The Society of Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG) Ahmedabad Chapter organized a geological field excursion to Lower Reaches of Narmada Valley near Bharuch on 8 March 2025.

A total of 40 geoscientists from IRS, SST, RFS and WLS of ONGC Ahmedabad participated in the geological field excursion. Dr. Prabhin Sukumaran, Asst. Professor, Charotar University of Science and Technology, with over 18 years of experience in studying Quaternary landforms and fluvial processes across India, guided the participants during field trip. The field trip was flagged off by ED-Chief of Institute, IRS Shri Om Prakash Sinha on 8 March. The geological excursion aimed to give participants a first-hand exposure to geomorphology and fluvial processes.

The day long field excursion enhances participants’ practical knowledge of fluvial processes and their sedimentary products. Such first-hand exposure in field will add value to reservoir characterization and reservoir model building through the integration of geological and geophysical data.

Society of Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG) and Association of Petroleum Geologists (APG) Vadodara Chapter jointly organized one day geological field trip to study the outcrops in the Vastan Lignite Mine and adjoining areas on 15th February 2025. In the area Stratigraphic Sequences from Deccan Trap to Early Eocene marked by the development of lignite-rich sediments and extensive fossil-bearing limestone is exposed. The idea behind the trip was to visualize the scale of workstation seismic sections in geological outcrops, study the different litho stratigraphic divisions and experience the vertical and lateral lithologic variations.

The journey commenced from Gaveshana Bhawan at 7 AM and was flagged off by Shri Priya Ranjan Mishra, ED Basin Manager, WON Basin, ONGC, Vadodara & Prof. Atul Vasant Joshi, Head, Department of Geology, MS University, Vadodara. A total of 56 participants which included senior officers of the WON Basin, Major Janeshwar Prasad, GGM(Chemistry) Head RGL, Shri K Baskaran, CGM-HGS, President- SPG, Vadodara Chapter, Shri Harsh Vardhan Dave, CGM (Geology)-Retired, Secretary, APG Vadodara Chapter, Smt. Amanjot Kaur, GM(Geology), Block Manger-Block-III and Shri Prasad Kulkarni, GM(Geology)-Head BMG and G & G fraternity from ONGC, Vadodara and life members of SPG & APG actively participated in the field trip.

The Society of Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG), Vadodara chapter successfully conducted one day training session on Seismic Data Acquisition & LFPS Data Acquisition for final-year M.Sc. Geology students of MSU, Vadodara. The event took place on January 24, 2025, at the Negi Bhawan Conference Hall, Geophysical Services, WON Basin, ONGC, Vadodara.

The training was divided into four parts, delivered by experienced ONGC geophysicists :

• Overview of ONGC and Hydrocarbon Exploration by (Dr. Chinmoy Kumbhakar, Senior Geophysicist (S) - Party Chief GP-03)
• Seismic Data Acquisition - I by (Shri Ravi Dwivedi, Senior Geophysicist (S) - Party Chief GP-36)
• Seismic Data Acquisition - II by (Shri Ashish Ranjan, Senior Geophysicist (S))
• LFPS Data Acquisition and Demonstration by (Shri Abhishek Sharma, Geophysicist (S))

This training provided valuable exposure to students about seismic data acquisition techniques, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical industry requirements. It exemplifies SPG Vadodara's commitment to fostering student-industry interaction and nurturing future geoscientists.

Banaras Hindu University Geophysical Society (BHU), in collaboration with the Society of Exploration Geophysicists(SEG),the Society of Petroleum Geophysicists(SPG), the Association of Exploration Geophysicists(AEG),and the Indian Geophysical Union(IGU) Student Chapters organized Geo-Aakarshan 2024 held from September 3rd to September 5th 2024, in both online and offline modes, Geo-Aakarshan offers a unique opportunity for knowledge-sharing, skill development, and innovation, ensuring a bright future for Earth Science.

Geo-Aakarshan is a celebration of Earth Science, aiming to bring this fascinating field to the forefront and inspire the youth to pursue careers in it. Beyond raising awareness, it serves as a platform for students to showcase their talents through various competitions and challenges.

Over 100 participants from several Indian universities including Andhra University, ISM Dhanbad, and IIT Kharagpur, Banaras Hindu university, Allahabad university, Delhi university etc, attended series of lectures and talks, which were held both online and offline. They actively engaged in a wide range of events, contributing to a vibrant and collaborative learning environment. This diverse involvement enriched the experience for everyone and underscored the broad interest in our programming.

