Practicing Geophysics
SEG’s new journal experiment

Practicing Geophysics, SEG’s new journal experiment, is under way. Manuscript submission and review procedures are established so that SEG can test the viability and impact of the proposed journal.  Please review the frequently asked questions page about the scope and operation of the journal experiment. You can examine also the topic descriptions provided by soliciting editors (Advocates) to obtain a more specific view of the type of papers sought for Practicing Geophysics.

Practicing Geophysics aims to serve specialists in the industry, including both R&D geophysicists who develop and deploy new technology and technical geophysicists who need to understand enough theory to apply new and existing technology effectively. It is a forum for implementers and users.

Practicing Geophysics is a test not only of the viability of this type of paper but also of some methodologies for engaging more of the applied geophysics community in SEG editorial processes. The trial will test whether open editorial participation, broadly based solicitation, and early constructive engagement of authors with potential articles at embryonic stages (e.g., peer reviewing of PowerPoint presentations) can be effective mechanisms for stimulating publication. Such mechanisms might help lower some publication barriers and strengthen the culture and tradition of SEG publications.

Especially encouraged are participants and editorial representatives from industry (oil, service, near-surface, and engineering companies), from geophysics-related multidisciplinary fields, and from countries with traditionally less active participation in SEG publications.

The articles undergo peer review, and accepted papers are being published in Geophysics during the experiment. SEG expects to determine during 2009 whether to establish Practicing Geophysics as a distinct, ongoing periodical.

—Yonghe Sun, SEG Editor, 2005-2007

Practicing Geophysics manuscript submission and review processes

FAQs on scope and operation of Practicing Geophysics

Topic descriptions and Advocates for Practicing Geophysics

New Journal Experiment and questionnaire (43K Microsoft Word)

March 2007 President's Page in The Leading Edge (92K PDF)

June 2007 President's Page in The Leading Edge (31K PDF)