"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.
The Missing Tool Every Geoscientist Needs for the Next Decade
Seismic Soundoff
28 minutes 34 seconds
2 months ago
The Missing Tool Every Geoscientist Needs for the Next Decade
"The glossary will bridge two complex worlds, geoscience and sustainability, and make them easier to understand."
Maria Angela Capello shares her vision for a new glossary that connects geoscience to sustainability in clear, practical terms. She explains how a shared vocabulary can help scientists, educators, and policymakers better understand the purpose and global impact of geoscience work. By linking technical expertise to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the glossary aims to inspire collaboration, education, and a stronger sense of purpose across the profession.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> A dedicated glossary can make sustainability concepts easier to understand and apply in geoscience work.
> Geoscientists contribute to all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, not just climate-related ones.
> Clear, shared language can help connect technical work to education, policy, and public understanding.
GUEST BIO
Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is a global leader in the energy sector, championing sustainability, equity, and diversity. An active collaborator with the United Nations and major geoscience societies, she has been honored with Italy’s Star of Italy knighthood and UNESCO recognition for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A sought-after speaker and author of three books, MAC is the only person to serve as a Distinguished Lecturer for AAPG, SPE, and SEG. She advises on sustainability, ESG, and leadership worldwide, with certifications from Cambridge University and IFP School.
LINKS
* Read "The Geophysical Sustainability Atlas: Mapping geophysics to the UN Sustainable Development Goals" - https://doi.org/10.1190/tle40010010.1
* K-12 Resources - https://education.americangeosciences.org/resources
* Practical Geocommunication for the American Geosciences Institute - https://training.geologize.org/pages/agi
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.