Series of talks and lectures by some of the most respected figures in geosciences were organized during Geo-Aakarshan Symposium. These invited speakers, each a leader in their respective domains, shared their extensive knowledge and research on a range of cutting-edge topics. The lectures were designed to provide deep dives into complex subjects, offering attendees a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements and trends.

Key lectures :

On May 10th 2024, Jadavpur University Student Chapter organized TERRATALES to commemorate World Earth Day. Under the guidance of our esteemed faculty advisor Dr Anupam Ghosh the office bearers of AAPG, SPG, SEG along with active volunteers executed the mega-event. The event encompassed a total of eight activities—four held offline and four online. 100+participants from diverse academic backgrounds came together to engage passionately in these events, demonstrating their commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability.

The submissions for online events were accepted prior to the offline event via email, which were displayed as an exhibition at the event. Through the painting competition “EARTH’S CANVAS”, artists expressed profound reflections of nature's beauty. In the creative writing competition “SYLVAN STORIES”, participants recounted personal stories illustrating their deep bond with nature. Through photography “EATHSCAPES UNVEILED” and videography “EARTHEN TALES”, participants captured the true essence and beauty of nature. The event commenced at 10 am with an engaging debate “PLANET PERSPECTIVES” on the topic Environment pollution is excused when there is development. This was followed by a two-round quiz “TRIVIA TREK” and a two-round riddle competition “TRADE THE TRAVERSE”, where participants enthusiastically tackled challenging and interesting questions. A lunch break provided an opportunity for participants from diverse backgrounds to interact and exchange ideas. The final event featured a poster presentation “UNCHARTED TERRETORIES” , where students presented insightful and upcoming scientific topics. The event concluded with the announcement of winners and a prize distribution ceremony.

The prime objective of our event was to highlight the intersection of art, science, and activism. It illuminates the contributions of participants who, through their unique perspectives and dedication, enriched our understanding of nature and underscored the importance of its preservation. Their inspiring narratives, captivating imagery, and compelling arguments defined our celebration of nature in all its glory.

The SPG Student Chapter at IIT(ISM), organized a pivotal webinar focusing on the placement area within the Oil & Gas industry by the Renowned expert, by Dr. Sanjeev Rajput currently working with Petronas Upstream as GM & Global Head-Reservoir Geoscience, Malaysia on 7th April 2024. Dr. Rajput shared his expertise with students, offering invaluable guidance on navigating the dynamic Oil and Gas industry. His presentation was both comprehensive and engaging, featuring insightful commentary and a willingness to address attendee questions with clarity. Participating students extend their sincere gratitude for his informative explanations on topics such as interview preparation and resume building.

The webinar received an overwhelmingly positive response, with participants finding it highly engaging and beneficial. Dr. Rajput's passion for Geophysics within the Oil and Gas sector was evident and appreciated by all. His insights into the current job market provided attendees with a deeper understanding of industry trends and opportunities.

The SPG Student Chapter under the Kurukshetra University Geophysical Society hosted an insightful lecture featuring industry giants Mr. Pawan Kumar Singh, Chief Geophysicist at Oil India Ltd., and Mr. USD Pandey, Former Executive Director at ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited).

Mr. Pawan Kumar Singh took the audience on a captivating journey into the world of hydrocarbon exploration. With his extensive industry experience, he shed light on the formation and migration of oil and gas deposits, a fundamental aspect of the exploration process. He meticulously explained the E&P (Exploration and Production) cycle, guiding the students through the various stages from exploration to production. Furthermore, Mr. Singh delved into the realm of geophysical prospecting techniques, highlighting the crucial role of gravity, magnetic, and seismic methods in identifying potential hydrocarbon reservoirs. His insights into onshore surveys and seismic data acquisition provided the students with a tangible understanding of industry practices and the technological advancements driving modern exploration efforts. Complementing Mr. Singh's expertise.

