SEG LA RAC Newsletter
March 2021 • Vol. 2, Nº. 1
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SEG LA RAC Newsletter
March 2021 • Vol. 2, Nº. 1 SEG Latin America Regional Advisory Committee https://seg.org/About-SEG/Governance/Committees/ Latin-America-Regional-Affairs-Advisory-Comittee
In this Issue: Chair letter A perspective on the COVID-19 Pandemic and Energy Transition
SEG Council Note Achieving the Council’s potential
3 Connect with us through our social networks :
5 instagram.com/seg_la_rac/
SEG District Representatives
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facebook.com/SEGLARAC/
Geophysics for Today and Tomorrow
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linkedin.com/company/seg/
1st SEG Student Conference
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facebook.com/SEGeophysicists/
Books Translation Project
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twitter.com/seg_org
LARAC Activities Calendar
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All SEG members have a voice: how to be closer to the SEG Governance
LARAC Activities:
instagram.com/segeophysicists/ youtube.com/channel/ UCoiDplSjsNwWoB2Mu24AcOA
Student Chapters Activities
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Affiliated Societies Activities
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Newsletter organization Editorial Team
Interview Mapping the Pandemic’s Impact on Industry Associations
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Technical text Near-Surface Geophysics applications in the context of Geotechnical Engineering
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Itzamna Gonzalez Juarez
Editor
Isabela Dantas de Albuquerque
Co-editor
Rocio Bernal Olaya
Co-editor
Karla Paola Bugarin Velazquez
Co-editor
Newsletter support Ana Curcio Laurie Whitesell
Upcoming Events
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Cover Image by Anton Balazh
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Chair letter A perspective on the COVID-19 Pandemic and Energy Transition By Ana Curcio Chair of the SEG LARAC 2019-present In November 2019 it was my honor to be nominat-
and gas to other energy markets. Temporary unem-
ed and to accept the chair role of this esteemed com-
ployment and a transition to digital transformation
mittee of dedicated professionals, students, and re-
providing a great opportunity for our professionals to
tired professionals or close to retirement profession-
reinvent their careers.
als. Some of them recently joined the committee and all serve with high energy. During 2020, the energy market crisis as a result of the pandemic, climate issues, and decreased oil and
The Latin America region was not an exception to this global context and in this sense, the committee was also part of this transition. Based on the necessities of the region, 4 subcommittees were created:
gas prices raised and accelerated a transition from oil
1. Institutional Subcommittee The main objective is to establish procedures for the Vice-Chair election, and interaction with other SEG Regional Advisory Committees and the Technical Subcommittee, as well as, interaction with other SEG committees and other organizations.
2. Technical Subcommittee The main objective is to coordinate non-oil and gas web-panels, webinars, and identifying those topics of interest in the region. In the future, to promote implementation of field schools, boot-camps, and training.
All these activities and future plans are aligned with the “SEG Pillars” promoted by the SEG President 2020-2021 Maurice Nessim.
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3. Students Subcommittee The main objective is the construction of a bridge between students and retired geoscientists, interaction and better connection with student chapters in Latin America, and to organize the Student Virtual Conference (SVC). In the future, contribute to find research and postgraduate options.
4. Volunteering Subcommittee The main objective is the translation to Spanish of the “Digital Imaging and Deconvolution: The ABCs of Seismic Exploration and Processing” written by Enders A. Robinson and Sven Treitel.
and see how SEG can contribute with ideas and programs locally. The committee will continue to add valuable con-
To strengthen the relationship between SEG and
tent for our regional members and others around the
local societies, the committee once a month meets with
globe through technical webinars and webinars that are
a local association to talk about their activities, vision
aimed to highlight the career challenges and excite-
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Chair letter ment by some of the regionals leading professionals.
If you would like to help us grow, develop pro-
We will continue to expand our impact throughout the
grams throughout the region, and if you feel there are
region by working more closely with professionals of
specific partnerships we should be undertaking, please
regional societies, and by development with them
send an e-mail to lwhitesell@seg.org. I speak for the
meaningful activities. The activities of the committee
entire committee when I say, I hope you like what we
continue to grow and we are looking forward with en-
are doing, and decide to join us in our efforts. I look
thusiasm to working together with you to achieve our
forward to great things from this committee to help
goals.
best represent this amazing region.
Ana Curcio Geophysical Consultant Proingeo SA Current Chair, SEG Latin America Regional Advisory Committee, and SEG District 6 Representative (Latin America)
SEG Strategic Pillars to accelerate Geophysical innovation, SEG President, Maurice Nessim, 2021.
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SEG Council Note Achieving the Council’s potential By Gustavo Carstens SEG Council Chair
Not all of our members understand properly what
ically, the Council was meeting only once a year dur-
the SEG Council is and why we have it. The SEG By-
ing the Annual Meeting, when most of the members
laws describe the purpose of the Council in this way:
were present. Today, we have many more communication resources and can hold virtual Council meetings
Article VII
at any time we (or the Board of Directors) consider it
The Council
necessary. As always in our profession, we need to
Section 1. Purpose. The pur pose of the Council shall be: a.
To approve the Annual Report, changes dues to rate structure or dues beyond cumulative inflation, and Bylaws revisions at the Annual Council Meeting or other Council Meeting called by the President.
b.
To provide the Board of Directors with suggestions and recommendations in the form of motions from the floor on any topic considered to be of interest to the membership of the Society.
c.
To serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Directors on topics requested for review by the Board of Directors.
d.
