Acquiring expertise in geosciences – an autoethnographic study in seismic interpretation

Acquiring expertise in geoscience involves mastering complex tasks that integrate data analysis with interpretative reasoning. Seismic interpretation is a fundamental skill for understanding subsurface structure, rocks and fluids –yet how expertise is acquired and developed remains underexplored. For first time, we describe an autoethnographic analysis of skill development in seismic interpretation. An autoethnographer traces her journey toward proficiency, including self-recorded progress, reflections, and input from peers and an advisor. We analysed this well-documented, personal experience to gain insights into the factors and social dimensions that shape skill development. Our study demonstrates how autoethnography offers a powerful tool for reflection on interpretative processes – fundamental to most geo-disciplines-, identifying biases and capturing the evolution of ideas, reasoning, and influences. By understanding expertise development, we can gain insights into how interpreters ground their decisions, enabling assessment of methodologies and supporting uncertainty management— critical in emerging subsurface applications and traditional oil and gas industry. With the expansion of seismic interpretation into areas in the energy transition, broadening the skills and influences on seismic interpreters is fundamental. Note that the well-documented skill-acquisition path presented here is one route to expertise development in seismic interpretation. Skill acquisition journeys are unique, especially in the geosciences where multiple approaches and interpretations are valid. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how interpreters develop their skills and biases, offering a framework for enhancing training methodologies and promoting a more critical and uncertainty-aware approach to subsurface interpretation.