The Leading Edge
| The Leading Edge | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Discipline | Geophysics |
| Language | English |
| Publication details | |
| Publisher |
Society of Exploration Geophysicists (United States) |
Publication history |
1982–present |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Indexing | |
| ISSN |
1070-485X (print) 1938-3789 (web) |
| LCCN | 82645134 |
| CODEN | LEEDFF |
| OCLC no. | 27206867 |
| Links | |
The Leading Edge introduces new geophysical theory, instrumentation, and established practices to scientists in a wide range of geoscience disciplines. Most material is presented in a semitechnical manner that minimizes mathematical theory and emphasizes practical applications. TLE also serves as SEG's publication venue for official society business. TLE's technical articles, which make up the bulk of each issue, undergo peer review to validate the described methods and conclusions and ensure the highest editorial quality.
Regular features
TLE's regular features include the following technical departments with periodic articles on key technological aspects of geophysics. Material for each of these departments is selected and approved by a geophysicist working in the field.
- Acquisition/Processing treats the latest developments in what many consider the "hard" science part of geophysics.
- Interpreter's Corner is a major focus of TLE because SEG surveys indicate that at least 50% of its 20 000 members (representing more than 100 countries) consider interpretation of geophysical data as their primary duty. These articles emphasize seismology but are not limited to that technique.
- The Meter Reader is designed to update SEG members on the latest developments in potential-fields geophysics.
Some features in TLE treat areas other than technology that is likely to impact SEG members. These articles have varied authorship.
- President's Page informs the members of the Executive Committee's actions in such important areas as business office procedures, developing new or improved membership benefits, and cooperative projects with sister societies.
- Geophysics Bright Spots summarizes upcoming articles in GEOPHYSICS.
- Seismic Soundoff presents a transcribed excerpt of a recent episode of SEG’s applied geophysics podcast.
Special sections
Each issue of TLE also includes a special section devoted to a particular area of technology, especially new techniques or methods that seem likely to have a major impact in the near future on the working routine of most practicing geophysicists. Experts, many of international renown, select articles for these special sections that are announced ahead of time (often a year or more) in the TLE Editorial Calendar.
Subject coverage
Technology: Applied geophysics is a rapidly changing field. For example, 3D seismology, already rated one of the great technological breakthroughs in the history of resource exploration, has been in routine use only for about 20 years. Although 3D seismic is the best known of the recent advances in technology, there have been many others—AVO, AVA, coherence cube, ocean-bottom seismic, 4D or time-lapse seismic, multicomponent recording and interpretation, deepwater technology, etc. Because the field is changing so rapidly and often unpredictably, TLE publishes articles on all aspects of geophysical technology well before these areas have undergone enough field testing for rigorous peer review. TLE aims to serve as a "loose filter," publishing articles deemed of interest to most exploration geophysicists, but none that run counter to the accepted laws of physics.
See also
- Most downloaded articles, last 12 months
- Editorial calendar
- TLE Editorial Board