To represent the members of the Society regarding Society matters; serve the needs of the Sections, Associated Societies, Technical Sections, and Districts; channel information between the Society and the Sections, Associated Societies, Technical Sections, and Districts; promote cooperation, and provide a forum for Members of the Society. Since this purpose was established at the time of
Society governance reform in 2012, the Council has spent most of its time serving mainly item a. Probably the main reason for this limited activity is that, histor-
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apply technological advances in our favor. At the Council is where SEG demonstrates that it is truly a global Society. Through the Sections and Associated Societies and the Districts, we have representation from all the countries in the world in which we have members. The proposed objectives have not yet been achieved and we continue working to achieve it. It is time now to start working hard on items b, c, and d. We need to use this powerful tool to help SEG grow. Since SEG’s new governance system was established, the Chair of the Council has been a member of the Board of Directors. This is an unbeatable situation — direct communication between the two most important ruling bodies of SEG at any time. SEG is a society of committees, and at the Council, we can benefit from some of them. We currently have the Global Advisory Committee and the Regional Advisory Committees that are a substantial part of the Society’s global-growth strategy. It should be natural for the Council to work with them to facilitate communication with members through out the world. Probably the most problematic part of Council organization currently is related to the Districts. In some cases, the Districts are too large geographically. Some of them include a large number of countries with several different primary languages.
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SEG Council Note We have heard for a long time the complaints from
experience, contacts, and overall power of the Council
District Representatives about how difficult it is for
to help achieve the great objectives of the Society. For
them to contact members in their Districts. The same
example, if we wanted to rapidly expand a new and
applies for those members who often don’t know how
valuable program in a truly global way, who better
to contact their District Representatives. To try to find
than the Council to help achieve that goal? With our
a solution to the problem, I implemented the creation
individuals throughout the world, our influential con-
of a task force that is currently working hard as you
tacts, and our familiarity with the business and cultural
read this column. They found some potential solutions
environments in diverse locales, we are positioned per-
to the problem stated and those tools are currently
fectly to undertake this role.
used.
Any new ideas are welcome and will be considered.
All great organizations need great purposes or mis-
The door is open, and the opportunity to collaborate is
sions. SEG clearly has those and the associated pro-
in front of you. Please contact your local Associated
grams — Geoscientists Without Borders®, EVOLVE,
Society, your District Representative, or me directly
Honorary Lectures, and Distinguished Lectures, to
with any suggestions you have on how we can better
name just a few — to help achieve them. So, perhaps
serve our membership.
we should also consider unleashing the knowledge,
Gustavo Carstens Council Chair Gustavo, 2019, President's Page: Achieving the council's potential, SEG Leading Edge, vol. 38, No.12, p. 910. https:// doi.org/10.1190/tle38120910.1
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SEG District Representatives All SEG members have a voice: how to be closer to the SEG Governance By Ana Curcio, Chair of the SEG LARAC and SEG D6 Representative Based on John Duhault Report, District Representatives Report, May 2020
Have you ever felt that you have an outstanding
1. The SEG Council:
proposal that improves the world of applied geophysics
The SEG Council represents the Sections, Associat-
and integration of geoscientists, but you don’t have the
ed Societies, and Technical Sections of SEG and serves
tools to implement it? Have you ever felt that you have
as advisors to the SEG Board of Directors (https://
some concerns about geophysical activities and devel-
seg.org/About-SEG/Governance/SEG-Council).
opment in your province, country, and/or region, but
The Council consists of representative from each
you don’t know the proper way to express those con-
Section, Associated Society, Technical Section, and
cerns and who the proper contact person is?
Geographic District.
In this short note, I would like to talk about the Dis-
Members in good standing are represented on the
trict Representatives, their roles in the SEG Council,
Council by a geographic district representative and
and the tools that you can use to be closer to the SEG
may also be represented on the Council by a repre-
Governance. Note that the SEG is a global not-for-
sentative from a Section, Associated Society, or Tech-
profit organization with a mission of connecting the
nical Section of which the Member is a member. How-
world of applied geophysics, supporting more than
ever, each Active Member shall be represented by only
14,000 members from 114 countries.
one Section, Associated Society, or Technical Section as designated by the member.
World map with the 12 District boundaries. Stars on the map represent SEG sections or offices (Source: https://seg.org/About-SEG/Governance/SEG-Council/District-Boundaries).
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SEG District Representatives 2. District Representatives (DRs):
lowing actions that resulted in:
A District Representative shall represent all mem-
1.
Recommending using the new SEG implement-
bers in their District regardless of member type. Also,
ed email communication tools for all council
the DRs should promote and facilitate the global con-
members on the SEG website.
nectivity of the SEG on a District basis. The DRs shall
2.
Recommending that the DRs use some of the
communicate to the Council all issues that are im-
SEG website tools available for the council and
portant to the members of their districts. According to
SEG members.
the SEG bylaws, the District Representatives (DRs) roles are:
3.
Recognize that communications was the biggest issue among the Districts followed by language concerns.
“SEG Bylaws (VII.2a THE COUNCIL – Composi-
4.
Recommending the creation of, or recognizing
tion) The Council shall consist of Representa-
the existing, Regional Advisory Committees to
tives from each Section, Associated Society,
have representation from all the countries in the
Technical Section, and Geographic District.
District to address local area concerns.
Members in good standing shall be represented on the Council by a Geographic District Representative, regardless of membership in Sections, Associated Societies, or Technical Sections.”
