Good vibrations

Good vibrations

By Rosie Hales

January 26, 2015

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 Dr. Alexander Braun.

Analyzing the vibrations of the Earth – or seismic data processing – is a skill some students in the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering can add to their resumés thanks to two major software donations valued at $171 million by the donor companies.

Fifty software licences for SeisSpace/Promax and Decision Space will help train undergraduate students in seismic data processing, interpretation and integration of geological, geophysical and geospatial information. Another 40 licences for VISTA – seismic data processing software – will help develop student skills in advance of their career.

Michael de Souza, Andrew Verok and Andrew LeRiche, all Sc'15, collaborate using the new software.  

Seismic data provides information on the Earth’s structure and seismic exploration is the most important tool leading to discoveries of oil and gas reserves.

“We’re so pleased to be able to offer experience and training with this software to our students,” says Alexander Braun, a professor in the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering responsible for reaching out and acquiring the donations. 

Chris Boucher, Sc'14, uses the software to analyze seismic reflection data.. 

The software is currently installed in the department’s undergraduate computer lab, Rose lab and the newly developed High Performance Computing Geophysics Lab. Courses such as Advanced Applied Geophysics, Geophysics Field School, and Exploration Seismology will all make use of the technology.

“Both software packages are cutting-edge systems used by major oil and gas corporations as well as natural resources companies. By exposing our students to industry leading software allows them to not only develop their technical skills, but also to promote their future careers in the geosciences sector,” says Dr. Braun.

Licences for SeisSpace/Promax and Decision Space were donated by Halliburton/Landmark. The licences for the VISTA software were donated by Schlumberger.

Smith Engineering