Why Bother with Geophysics? Adding Value Rather Than Wasting Time

Tim Archer

Reid Geophysics

Tim Archer has worked as a commercial geophysicist for more than twenty-five years. He holds an Honours Degree in Geophysics from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Management Diploma from the University of Stellenbosch.

Tim worked for Anglo American from 1994 to 2001, mainly with their SPECTREM airborne electromagnetic system. From 2004 to 2014, Tim owned and ran a geophysical contracting business in the UK, specializing in near-surface hazard detection. In 2014, he joined Reid Geophysics, a company which he now owns and manages, as well as providing non-seismic geophysical consultancy to mineral and energy explorers worldwide.

Tim is an active member of EAGE, IAEG, PESGB and SEG. He is also a technical reviewer for Geophysical Prospecting and the Journal of Applied Geophysics.

Susan Webb

University of Witswatersrand

Susan Webb has a passion for creating opportunities. Her curiosity driven research examines fundamental global geophysical problems to developing applied solutions for community challenges. She forged her unique perspective studying for geophysics degrees in three different countries (USA, Canada, and South Africa) and from studying the Earth from its core to near-surface resources with collaborative, international groups and students. Her well-known, innovative work on the Bushveld Complex demonstrates broad connectivity between the Bushveld limbs, has facilitated projects for numerous graduate students and supports the ICDP Bushveld Complex Drilling Project.

Her international board experience mirrors her passions; she was a founding committee member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Geoscientists without Borders (GWB) that set up the initial policy and procedures for this highly successful international humanitarian program. She has also served on the executive committee of the SEG as second vice president, facilitating changes to the SEG structure and terms of office. Election to the board of directors of the American Geophysical Union as the International Secretary saw her serving for 6 years facilitating an international perspective across all aspects of AGU business. She also invests her time locally, serving on the governing committee of the South African Geophysical Association (SAGA).

She developed the AfricaArray Geophysics field school out of a need for linkages within Africa, the USA and a dire need for practical hands-on training. This program attracts support from international sponsors since formal establishment in 2005. The evolving field school is developing new engagements with industry and encouraging entrepreneurial opportunities. This field school has spawned similar opportunities in Kenya, Cameroon, Ghana and Egypt and enabled many of the participants to progress to better employment opportunities. Long-term links with the participants from the US and within Africa have ensured a widespread international network for South African students to rely on.

Her passion for education was recognized, as she was the inaugural awardee of the SEG's "Outstanding Educator" award, she was also selected as the SEG's Honorary lecturer for Africa and the Middle East, lecturing throughout the region for 6 months and forging new connections with Middle East and African colleagues. She is featured in the 2020 book "Mentoring and Sponsoring: Keys to Success" by Maria Capello and Eve Sprunt. She continues to develop new opportunities for students in conjunction with the African component of the New Generation Explorers Award!