The primary responsibility of the two DRs is to promote and facilitate the global connectivity of the SEG on a District basis. This is accomplished by facilitating effective and timely communication between and amongst the following stakeholders:
The two DRs in each District work as a mini-team in representing the Members in their District on the
1.
er to help coordinate their efforts to effectively rep-
Council. They should agree on the division of labor in fulfilling their collective responsibilities. In November 2019, a small group of SEG Council members was se-
resent all Members within their District. 2.
website, to facilitate two-way communication. DRs
stens, to be the District Representative committee
will engage to promote and facilitate SEG member-
members on an SEG Council Task Force. The task
ship, SEG events, and other local geoscience activi-
force was chaired by John Duhault, Vice-Chair of the tives Task Force Members were: Jerry Beaudoin, Past
ties. 3.
tricts. This communication will allow for archival record-keeping of ongoing issues and aid future
They were tasked with addressing several issues con-
atives. After discussion, the Task Force took the fol-
The DRs communicate
flow of information from/to Members in all Dis-
District 9; Ana Curcio, District 6.
responsibilities of the SEG Council District Represent-
DRs <> SEG staff:
with the SEG staff to help coordinate/summarize the
DR; Sherif Hanafy, District 10; Uche Irene Aigbokhai,
cerning the Districts including redefining the roles and
DRs <> District Members: The DRs will use the new communication tools in place, on the SEG
lected by the Chair of the SEG Council, Gustavo Car-
SEG Council. The SEG Council District Representa-
DR <> DR: DRs communicate with each oth-
DRs. 4.
DRs <> SAS: (Technical Sections and Associated Societies): The DRs, when possible/practical, participate with the Technical Section, Student
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SEG District Representatives and with the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC)
annual face-to-face meeting. DRs would benefit
representatives of their District to get an understand-
from shared best practices and common themes
ing of Members’ concerns and identify regional or
across District boundaries through DR-focused
technical gaps that may represent opportunities for the
virtual meetings.
SEG. If it is determined that a member's need/concern
6.
DRs <> Council DRs to pr ovide insights
reaches across districts, the DRs of all the districts
at the SEG Council by effectively communi-
should bring the messaging to the Council together as
cating with their District and other SEG mem-
a single group.
bers as indicated in the responsibilities above.
5.
This will raise the quality of advice provided to
DRs <> DRs in other Districts DRs look at ways to communicate to other DRs beyond the
the SEG Board.
How can you contact your District Representative in your Region? The SEG has implemented a mailing system that contacts both a staff member and DRs. First, identify your region in the map on the previous pages. The corresponding district for Latin America is District number 6 (D6). Second, enter the Governance/ Council (https://seg.org/About-SEG/Governance/
District Representatives for District 6 and its contacts.
SEG-Council). There you will find the Section and Associated Society Representatives list with their corresponding contact. Finally, scroll down to the District Representatives section and you will find the District Representatives' names and contact. Through this system, you can send a message to their inbox with a copy to an SEG staff member .
With this system, you can easily reach out to the SEG Governance. Be active!
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District Representatives mailing system.
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Geophysics for Today and Tomorrow LARAC web-panel series: The current state of mining geophysics in Latin America Miguel Bosch / Jose Arce / Jeremy Barrett / Telma Aisengart / Annabella Betancourt / Ana Curcio
As part of the broader line of webinars, Geophysics
regulated mining activities have such high standards
for Today and Tomorrow, the Latin American
that
minimize
that
impact
considerably.
Our
Regional Advisory Committee is organizing a series of
dependence on mining for our everyday life is often
web-panels focused on the current state of applied
not fully realized. All our activities today use materials
geophysics in Latin America, with emphasis in non-oil
extracted from the Earth.
production related activities. The objective is to inform
Concerning the required technology, Jose considers
on the state of the techniques and business, allow the
that mining geophysics is becoming more critical in
presentation of different points of view, and generate
the discovery process as most deposits close to surface
discussion on the topic. For this purpose, the web
have already been discovered. Techniques with deeper
panels include presentations of three experts having
reach and higher quality instrumentation, accompanied
professional practice in the region, followed by
by a new generation of sensors permit us to work in
questions and discussion.
sensitivity levels in our measurements not thought
The first panel, dedicated to the topic of Mining
possible in the recent past. New geophysical
Geophysics, was presented on Friday 10th December.
applications are also being developed and improved to
We were grateful to have the presentations by Jose
be applied from automated drone platforms, reducing
Arce, Jeremy Barrett and Telma Aisengard, followed
our footprint in the field, and extending our reach into
by questions and panel discussions. Jose is member of
areas that are harder to explore.
various SEG committees, has been regional Vice
Jeremy Barrett described the relevance of the Latin
President and participated in various committees for
American mining sector in the global scene. The Latin
the Society of Economic Geologists and was president
America region has a long established and globally
of the Peruvian Geological Society and is current
important mining industry. This is supported by just
manager of Arce Geofísicos. Jeremy, currently based
over
on Chile, has a long career in the exploration of
budget. Despite a paucity of quantitative information
mineral resources in Latin America, and is manager of
on expenditure in geophysics, as practitioners we see a
Southern Rock Geophysics. Telma, based on Brazil,
healthy level of activity in the geophysics sector with
has a wide experience in potential field data
an excellent level of expertise, technology and
interpretation applied to mining and oil related projects
application. The science is driven forward with
in the region.
