The Role of Geophysics in the Energy Transition| Esther Babcock, Logic Geophysics | Ep 151

Summary

In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, talks with Dr. Esther Babcock, Founder and Lead Geophysicist of Logic Geophysics. She discusses the role of geophysics in the energy transition. She emphasizes the importance of communication of uncertainty in geophysical data and the value of geophysics in understanding and mitigating long-term risks. Dr. Babcock shares fascinating experiences in geophysics, from uncovering buried objects to conducting geophysics campaigns in Antarctica. She also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the energy transition and the role of geophysics in addressing them.

Esther’s Book Recommendations:

Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

Takeaways

• Geophysics plays a crucial role in understanding and mitigating long-term risks associated with energy exploration, infrastructure development, and climate change.
• A more well-rounded geophysical curriculum will prepare students for the versatile applications of geophysics in various industries.
• Communication of uncertainty in geophysical data is essential for building trust and understanding the limitations of geophysical methods.
• Ground-penetrating radar is a versatile geophysical tool that can be used for a wide range of applications, from mapping bedrock to locating buried objects.
• The value of geophysics lies in its ability to provide valuable information for understanding and mitigating long-term risks in infrastructure and environmental assessments.
• The energy transition presents both challenges and opportunities for geophysics, particularly in the context of cost, value perception, and risk mitigation.

Keywords

geophysics, ground-penetrating radar, seismic, education, uncertainty, risk assessment, climate change

Chapters

00:00 The Role of Geophysics in the Energy Transition

19:28 The Versatility of Esther’s favorite Geophysical Method: Ground-Penetrating Radar

30:01 The future of Geophysics 

36:56 Stories from Fieldwork: From Buried Objects to Antarctica

45:42 Final Questions

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