Mr. USD Pandey steered the discussion towards offshore exploration, a domain that presents unique challenges and considerations. He elucidated the intricacies of marine seismic surveys and techniques, shedding light on the different interfaces encountered underwater and the strategies employed to overcome them. Throughout the lectures, interactive Q&A sessions allowed students to engage directly with these industry experts. The students seized the opportunity to explore their knowledge further, ask probing questions, and gain valuable insights from the wealth of experience shared by Mr. Singh and Mr. Pandey. This guest lecture served as a invaluable platform for students to gain first-hand exposure to the dynamic world of hydrocarbon exploration. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the event fostered a deeper understanding of the practical applications of geophysical principles and techniques, ultimately preparing students for future careers in this exciting field.

The SPG Student Chapter, Department of Geophysics at Kurukshetra University hosted a captivating lecture by Professor Satybir Teotia, focusing on the cutting-edge technology of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). The session commenced with Professor Teotia underscoring the pivotal role of technology in our generation, setting the stage for an insightful exploration into the principles of GPR.

Professor Teotia expressed his profound fascination for the field of geo-scanning, sharing his enthusiasm with the audience and setting the stage for an in-depth examination of GPR principles. He emphasized the significance of gaining knowledge to effectively communicate within one's domain, encouraging students to speak the language of your domain and master the terminology associated with their field of study. The lecture then delved into the realm of seismic studies, unraveling the intricate terminologies and concepts associated with this discipline. Professor Teotia fostered an interactive atmosphere, prompting discussions with students on topics such as stacking in seismic data and zero-offset scenarios. Notably, he shed light on the paramount importance of Anemo in the context of GPR, highlighting its crucial role in the technology's applications.

Throughout the session, Professor Teotia's engaging style captivated the audience, making the lecture both informative and interactive. The students were not only introduced to the fundamentals of GPR but were also encouraged to actively participate in discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. In conclusion, Professor Satybir Teotia's lecture provided a comprehensive overview of GPR principles, intertwining theoretical concepts with practical insights. The event proved to be a valuable learning experience for students, leaving them better equipped to navigate the complexities of geophysics.

On the occasion of Earth Day 2024, the SPG student chapter, department of geophysics, Kurukshetra University organized a special outreach program to raise awareness and curiosity about various aspects of geophysics. Under the guidance of our faculty members, final year BSc students from IIHS, KUK were provided in-depth knowledge about subjects like, geology, groundwater, energy, oil & gas industry, as well as earthquakes

The program was held at our seismological observatory, where students got to see the seismometer and its components. Through interactive sessions, they learned about the significance of these subjects and the career opportunities it offers. Throughout the program, the emphasis was placed on fostering an understanding of the Earth's intricate systems and the role of geophysics in addressing critical environmental and energy challenges. The students were exposed to the multidisciplinary nature of the field, with topics ranging from sustainable resource management to natural hazard mitigation.

The outreach program was not merely an educational endeavor but also served as a platform to inspire and motivate the young minds in attendance. By witnessing the cutting-edge facilities and engaging with passionate professionals, the students gained a newfound appreciation for the vast potential of geophysics in shaping a sustainable future.

The SPG student chapter of the Department of Geophysics at Kurukshetra University orchestrated a captivating lecture, shedding light on the intricacies of earthquake dynamics. Dr. Abhey Ram Bansal, a distinguished alumnus of the 1994 batch and Chief Scientist at NGRI, Hyderabad, graced the occasion as the keynote speaker.

Dr. Bansal delved into the phenomenon of dynamic triggering of earthquakes and tremors in South East Asia, captivating the audience with his expertise. He meticulously explored concepts such as near-field triggering, aftershocks, dynamic triggering mechanisms, and methods for identifying seismic events. Drawing from his extensive experience, he elucidated triggering incidents in notable regions like the Koyna-Warna area in Western India, the Gorkha earthquake in Nepal, and the Taroku earthquakes in Japan.

The lecture was not only informative but also interactive, as Dr. Bansal actively engaged with the students, igniting their curiosity about the subject matter. He also elaborated on the potential career avenues in research within this domain, inspiring the budding geophysicists to delve deeper into seismic studies.

The session culminated with heartfelt expressions of gratitude and appreciation from Chairman Dr. Dinesh Kumar and Assistant Professor Dr. Manisha Sandhu. Their acknowledgment underscored the significance of such academic endeavors in fostering intellectual growth and scholarly pursuits within the Geophysics department.

Overall, the event proved to be a resounding success, leaving an indelible impression on all attendees and reaffirming Kurukshetra University's commitment to academic excellence and scholarly discourse.