numerous and vibrant R&D projects in the region,
a
quarter
of
the
world’s
exploration
Jose Arce explained the challenges of the activity in
although there is still a tendency to look outside of the
the region, including the public perception. As in other
region for solutions, both in terms of hardware and
extractive industries, mining activities in the region are
software. As evidenced in the oil and gas sector, a
commonly under attack due to lack of knowledge in
significantly skewed R&D risk profile appears to exist
the general public. It is true that any human activity
between mining/exploration companies and their
will cause an impact to the environment, but current
service providers with the latter risking significantly
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Geophysics for Today and Tomorrow larger proportions of revenue despite usually having
appropriate data management in place in order to be
less capacity to absorb this financial risk. The region
able to access and use all data and by having access be
has excellent geophysicists and the use of geophysics
able to integrate them all and use Machine Learning
is at the cutting edge, but in general it punches below
techniques to extract more value from them. Telma
its weight on the international scene. Greater
also talked about the importance of having sustainable
confidence is required to share our region’s geophysics
mining with attention to the environmental and social
with the wider world.
impacts of this activity that is essential to support the
Telma discussed the open technological challenges
technology that we rely on. She also brought some
in the mining geosciences regarding integration and
numbers from the region that show its importance in
modeling automatization, which point in the same
the global market.
direction as in other engineering activities.
She
This interesting discussion can be listened at the
reinforced the need to have a systemic view by using
SEG link, https://seg.org/Events/SEG-Live/session/the-
all available data and information and thinking about
current-state-of-mining-geophysics-in-latin-america .
the Mineral Systems, talked about the digital transformation that was already in course but was
We are currently planning our next web-panel on the topic of underground water prospection.
accelerated by the pandemic, the need to have and
Special announcement Special Technical Section of the SEG LA RAC Newsletter The SEG LARAC is pleased to inform our readers that it is planning to launch a special section of our quarterly newsletter that is dedicated to our professional community. We are welcoming articles, reviews and opinions on a topic of current interest specifically with a Latin American focus. Contributions will be informally reviewed by the editorial team of the SEG LARAC Newsletter prior to publication. In addition, the special section will provide authors an opportunity to showcase news or updates on current research, ongoing projects within their university, company or country, respectively. The main idea of the column is to provide a synopsis of work with some preliminary results. Submission format is an article of no more than 500 words with a maximum of two (2) pictures, figures or charts that are
fully captioned. A short biography and picture of the author is required. We encourage you to utilize the opportunity to submit and take advantage of publicity that could be derived. Please send your contributions to Terrell Dhanpaul (terrdhan@gmail.com) and Ana Curcio (anitacurcio@gmail.com) and copy Laurie Whitesell (lwhitesell@seg.org) and SEGLARACnewsletter@gmail.com. We eagerly look forward to receiving your articles to make this a reality for the next edition, which will be published in July. Regards, Terrell Dhanpaul Technical Sub-Committee, SEG LARAC
Send you article to be published in the next issue of the SEG LA RAC Newsletter
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Geophysics for Today and Tomorrow Professional Edition
Well Log Analysis to Improve Rock Physics in Unconventional Fields Initiating the 2021 year with the Geophysics for Today and Tomorrow Professional Edition, Professor Carlos Torres-Verdin, J ames J enings Memor ial Endowed Chair in Petroluem and Geosystem Engineering from University of Texas at Austin Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering gathered the interest of Professionals and Students with a relevant topic about Well Log Analysis to Improve Rock Physics in Unconventional Fields. During his webinar Professor Torres-Verdin described and highlighted the role played by borehole geophysical measurements in the assessment of compositional and mechanical properties of organicrich shales and mudrocks, setting emphasis on rock properties, which have a dominant impact on fluid production via hydrofacturing; contextual geological and spatial information; and methods commonly used
for measurement assimilation and interpretation. Links to view this webinar will be included in the SEG Live library which can be accessed free of charge.
Student Edition
Seismic Attributes Introduction to Seismic Attributes
Geometric Seismic Attributes
A seismic attribute is any measure of seismic data that helps us visually enhance or quantify features of interpretation interest. A good seismic attribute is either directly sensitive to the desired geologic feature or reservoir property of interest, or allows us to define the structural or depositional environment and thereby enables us to infer features or properties of interest. First introduced in the early 1970s, seismic attributes are now used widely for lithological and petrophysical prediction of reservoir properties. Karen Leopoldino’s webinar provided an introduction to seismic attributes based on Dr. Marfurt's seismic attributes material.
Seismic attributes fall into two broad categories: those helpful in the quantification of morphological components of seismic data and those helpful in the quantification of the reflectivity component of seismic data. Rafael Pires-Lima’s webinar provided a summary of the morphological attributes, called geometric attributes, that help us extract information on reflector dip, azimuth, and termination. Such morphological features can then be related to faults, channels, salt diapirs, and karstic features. This talk is also based on Dr. Marfurt's seismic attributes material.
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1st SEG Student Conference 1st SEG Latin America Virtual Student Conference By Isabela Albuquerque, SEG LARAC member
On March 10 and 11, 2021, took place the 1st SEG Latin America Virtual Student Conference, organized
professionals
by the SEG Latin America Regional Advisory
geophysics and the best abstracts were selected.
Committee
(LARAC)
and
sponsored
by
SEG
Foundation.
from
different
areas
of
applied
During the conference, the public gave scores to the presentations, which were used, together with the
The event aimed to provide Latin American students
abstracts scores, to define the Top 3 of the best
with a free and international conference to publicize
presentations and the selected students will receive
their academic research and highlight the talented and
cash prizes provided by the SEG Foundation in the
hard-working students that we have in the region.
total of USD $ 300, USD $ 200 and USD $ 100 for the
The conference featured 13 presentations by
1st, 2nd and 3rd placed respectively.
undergraduate, master and doctoral students from
We congratulate the selected students and thank the
Argentina, Brazil Mexico and Venezuela on topics
audience that attended the conference days and the
related to applied geophysics.
event organizers and supporters.
