Abstract
The fact that geophysics is alive and well today is quite obvious and this fact has generated a high level of optimism within all of us.
The exploration geophysicist must, by nature, be an optimist when he probes the unknown subsurface with various sensing devices and techniques to locate the earth's hidden resources. The pessimist is not inclined to take the risk of predicting anything he cannot put his finger on.
There is an oft-quoted rhyme that fits the situation well:
Between the optimist and the pessimist,
The difference is droll:
The optimist sees the doughnut,
But the pessimist sees the hole.
In reviewing present activities and technology in exploration, we can appreciate why the geophysicist is not concerned with the hole - dry, empty, or otherwise - but is more optimistic than ever. In the last several years, our industry and SEG have seen an explosive growth in practically all areas of exploration geophysics, and in many respects 1981 is unique in the history of milestones in our profession.
