Why Geophysicists Are Paying More Attention to Groundwater

“The concept of mapping the aquifer from the sky, that’s gigantic. It could change how aquifers are managed around the world.” Seogi Kang and Mike Wilt explain why groundwater is becoming one of the most important growth areas in applied geophysics. As drought, population growth, and water demand increase, geophysicists are being asked harder questions about where water is stored and how aquifers can be managed more sustainably. They share how airborne EM, well data, and machine learning are helping researchers see the subsurface in new ways, while also admitting that turning more data into better decisions is still a major challenge. For students and working geophysicists, this field offers both urgent problems and growing career opportunities. Read the March 2026 special section, "Advances in geophysics for groundwater applications," at https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/tle/issue/45/3. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Groundwater is becoming a bigger challenge for geophysics: More communities need better answers about where water is stored, how aquifers connect, and how to manage them before shortages grow worse. > Better tools do not automatically mean better decisions: Airborne EM, well logs, and machine learning can improve subsurface understanding, but combining those datasets into something people trust is still difficult. > This field needs more geophysicists: Groundwater applications are growing quickly, creating opportunities for students and professionals who want to work on problems with direct public impact. ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.