"Sometimes the traditional methods are way more effective or efficient in handling certain things. To succeed in this new paradigm, we need to build on our strong fundamentals and progress further."
Ivan Lim Chen Ning shares how data-driven methods are reshaping geophysics by challenging traditional workflows and opening new possibilities. He highlights the role of AI, machine learning, and fiber-optic sensing in improving seismic interpretation, imaging, and monitoring. His insights show how combining strong fundamentals with modern digital tools can help geophysicists solve problems more effectively.
Read the September issue of TLE about data-driven geophysics at https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/44/9.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> AI and data-driven tools open new paths. They help geophysicists move beyond traditional workflows to find faster and simpler solutions.
> Fiber-optic sensing changes monitoring. DAS provides continuous well data, replacing point sensors and revealing signals directly.
> Strong fundamentals still matter. Success comes from combining proven geophysical methods with modern digital skills.
GUEST BIO
Ivan Lim Chen Ning is an Earth Scientist – Fiber Optics at Chevron, where he analyzes Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) data and develops real-time algorithms for field applications. He applies deep learning and signal processing to improve DFOS workflows, advancing distributed acoustic sensing in the energy industry. A member of Chevron’s Emerging Leader 2024 cohort, Ivan is recognized for solving cross-disciplinary challenges and driving innovation to help secure energy for the future.
All content for Seismic Soundoff is the property of Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
"Sometimes the traditional methods are way more effective or efficient in handling certain things. To succeed in this new paradigm, we need to build on our strong fundamentals and progress further."
Ivan Lim Chen Ning shares how data-driven methods are reshaping geophysics by challenging traditional workflows and opening new possibilities. He highlights the role of AI, machine learning, and fiber-optic sensing in improving seismic interpretation, imaging, and monitoring. His insights show how combining strong fundamentals with modern digital tools can help geophysicists solve problems more effectively.
Read the September issue of TLE about data-driven geophysics at https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/44/9.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> AI and data-driven tools open new paths. They help geophysicists move beyond traditional workflows to find faster and simpler solutions.
> Fiber-optic sensing changes monitoring. DAS provides continuous well data, replacing point sensors and revealing signals directly.
> Strong fundamentals still matter. Success comes from combining proven geophysical methods with modern digital skills.
GUEST BIO
Ivan Lim Chen Ning is an Earth Scientist – Fiber Optics at Chevron, where he analyzes Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) data and develops real-time algorithms for field applications. He applies deep learning and signal processing to improve DFOS workflows, advancing distributed acoustic sensing in the energy industry. A member of Chevron’s Emerging Leader 2024 cohort, Ivan is recognized for solving cross-disciplinary challenges and driving innovation to help secure energy for the future.
Searching for Water in Kakuma: A GWB Story (Re-Release)
Seismic Soundoff
43 minutes 25 seconds
2 months ago
Searching for Water in Kakuma: A GWB Story (Re-Release)
For this episode, we’re re‑releasing one of the most powerful stories we’ve ever told - a complete listening experience that transports you to one of the most remote and challenging places on Earth.
Searching for Water in Kakuma takes you inside the second‑largest refugee camp in the world, home to more than 185,000 people and still growing. There, a team of Canadian geophysicists joined forces with determined refugees and locals to take on a life‑or‑death challenge: finding safe, sustainable water for tens of thousands in East Africa.
This episode offers an unflinching look at the obstacles, breakthroughs, and human resilience at the heart of applied geophysics.
If you’re new to Seismic Soundoff, we’re glad you’ve chosen to listen. This podcast shares stories that connect geoscience to real‑world impact - from breakthrough research and innovative technology to the people applying them to solve Earth’s toughest challenges.
Starting September 11, we’ll release three brand‑new interviews every week, bringing you fresh voices and powerful stories from across the geoscience community.
For now, please enjoy this deeply personal and meaningful story.
For show notes - including a full transcript, photos, and links to explore the Kakuma water project and Paul Bauman’s work - visit seg.org/podcast/Post/6368.
To listen to other GWB podcasts, visit https://seg.org/podcast_tag/geoscientists-without-borders/.
GEOSCIENTISTS WITHOUT BORDERS®
Get involved with Geoscientists without Borders! Visit the GWB website at https://seg.org/gwb to learn about funded projects, donate, or apply to lead a project. Whether you are a student, researcher, or industry professional, your skills and support can make a significant difference.
SPONSOR
Schlumberger strives to be a unifying force for social and environmental stewardship, and engages in philanthropic activities that reflect the company’s values. As the founding sponsor of Geoscientists Without Borders®, Schlumberger believes in the science of geophysics to effect positive changes in communities facing environmental hardship and natural hazards.
INTERVIEWS
Paul Bauman, Landon Woods, Erin Ernst, Doug MacLean, Franklin Koch, Brendan O’Brien, Alastair McClymont
Music in the episode courtesy of Epidemic Sound. Additional sound was provided by Brendan O’Brien.
This episode was hosted, edited, and produced by Andrew Geary. Thank you to the SEG podcast team - Jennifer Crockett, Beth Donica, Ally McGinnis, Mick Swiney, and Adrienne White, as well as SEG staff Katie Burk and Linda Ford.
Seismic Soundoff
"Sometimes the traditional methods are way more effective or efficient in handling certain things. To succeed in this new paradigm, we need to build on our strong fundamentals and progress further."
Ivan Lim Chen Ning shares how data-driven methods are reshaping geophysics by challenging traditional workflows and opening new possibilities. He highlights the role of AI, machine learning, and fiber-optic sensing in improving seismic interpretation, imaging, and monitoring. His insights show how combining strong fundamentals with modern digital tools can help geophysicists solve problems more effectively.
Read the September issue of TLE about data-driven geophysics at https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/44/9.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> AI and data-driven tools open new paths. They help geophysicists move beyond traditional workflows to find faster and simpler solutions.
> Fiber-optic sensing changes monitoring. DAS provides continuous well data, replacing point sensors and revealing signals directly.
> Strong fundamentals still matter. Success comes from combining proven geophysical methods with modern digital skills.
GUEST BIO
Ivan Lim Chen Ning is an Earth Scientist – Fiber Optics at Chevron, where he analyzes Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) data and develops real-time algorithms for field applications. He applies deep learning and signal processing to improve DFOS workflows, advancing distributed acoustic sensing in the energy industry. A member of Chevron’s Emerging Leader 2024 cohort, Ivan is recognized for solving cross-disciplinary challenges and driving innovation to help secure energy for the future.
