Jonathan Ajo-Franklin, a leading figure in applied geophysics and Trustee Professor of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Reginald Fessenden Award by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. This accolade celebrates a singular technical contribution to the field of exploration geophysics that marks a profound scientific or conceptual advancement. The award situates Ajo-Franklin among the most influential innovators defining this scientific discipline today.
Ajo-Franklin’s groundbreaking work centers on the innovative use of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), a technology that repurposes existing fiber optic cables as expansive seismic sensor arrays. Many of these fiber optic networks were originally deployed for telecommunications but lack active usage, a phenomenon often referred to as “dark fiber.” By transforming this dormant infrastructure into high-density sensing arrays, Ajo-Franklin has unlocked unprecedented possibilities for subsurface geophysical imaging, marrying existing communication technologies with earth sciences to achieve remarkable data resolution and spatial coverage.
Distributed acoustic sensing leverages the principle of laser pulses traveling down the fiber optic cable, where vibrations along the cable induce subtle changes in the backscattered light. By interpreting these variations, seismic waves and other acoustic signals can be detected with remarkable sensitivity and granularity. This approach dramatically expands seismic monitoring capabilities without the need for traditional sensor installation, making it scalable and cost-effective over previously unimaginable lengths of fiber network.
Early pioneering studies led by Ajo-Franklin revealed the potential of DAS systems to vastly improve the resolution of subsurface imaging. This leap in resolution has catalyzed revolutionary applications across several critical sectors, including earthquake monitoring, geothermal resource management, carbon capture and storage monitoring, and environmental remediation. By utilizing continuous seismic sensing through fiber optics installed in boreholes or on the surface, the method enhances real-time data acquisition and analysis dramatically.
One of the key advantages of DAS technology is its minimally invasive nature, which contrasts sharply with traditional seismic sensor arrays requiring extensive deployment and maintenance. The ability to use existing telecommunication infrastructure reduces both the cost and environmental impact of large-scale seismic monitoring projects. Ajo-Franklin’s research has led to breakthroughs in borehole DAS applications, where the fiber optic cable is installed deep underground, enabling precise monitoring of critical subsurface processes relevant to geothermal energy extraction and geological carbon sequestration.
A profound impact of Ajo-Franklin’s work is its contribution to understanding induced seismicity—man-made seismic events triggered by human activities such as fluid injection in geothermal reservoirs or carbon sequestration sites. By providing a real-time, high-resolution window into subsurface dynamics, his research offers a pathway for safer and more efficient energy production and environmental stewardship, enabling operators to monitor and respond to seismic events as they occur.
The versatility of DAS sensing also extends to environmental applications such as monitoring permafrost stability in polar regions and tracing groundwater contamination plumes. These are areas where traditional seismic monitoring is either challenging or prohibitively expensive. DAS systems, by virtue of their dense spatial coverage and continuous monitoring capability, provide a transformative tool for scientists studying the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities on fragile ecosystems.
Ajo-Franklin emphasizes the transformative potential of turning “dark fiber” into an indispensable scientific instrument for global climate resilience. His visionary approach envisions a future where fiber optic networks integrate seamlessly with environmental and geotechnical monitoring, providing unprecedented access to subsurface processes. Such sensors could empower communities worldwide, especially those vulnerable to natural hazards, by delivering critical, real-time subsurface data that informs disaster preparedness and resource management.
This pioneering vision is not solely rooted in laboratory innovation but has transcended into real-world deployments. Ajo-Franklin’s collaborations span academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners, collectively advancing the practical deployment of DAS for sustainable energy infrastructure. His interdisciplinary teams have demonstrated how geophysical observation tools embedded in modern digital infrastructure can play a crucial role in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges.
Beyond his scientific contributions, Ajo-Franklin’s career embodies a dedication to fostering the next generation of geophysical researchers and innovators. His lab at Rice University serves as an incubator for cutting-edge research, promoting high-risk, high-reward projects that challenge conventional methodologies. He regularly champions open-access approaches and integrative strategies to democratize sensing technologies, ensuring broad availability and applicability.
Ajo-Franklin holds a doctorate and master’s degree in geophysics from Stanford University, where he was mentored by seismic imaging expert Jerry M. Harris, and earned bachelor’s degrees in computer science and history from Rice University. His professional trajectory includes over a decade at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he led interdisciplinary teams focused on subsurface monitoring and energy system research. He continues to maintain a visiting faculty scientist position at Berkeley Lab, facilitating ongoing collaboration and technology transfer.
His influential research has been published extensively in top-tier geoscience journals and recognized in prominent science media, including Scientific American, Science, and Fast Company. The broad visibility of his work reflects its significance not only within academic circles but also among policy-makers, industry stakeholders, and the general public, highlighting the growing importance of intelligent monitoring systems for environmental sustainability.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, energy transition, and environmental protection, Ajo-Franklin’s work exemplifies a paradigm shift in geophysics—from merely exploring the Earth’s hidden structures to actively safeguarding the planet. By converting telecommunication fibers into networks of seismic sensors, he has unlocked a new dimension of environmental intelligence that promises to inform adaptive management strategies and safeguard communities against a host of environmental risks.
“Geophysics today is not confined to scientific inquiry,” Ajo-Franklin states. “It is an essential tool for sustainability and resilience. The transition of DAS technology from theoretical concept to practical, global application marks a turning point in how we engage with our planet’s subsurface environment.” His work lays a foundation for a future in which near-real-time seismic sensing is embedded within the very infrastructure that connects the world—accelerating a more responsive and responsible stewardship of Earth’s resources.
Subject of Research: Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and its applications in geophysical monitoring and environmental sustainability
Article Title: Jonathan Ajo-Franklin Receives 2025 Reginald Fessenden Award for Pioneering Distributed Acoustic Sensing Innovations
News Publication Date: Not specified in content
Web References:
- https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/jonathan-ajo-franklin
- https://seg.org/
- https://wiki.seg.org/wiki/Reginald_Fessenden_Award_(formerly_Medal_Award)
Image Credits: Rice University
Keywords: Geophysics, Distributed Acoustic Sensing, Seismic Monitoring, Environmental Sustainability, Carbon Sequestration, Earthquake Monitoring, Geothermal Energy, Fiber Optic Sensing, Subsurface Imaging