The event also featured Gustavo Carstens at the opening
ceremony
presenting
the
Society
of
Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) to the attendants. To participate, students sent abstracts about the
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results of their research, which were evaluated by
The presentations recordings will be made available on the SEG website. Check the event website: https://seg.org/Events/1stSEG-Virtual-Student-Conference.
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1st SEG Student Conference Presentations
10 March
Title
Presenter
Opening Ceremony
Gustavo Carstens
University
Abstract
SEG Council Chair
A Numerical Comparison Of Travel Time approximations for qP Waves in Orthorhombic Media
Bruno Camerano
UNICAMP (Brazil)
Link
Borehole-Guided Sparse Spike Deconvolution
Gabriel R. Gelpi
UNLP (Argentina)
Link
João Victor Moraes Da Costa Anjos
UFF (Brazil)
Link
Seafloor Characterization based on Seismic Attributes in the Foz do Amazonas Basin Lithospheric Structure in Austral Basin, Argentina, using Surface Waves Phase Velocity
Leticia Duca
Preconditioning of Presalt Seismic Data
Raquel Macedo Dias
UNLP (Argentina) UFF (Brazil)
Link Link
Characterization of the Polygonal Fault System in the Cretaceous-Paleogene of the Magallanes Foreland Basin and its role as a migration pathways
María Florencia Varela
UNLP (Argentina)
Link
3D Magnetotelluric Modeling using High Order Tetrahedral Elements
Erik Gallardo Romero
CICESE (Mexico)
Link
Matias Walter Elias
UNLP (Argentina)
Link
Víctor Ruiz González
UBA (Argentina)
Link
Fábio Júnior Damasceno Fernandes
UFF (Brazil)
Link
Influence of Pyrite and Clay Minerals in Saturation Calculations at the Poti Formation, Parnaiba Basin: A Case Study in Well 3-PGN-5-MA
Lidia Waltz Calonio
UFF (Brazil)
Link
Development of a Computational Tool for Reservoir Characterization using Pre-stacked Seismic
Luisdaniel Rivera
UCV (Venezuela)
Link
Analysis of Tuning Thickness from Acoustic Impedance using a Wedge Model
Thiago Rebeque Carvalho dos Santos
UFF (Brazil)
Link
3D Finite-Element Frequency-Domain Modeling of Controlled-Source Electromagnetic Data The Record of the Jurassic Deformation along the Deseado Massif in the Bahía Laura Complex (Patagonia, Argentina) Pseudo-wells Generation by Spatial-Correlated Sto-
11 chastic Simulations March
Topics Electric and Electromagnetic Methods
Gravity and Geomagnetic Methods
Seismic Acquisition and Processing
Seismic Interpretation
Borehole Geophysics
Reservoir Characterization
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1st SEG Student Conference Our acknowledgments Organization Isabela Dantas de Albuquerque Natalí Alejandra Barría
Collaboration María Fernanda Graneros National University of Tucumán
Paola Pepino Tarabini Karla Bugarin Lucas Guimarães Pereira Monteiro
LARAC Coordination Jonas de Basabe LARAC Student Coordinator Annabella Betancourt SEG Staff Liaison
Support Gustavo Carstens (SEG Council Chair) Ana Curcio (LA RA C Chair) Paul Cunningham (Past Director at large)
Luiza Fonseca Ribeiro Federal Fluminense University João Marcilio Caixeta Federal University of Ouro Preto Angi Viviana Aparicio Guevara Industrial University of Santander Jean Carlos Torres Poveda University of Pamplona César Alberto Murillo Collado Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco Montserrat Rasgado López National Polytechnic Institute
Sergio Chávez-Pérez (LA RA C Past Chair)
Carlos Eduardo Vargas Fernandes National University of San Agustín de Arequipa
Terrell Dhanpaul (LA RA C Member)
Milagros Cristell Taype Coaquira National University of San Agustín de Arequipa
Reviewers Ana Lucia Ramos Barreto André Kowalski Arol Josue Rojas Beatriz Valdes Moreno Carlos Andres Jimenez Torres Idney Cavalcanti da Silva Josue Gabriel Gonzalez Flores Juan Gerardo Peña Dominguez Keyla Ramirez Miguel Angelo Mane Milagrosa Aldana Patricia Descovi Rogério Santos Sharon Teebenny Tassiane Pereira Junqueira Yesid Paul Goyes-Peñafiel
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Luiz Felipe Rodrigues de Moraes State University of Rio de Janeiro
Sergio Anthony Pariapaza Quispe National University of San Agustín de Arequipa Maria Claudia Vera Bello Simon Bolivar University
Sponsor
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Books Translation Project Digital imaging and deconvolution translation project By Gabriel Gelpi, SEG LARAC member
The SEG LARAC Committee is very glad to an-
attributes and seismic attenuation among others. At the
nounce a new translation project from English to
end of the book the reader can find a detailed mathe-
Spanish. This time, the selected title is “Digital Imag-
matical overview. The methods described are also im-
ing and Deconvolution: The ABCs of Seismic Explo-
portant in areas like optical imaging, video imaging,
ration and Processing” written by Enders A. Robinson
medical and biological imaging, acoustical analysis,
and Sven Treitel.
radar, and sonar.
