Viridien featured in New Scientist: how geophysicists are reverse engineering the Earth

Paris, France | Apr 9, 2026

Viridien experts discuss how visualising the geological structures beneath our feet requires vast seismic datasets, advanced imaging algorithms and a spirit of deep curiosity.

In a sponsored article in the 28th March issue of New Scientist magazine, two Viridien experts explain how understanding the Earth’s substructures has become a central focus in the search for new sources of energy and is now becoming vital for climate initiatives such as carbon capture and storage.

“We transform raw seismic measurements into 3D images of the Earth,” says Gordon Poole, UK Research Manager. “We have various ways to create sound waves at the surface, the resulting wavefront propagates in the Earth, and some of the energy will be reflected.”

From these echoes, geophysicists can infer the properties of rocks the sound waves have travelled through.

While full-waveform inversion has revolutionised the search for fossil fuel resources by helping geophysicists to reverse engineer what is happening in the Earth, it is also crucial for imaging the rock formations capable of storing the carbon captured from fossil fuel processing and hard-to-abate heavy industry.

“After carbon dioxide has been injected, we need to verify that it stays where it’s meant to be,” Gordon continues.

High-performance computing has opened the door to a new era in technological innovation. “With increasing computing capability we are able to do what our teams enjoy most, tackling the most challenging data and objectives,” says Malcolm Kent, Global Head of Carbon Storage. “We’re proud of hiring great people, but equally we want them to have the tools to take on the most advanced projects.”