108: Seismic processing - Begin with the end in mind

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Stephen J. Hill on his new book, Illustrated Seismic Processing, Volume 2: Preimaging. Along with Steve's co-author Andreas Rüger, this second volume of Illustrated Seismic Processing provides a foundation for understanding the vigorous, relevant, and fascinating field of seismic processing, addressing that portion that precedes migration. Written for the non-expert, this second volume of the two-volume introductory text reveals the limitations and potential pitfalls of seismic data, explains seismic processing operations as a series of solutions to problems, and demonstrates the dependence of a final interpretable seismic volume on its many seismic processing decisions. In this engaging interview, Steve shares why they decided to present the seismic processing topics in reverse order, tips for seismic interpreters and acquisition specialists that work alongside seismic processing geophysicists, and why seismic processing is both an art and a science. And also discover Steve's journey from an astrophysicist to writing two books on seismic processing! Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and links to purchase the books. BIOGRAPHY Stephen J. Hill is an adjunct professor of geophysics at Colorado School of Mines and University of Houston. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Iowa State University and a doctorate in physics and astrophysics from the University of Colorado. He worked for Conoco 1978–2002 as a processing geophysicist, manager of Conoco Seismic Processing, an interpreter of Oklahoma and Gulf of Mexico seismic data, and technology consultant for Conoco management. Hill was 2009–2010 SEG president and 2003–2004 SEG secretary-treasurer. He received SEG Special Commendation in 2000. SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by TGS. TGS offers a wide range of energy data and insights to meet the industry where it’s at and where it’s headed. TGS provides scientific data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. In addition to a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, TGS offers specialized services such as advanced processing and analytics alongside cloud-based data applications and solutions. Visit https://www.tgs.com to learn more. CREDITS Original music by Zach Bridges. This episode was hosted, edited, and produced by Andrew Geary at 51 features, LLC. Thank you to the SEG podcast team: Ted Bakamjian, Jennifer Crockett, Ally McGinnis, and Mick Swiney.