In this book, nominated by the Association of
There is no doubt this is a huge project, and it is
Earth Science Editors award for best geoscience publi-
going to be immensely helpful for geoscientist in the
cation of 2008–2009, the authors cover the basic ideas
Latin American region and around the globe. To suc-
and methods used in seismic processing. This volume
cessfully achieve this project, the LARAC committee
is intended for geophysicists, graduate students, and
is looking for volunteers that are able to work in a
undergraduates in geophysics. However, it can also be
team, fluent in English/Spanish and have some
helpful to scientists and engineers in other disciplines
knowledge in applied geophysics.
who use digital signal processing to analyze and image wave-motion data in remote-detection applications.
The kickoff of the project will be in April 2021 and it is expected to last between 6-9 months, although
The book covers topics such as wave motion, dig-
it can be extended to one year. For more information
ital imaging, digital filtering, visualization aspects of
about the qualifications needed for this task the reader
the seismic reflection method, sampling theory, wave-
can follow this link or contact us at lastu-
lets and wavelet processing, deconvolution, seismic
dent.conference@seg.org.
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Latin American RAC Activities Calendar
Activities 7 15 April
SEG Latin America RAC April Meeting Webinars Geophysics for Today and Tomorrow - Professional Edition The Geophysical Sustainability Atlas, Maria Angela Capello Webinars Geophysics for Today and Tomorrow - Student Edition
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'My professional career… a reflection of the development of geophysics in Venezuela' Dr. Jose Regueiro, Geophysical Advisor
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May
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SEG Latin America RAC May Meeting Webinars Geophysics for Today and Tomorrow - Student Edition Humberto Salazar, MsC, AMGE, Pemex Webinars Geophysics for Today and Tomorrow - Professional Edition Xavier Moonan, Exploration Manager and Vice President AAPG LACR
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SEG Latin America RAC June Meeting
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Geothermal Prospection webpanel
June
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July
Webinars Geophysics for Today and Tomorrow - Professional Edition, Members in Transition, Maria Angela Capello and Lorenzo Izarra (Spanish edition)
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SEG Latin America RAC July Meeting
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Newsletter Deadline for material
15 30
Webinars Geophysic for Today and Tomorrow - Student Edition, Speaker to be confirmed Chair and Vice-Chair Election Open on 30 July at 12:00 AM & close on 31 August at 11:59 PM
Connect with us through our social networks to register for the upcoming events: instagram.com/seg_la_rac/ facebook.com/SEGLARAC/
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Student Chapters Activities 1st Summer School in Oil and Gas National Observatory Greenstone Belt Geophysical Society By Isabela Albuquerque At the beginning of 2021, the 1st Summer School in Oil and Gas took place, organized by the SEG student chapters National Observatory Greenstone Belt Geophysical Society, Universidade Federal Fluminense Geophysical Society and State University of Rio De Janeiro Geophysical Society, with support from the Brazilian Geophysical Society (SBGf) and SPE Brazil Section, and sponsored by Halliburton. The 50hr. free online course, created for geosciences and engineering undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduates, provided about 500 participants with a view of geosciences, covering all areas of the oil and gas industry.
seminating knowledge related to geophysics. For this purpose, SGA developed the project “Geophysics in Focus”, which, through weekly posts on social media (Facebook and Instagram), we approach geophysics related topics remotely. As a way to enhance the engagement with our followers, we use Instagram tools for interaction and feedback on published content. A question box is available for possible questions and, to measure and practice the knowledge passed by the publications, quizzes are held with the subject addressed during the week. The selected topics range from the explanation of what geophysics is, to geophysical methods and their applications. “Geophysical quiz” posted on chapter’s Instagram profile
Geophysical Project in Focus Federal University of Ouro Preto SEG Student Chapter - Sociedade de Geofísica Aplicada (SGA) In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID19), the Sociedade de Geofísica Aplicada (SGA) sought alternatives for the realization of new projects that fulfill the objective of arousing interest and dis-
Instagram post of "Geophysics in Focus" explaining what geophysics is Thus, the project presents Geophysics in a simple and dynamic way. As a result, we had great public acceptance, being a project recognized by the professionals who accompany us. We believe that in times of crisis, knowledge is always the answer!
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Student Chapters Activities Virtual Field Trips National Observatory Greenstone Belt Geophysical Society By Isabela Albuquerque
cuts through the Serra do Rio do Rastro one of the best world records of the entire Gondwanic sequence of the Paraná Basin, from the crystalline basement at the base to the basaltic spills at the top, in addition to the stunning panorama.
Due to the difficulties in organizing face-to-face field trips at the present time, at the end of 2020, the National Observatory chapter organized two virtual field trips. The first was on the Serra do Rio do Rastro, located in the south of the state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil, and was presented by Dr. Edison Milani, PETROBRAS retired geologist and one of the recipients of the Brazilian Geology Society with the Orville Derby Gold Medal. Virtual Field Trip "Machu Picchu: Geology along the paths of the Incas" with Dr. Rualdo Menegat
Virtual Field Trip “Serra do Rio do Rastro” with Dr. Edison Milani Famous for the White Column, first described by the American geologist Israel. C. White in 1908, it is possible to glimpse along the SC-438 highway that
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The second was about Machu Picchu, Peru, and was presented by Dr. Rualdo Menegat, professor at Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul whose research on the intentional construction of Machu Picchu on geological faults had significant international repercussions. Considered one of the greatest architectural works, the ancient Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu is built in a remote location, at the top of a narrow mountain range above a gorge. The location of the sanctuary has long intrigued researchers. Why did the Incas build their masterpiece in such an inaccessible place? Rualdo presented us with his findings on the subject.
