177: Searching for the perfect x-ray image of the Earth

What sets the seismic method apart from other geophysical exploration methods is its ability to deliver three-dimensional high-resolution images of the subsurface. Ramesh (Neelsh) Neelamani traces the history of the seismic method to showcase recent breakthroughs and future advancements. Neelsh is currently ExxonMobil Senior Principal Geophysics. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Neelsh shares the insights he gained tracing the history of seismic resolution. He also spotlights the most recent technological leaps for full-waveform inversion, explains the value of spectral extrapolation, and outlines how disciplines outside geophysics impact seismic resolution. Neelsh also highlights recent seismic acquisition techniques focused on reducing their environmental impact. This episode is a wide-ranging exploration of seismic resolution based on seven new papers in The Leading Edge. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Mehdi Aharchaou, Ramesh (Neelsh) Neelamani, and Chengbo Li, (2023), "Introduction to this special section: Seismic resolution," The Leading Edge 42: 7–7. (https://doi.org/10.1190/tle42010007.1) * Joseph M. Reilly, Mehdi Aharchaou, and Ramesh Neelamani, (2023), "A brief overview of seismic resolution in applied geophysics," The Leading Edge 42: 8–15. (https://doi.org/10.1190/tle42010008.1) * Read the January 2023 special section: Seismic resolution. (https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/42/1) Subscribers can read the full articles at https://library.seg.org/, and abstracts are always free. CREDITS Seismic Soundoff explores the depth and usefulness of geophysics for the scientific community and the public. If you want to be the first to know about the next episode, please follow or subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Two of our favorites are Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you have episode ideas, feedback for the show, or want to sponsor a future episode, find the box titled "Contact Seismic Soundoff" at https://seg.org/podcast. Zach Bridges created original music for this show. This episode was hosted, edited, and produced by me, Andrew Geary, at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team is Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.