including a full transcript, photos, and links to explore the Kakuma water project and Paul Bauman’s work - visit seg.org/podcast/Post/6368.
To listen to other GWB podcasts, visit https://seg.org/podcast_tag/geoscientists-without-borders/.
GEOSCIENTISTS WITHOUT BORDERS®
Get involved with Geoscientists without Borders! Visit the GWB website at https://seg.org/gwb to learn about funded projects, donate, or apply to lead a project. Whether you are a student, researcher, or industry professional, your skills and support can make a significant difference.
SPONSOR
Schlumberger strives to be a unifying force for social and environmental stewardship, and engages in philanthropic activities that reflect the company’s values. As the founding sponsor of Geoscientists Without Borders®, Schlumberger believes in the science of geophysics to effect positive changes in communities facing environmental hardship and natural hazards.
INTERVIEWS
Paul Bauman, Landon Woods, Erin Ernst, Doug MacLean, Franklin Koch, Brendan O’Brien, Alastair McClymont
Music in the episode courtesy of Epidemic Sound. Additional sound was provided by Brendan O’Brien.
This episode was hosted, edited, and produced by Andrew Geary. Thank you to the SEG podcast team - Jennifer Crockett, Beth Donica, Ally McGinnis, Mick Swiney, and Adrienne White, as well as SEG staff Katie Burk and Linda Ford.
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.
