Preview (journal)

Preview (journal). *Preview* is a professional magazine published by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) that covers news, technical developments, and industry trends within the field of geophysics and related Earth sciences. It serves as a complementary publication to the society's more formal, peer-reviewed journals, providing accessible content for a broad audience of practitioners, academics, and students. The magazine features articles on emerging technologies, conference reports, interviews with leading figures, and updates on the activities of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and its global sections.

History and background

*Preview* was first launched in 1973, initially conceived as a newsletter to improve communication among the membership of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. Its creation followed a period of significant growth for the society and the broader geophysical industry, driven by advancements in seismic data acquisition and the increasing global demand for hydrocarbon exploration. Over the decades, the publication evolved from a simple bulletin into a full-color, feature-rich magazine, reflecting the technological transformation of the field from analog to digital signal processing and the rise of 3D seismic imaging. Key milestones in its history include major redesigns that incorporated more graphical content and special issues focusing on major events like the SEG Annual Meeting and international geophysical conferences.

Scope and publication details

The magazine's scope encompasses the entire spectrum of applied geophysics, with a strong emphasis on the oil and gas industry and mineral exploration. Regular content includes technical articles on methods such as electromagnetic survey, gravity gradiometry, and remote sensing, as well as features on environmental geophysics, near-surface geophysics, and carbon capture and storage monitoring. It is published bimonthly, with six issues per year, and operates under a hybrid open access model. Each issue typically contains sections dedicated to society news, reports from SEG Global Inc., updates on educational initiatives like the SEG Foundation, and previews of upcoming events such as the International Exposition and Annual Meeting.

Abstracting and indexing

*Preview* is abstracted and indexed in several major scientific databases, ensuring its visibility and accessibility to the research community. It is covered by Scopus, the abstract and citation database curated by Elsevier, and by GeoScienceWorld, a key online resource for Earth sciences literature. The magazine is also indexed in the Academic Search Complete database from EBSCO Information Services and is included in the holdings of the SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS). This indexing places the magazine's content alongside that of more traditional journals, facilitating discovery by researchers, engineers, and students investigating applied geophysical techniques and industry trends.

Editorial board and governance

The magazine is governed by an editorial board appointed by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, typically composed of experienced professionals from industry, academia, and research institutions. The editor-in-chief and associate editors are volunteers from the SEG membership who oversee the review and selection of contributed articles, ensuring content is relevant and technically sound. The board works closely with the society's publications staff, headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the SEG Publications Committee to align the magazine's direction with the strategic goals of the organization. Notable past editors have included prominent geophysicists from companies like ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and CGG, as well as professors from universities such as the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Texas at Austin.

Impact and reception

Within the global geophysical community, *Preview* is regarded as an essential, timely source of information on practical developments and professional news, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research in journals like *Geophysics* and the day-to-day work of exploration geophysicists. Its accessible style and focus on applications have made it particularly valuable for professionals working for major operators like Chevron Corporation and service companies such as Halliburton. The magazine's special issues on major conferences and its coverage of awards like the SEG Honorary Membership and the Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal contribute significantly to documenting the history and culture of the profession. Its role in disseminating knowledge about new software, field equipment, and regulatory changes is widely acknowledged as supporting the continued advancement of exploration geophysics worldwide. Category:Geophysics journals Category:Publications established in 1973 Category:English-language journals Category:Bimonthly journals Category:Hybrid open access journals