Geophysical methods may be used to delineate underground geological conduits and barriers to fluid flow; buried landfills and utility lines; and buried fracture zones for civil engineering, real estate development, environmental, and groundwater remediation projects. The methods may be used appropriately by persons trained in geology, geophysics, physics, mathematics, or petroleum, electrical, or civil engineering. The Geophysical Society of Houston (GSH) comprises about 1,700 people who share an interest in technical advances in geophysical technology for oil and gas exploration.

Exploration geophysics images underground geology using such non-intrusive methods as acoustic seismic reflection or gravity and magnetic mapping. These methods are carried out with little to no penetration into the ground. The seismic reflection method may be used to collect physical data from the surface to a depth of about 45,000 feet. However, all depths of the geological section will not be imaged equally well with the seismic reflection method. Specially trained teams are required to select and use the various methods to answer specific questions about the geology and fluids in specific depth intervals.

The selection and application of geophysical methods require judgment that is tempered by knowledge of geology, that is, of the earth’s air, land, and water systems and their boundary conditions. Oil and gas exploration, civil engineering, and some large environmental organizations maintain a technical staff to manage the data acquisition, processing, interpretation, and integration of geoscience (geology, geophysics, and geochemistry) information to meet specific performance requirements.

It is unfortunate that the lay public cannot easily avail itself of such professional geophysical services for underground environmental investigations. In other words, much money may easily be spent, but the desired results not achieved. Why? Hiring the appropriate geophysical consultants is not affordable for most homeowners, small businesses, and environmental nonprofits. To start on an even footing with business and industry, the lay public would need to hire one or two appropriately qualified professionals (depending on the size, depth, and complexity of the project) or “wing it” - always a risky proposition.

Special Interest Groups
The Environmental Applications Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Geophysical Society of Houston joined the CEC four years ago in order to foster public awareness of applied geophysics and encourage cross communication among persons from different disciplines. The SIG is open to the public and free of charge.

From 1994-1997, the design for the SIG was based on the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The Act requires a systems approach for all major projects (expensive projects). Comments are requested from all appropriate federal, state, and local agencies and the lay public. The integration of different disciplines and dialog with the lay public is essential. The design required revolutionary rethinking by industry and government professionals and those members of the public who attended and participated.

In 1999 and 2000, the GSH distributed a booklet entitled “Applied Geoscience” at Earth Day activities. The booklet was designed for the lay public and contains illustrations to show the principles of common non-intrusive geophysical methods and some of their applications. A grant awarded by CEC provided the first printing of the booklet. The “rethinking revolution” continues.

The GSH dates back to the fall of 1947, when 108 geophysicists met in the Houston Engineers Club to form the Houston Section of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (the name was changed to the Geophysical Society of Houston about 10 years later). The first technical paper, presented at a Houston Section meeting on January 16, 1948, was entitled “Geophysics and Geology of the Discovery of the Esperson Dome”.

A peak of about 2100 members occurred in the early 1980s, making the GSH the largest SEG Section in the world - a distinction it still holds.

Special Interest Groups were created to promote areas of expertise. In early 1974, the Potential Fields (gravity and magnetic) and Geophysical Data Processing Groups were formed. In 1984, a third SIG was created dedicated to microcomputers in geophysics. This became the Interpretation Workstation SIG. An Environmental Applications SIG was added in 1994 and a Reservoir Geophysics SIG in 1995. Each SIG holds bimonthly meetings and has one or more speakers. The SIGs are usually free of charge and open to the public.

The GSH awards up to five scholarships per year ranging from $1,000 to 3,000 for a total of $8000 per year. On occasion, the Society has also provided financial assistance for college education to earth science students through interest-free loans.

A museum containing geophysical instruments of historical interest is maintained by the Society. Items from the collection are on display at The Museum of Natural History, North Harris College, San Jacinto College, and the lobby of the HESS building.

Stephanie Hrabar, Certified Professional Geologist, is the GSH delegate to the CEC. She served as the GSH Environmental Applications SIG leader from 1994 through 1997.