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Affiliated Societies Activities
1 course:
Report January - March 2021 Between January and March of 2021, the Colombian Association of Petroleum Geologists and Geophysicists (ACGGP) organized:
4 conferences:
Paleotopographic reconstruction of the Central Andes;
Use of geophysical techniques for the selection of sites and monitoring of the artificial recharge of aquifers;
Use of seismic data for the construction of flow models in unconventional fractured reservoirs;
Pedagogy tools for geoscientific knowledge;
2 forums:
The role of a woman geologist: leader and scientist;
Women & girls in geology;
Regional pedagogy:
2 Departments (Córdoba and Sucre);
5 Municipalities (Sahagún, Chinú, Caimito, La Unión and San Benito de Abad);
37 workshops.
Access https://acggp.org/ for more information.
The future of energy;
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Affiliated Societies Activities
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Interview Mapping the Pandemic’s Impact on Industry Associations Interview with Gerardo Clemente Martínez, President AMGE, By Pedro Alcalá Text originally published on mexicobusiness.news
Q: How did you become involved in AMGE? A: I became a member of the association when I entered PEMEX, which was in January 1987. This means I have been a part of these organizations for the past 34 years. I had no idea what the association was all about when I graduated from college and began my career in the industry. As soon as I joined and became part of its activities, I became very motivated when I heard my colleagues promote the development of knowledge and expertise within our profession. Over the years, I have witnessed periods in which participation in the association’s activities has decreased, particularly in moments of difficulty for the industry in which everybody is looking for a new job or going back to school in between jobs. This is a common occurrence in an industry with a certain degree of volatility, as is the case with hydrocarbons. Q: What is the best way to address those variations in regard to involvement and interest? A: The association’s history goes back to 1958, when it focused on the much larger branch of geophysics. Over time, we became specialized in exploration geophysics, until we reached a point in which 80 to 90 percent of our activities were focused on oil and gas exploration through seismic methods. Now that I have become president of the association, I am interested in seeing the association return to its general roots. I believe it is imperative that all of our young geophysicists who have just graduated from college have access to a variety of venues through which their talents and education can be applied and developed. We do not want oil and gas exploration, and its volatility related to factors like oil prices and demand, to become a bottleneck that limits the growth of these young professionals. We also have to consider
Gerardo Clemente Martínez President AMGE
that international trends point toward the eventual diminished of fossil fuels, although we expect the global economy to depend on these resources for quite some time. We also want to establish stronger bonds and networks with other associations and academic organizations to make sure we are providing these young professionals with as many opportunities as possible. We have to keep in mind that the association’s member pool is aging; the average member´s age is above 40. This is why student outreach and the creation of student chapters is so essential. Q: What are the most important items on your agenda as the association’s new president? A: To be honest, our most pressing matter right now is taking care of the association’s financing resources. Our main source of income is the Mexican Petroleum Congress (CMP), whose funds have been heavily affected by the pandemic. We expect finances to return to normal levels in 2022, at the earliest. Another issue that became increasingly relevant for us during the pandemic was the safety of our members. To avoid public gatherings, we have migrated to more digital and remotely managed modalities. We are using this time to generate educational material and organize workshops to generate alternative income. We also want to focus on educating young physicists on the value of promoting sustainability at worksites and in the sectors they work in. The Mexican Association of Exploration Geophysicists (AMGE) represents some of the most extensively and technically trained workers in Mexico’s oil and gas industry, with strong ties to both academic and labor communities within PEMEX.
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Technical text Near-Surface Geophysics applications in the context of Geotechnical Engineering Gabriel Galdino Magalhães†, Maria Silvia Carvalho Barbosa† † Society of Applied Geophysics - Federal University of Ouro Preto, Brazil Geotechnical engineering in Brazil is currently undergoing a historic moment of change, both in terms of technical knowledge and the legal aspects associated with asset management. This attention condition stems essentially from the two recent and major accidents involving a failure of mining dams, in the municipalities of Mariana (2015) and Brumadinho (2018). Both events resulted in losses of human lives in addition to significant environmental and economic impacts. It is in this context that a wide range of technologies has been incorporated into the monitoring of tailings dams and other geotechnical structures such as dikes, pits and piles. Among the technologies that have been applied, it is possible to highlight both conventional resources, such as piezometers, water level indicators, inclinometers, in addition to new unconventional resources, such as the radars applied for monitoring displacements. Despite the great advances brought by the various monitoring methods currently applied, it is essential to state that each one has its advantages and limitations. In this sense, even though the piezometers and water level indicators return fundamental information for the understanding of the internal phenomena of the studied structure, they still have a very punctual investigation capacity. Others, such as radars, have a spatial sampling capacity, however, limited to superficial perception. In this sense, there is an increase in the applicability and interest in shallow geophysics, which gains space to complement other technologies. It is worth highlighting the possibility of three-dimensional and noninvasive research as the strengths of geophysics. Among the various methods available, those with the greatest recurrence in the literature and in market offers for the Brazilian context will be briefly discussed here. These are reference works for the following considerations: Tavares (2018), Oliveira (2018) and Rocha (2019) in the context of dams; Bandeira (2018), CPRM (2019) and Gonçalves (2019) for stability studies in urban areas; Moreira (2016) and Santos (2019) for landfill investigation; Gama (2018) and Prosdocimi (2019) for cavity investigation. One of the main demands in the geotechnical area is to understand the behavior of water in the environ-
