Geophysical Electromagnetics: A retrospective, DISC 2017, and a look forward

TL;DR

This paper reviews the development and progress of geophysical electromagnetics, emphasizing collaborative efforts, open-source resources, and community engagement to enhance understanding and application in mineral exploration and societal issues.

Contribution

It highlights the role of open-source tools and collaborative practices in advancing EM geophysics and reflects on the impact of the DISC 2017 course in fostering community development.

Findings

Open-source resources have accelerated EM geophysics progress.

Collaborative practices have improved software sharing and education.

DISC 2017 catalyzed community engagement and resource development.

Abstract

Geophysical electromagnetics (EM) plays an important role in mineral exploration and is increasingly being used to help solve other problems of relevance to society. In this article we reflect, from our perspective at University of British Columbia (UBC), on the development of EM geophysics over the years and on our attempts to enhance its understanding, and its visibility and usefulness to the community. The availability of open-source resources, and a shift within the EM community towards collaborative practices for sharing and creating software and educational resources, has been a driver of progress towards these goals. In this article we provide some background about this trajectory and how the SEG Distinguished Instructor Short Course (DISC) was a catalyst in our development of software and resources and in our broader goal of creating more collaborative connections within the EM community.