89: Geophysics tools and techniques in high-noise environments

In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Steve Sloan on smart city geophysics, the featured special section in September's The Leading Edge. Steve highlights the wide array of papers highlighting the tools and techniques used to achieve the best results in less than ideal environments. We discuss the importance of geophysics in urban settings, how geophysics is uniquely suited to work in these environments, and the benefits afforded geophysicists in high-noise surroundings. We also discuss the role of privacy in obtaining data in urban settings. This is a great primer on the near-surface and its value in major population areas. Visit https://seg.org/podcast for the complete show notes and links to this month's special section on smart city geophysics. BIOGRAPHY Steve Sloan is a Research Geophysicist at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He specializes in near-surface seismology, including high-resolution shallow seismic reflection, refraction tomography, and surface wave methods. His research has focused on the application of geophysical methods to defense problems and geophysical characterization of the shallow subsurface in austere environments around the world. Steve received a B.S. in geology from Millsaps College (2003), and an M.S. (2005) and Ph.D. (2008, with Honors) in geology with a geophysics emphasis from The University of Kansas. He currently serves as the Past Chair of the SEG Near-Surface Geophysics Technical Section and is a member of the SEG Council and the Editorial Board of The Leading Edge. 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.