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ment. Often internal flows in masses of soil or rock are conditioned by geological structures or construction details, such as drains and galleries. Thus, the electro resistance method has as its main application the identification of potentially wet areas or the identification of voids. Generally, it is expected for these contexts, where there is presence of air or water, very characteristic resistivity responses, however, the literature indicates several contexts that can be ambiguous (Gama 2018), being some form of direct calibration, integration with others essential. geophysical methods or even other instruments for monitoring / investigating structures. Also noteworthy is the spontaneous potential method, which tends to be applied to identify flows, internal or more superficial. The integration between piezometric data, water level meters and the geophysical methods of electro resistance and spontaneous potential, allow a robust and three-dimensional analysis when well correlated and interpreted. The understanding of mechanical parameters such as stiffness distributions throughout the investigated environment or even in more general terms soil compaction is fundamental in geotechnical studies Refractive seismic and MASW consist of tools with great potential, with the second being highlighted by the possibility of using passive sources, which can be fundamental in the case of more fragile environments, in addition to low frequencies in general reaching greater depths. The GPR method, although commonly applied for more shallow investigations, and in some contexts does not meet the desired penetration in the study, has great application for the recognition of pipes and galleries, eventually arranged in constructed structures and which are not always well mapped. The seismic methods are correlated with SPT survey data. Gonçalves (2019) demonstrates the same feasibility of integration with electroresistiveness. The integration of P and S wave speed data, with other data such as soil density, allows an approximation of the dynamic deformability coefficients, which are applied in different geotechnical contexts, especially strain studies. Naturally, all integration resources work with the propagation of existing errors at each stage, ranging
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Technical text from survey to data processing. Therefore, geophysics should not be taken as a substitute for direct tests and investigations, however, a joint application can either assist in understanding how point properties are spatially distributed, or even assist in a more accurate and precise investigation, bringing the minimum damage to the structure. The Sociedade de Geofísica Aplicada, UFOP SEG Student Chapter, has developed a keen interest in the application of Near-Surface Geophysics, a fact that has materialized in several works aimed at the investigation of natural slopes in the city of Ouro Preto. These projects allow to explore a rising field in the geophysical scenario and bring return to the community, integrating scientific knowledge to the real demands of society. References CPRM (2019) – http://www.cprm.gov.br/publique/ media/gestao_territorial/riscos_geologicos/ relatoriosintese.pdf Gama 2018 - http://cpga.geologia.ufrj.br/index.php/ artigos/item/173-geofisica-rasa-na-investigacao-de -cavidades-naturais-em-minerio-de-ferro Gonçalves (2019) - Gonçalves, J.T.D. 2019. Integração do método geofísico de
eletrorresistividade e ensaios SPT na investigação de perfis de subsolos da região metropolitana de Salvador (RMS). Dissertação de Mestrado, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola Politécnica, Salvador, 67 p. Moreira (2016) - Moreira, C. A., Braga, A. C. de O., Hansen, M. A. F. 2016. Estimativa do tempo de produção de chorume em aterro controlado por meio de medidas de resistividade elétrica. Revista Brasileira de Geociências, 41: 549–557. Oliveira (2018) - http://cpga.geologia.ufrj.br/ index.php/artigos/item/171-caracterizacao-debarragens-de-rejeito-atraves-de-metodosgeofisicos-eletricos Prosdocimi, G. A. S. 2019. A valiação das relações lito-estruturais em cavidades ferríferas, com base em métodos geofísicos – estudo de caso: cavidade ferrífera da província Carajás/PA. Dissertação de Mestrado, Núcleo de Geotecnia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, p. 188. Rocha (2019) - http://cpga.geologia.ufrj.br/index.php/ artigos/item/175-geophysical-methods-for-brtailings-dam Santos (2019) https://www.bdm.unb.br/ handle/10483/24551 Tavares (2018) https://pantheon.ufrj.br/ handle/11422/4240
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Upcoming Events
2021 Energy in Data Conference
12 - 13 April 2021 International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC)
Online Experience
23 March - 1 April 2021
A joint society data conference, Energy in Data is exclusively designed for participants in the digital transformation of the energy sector. This forwardlooking, multidisciplinary conference includes the latest trends with topics such as machine learning, data management storage, oil & gas development and drilling, production and more.
Online Experience Founded in 2005, the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) is the flagship multidisciplinary technical event in the Eastern Hemisphere. The scope of the conference programme and associated industry activities address technology and relevant industry issues that challenge industry specialists and management around the world. Website: 2021.iptcnet.org/
Website: energyindata.org/
Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC) 26 - 28 July 2021 Online Experience
Net-Zero Emissions Workshop 28 April, 19 May, and 9 June 2021 Online Experience The aim of the workshop is to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) landscape from regulatory to technical/geotechnical/monitoring over three four hours days with ample time for discussions and questions. Website: seg.org/Events/Net-Zero-Emissions-Workshop
To receive the LARAC newsletter and other regional news from SEG, please opt in to receive these items by going to the SEG communications center at:
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URTeC is a premier event focused on the latest science and technology applied to exploration and development of unconventional resources, with special emphasis on integration of the multiple disciplines. Website: urtec.org/2021
NAPE Summit 9 August - 3 September 2021 Online Experience NAPE is the oil and gas industry’s marketplace for the buying, selling, and trading of prospects and producing properties. NAPE brings together all industry disciplines. Website: napeexpo.com/summit
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