In Memoriam: Mike Graul (1934–2026)

Mike Graul passed away in January 2026 and will be deeply missed by the geophysical community - worldwide.

Mike Graul devoted more than 60+ years to the advancement of geophysics through industry leadership, education, research, and extraordinary service to professional societies. After earning his BS in Geophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1957, he began his career at Chevron Corporation, where he spent 23 years working across every facet of exploration geophysics, including acquisition, processing, interpretation, research, and project management. He was also a coauthor of early, leading-edge patents related to 3D seismic crossline imaging.

In 1980, Mike founded Exploration Education Consultants, launching what would become one of the most influential educational efforts in applied geophysics. In 1986, he co-founded TexSeis, Inc., a seismic data processing company that served both as a full-service processing center and an outsourced research hub for companies without internal R&D organizations.

Mike was first and foremost an educator. Over the course of his career, he taught hundreds of courses to more than 5,000 students in over twenty-five countries, covering every major topic in geophysics—from linear systems analysis and deconvolution to statics, migration, AVO, and acquisition design. His courses were known for their clarity, insight, intuitive analogies, and trademark cartoons that transformed complex concepts into memorable lessons. He lectured for the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), AAPG, SPE, the University of Houston, and numerous universities and private institutions worldwide.

Mike’s service to SEG and the Geophysical Society of Houston (GSH) was profound and transformative. He served as President of GSH, First Vice President and Chair of the SEG Council, and later became the first-ever Chair of the SEG Council on the Board of Directors following governance reforms in 2012. In that role, he reshaped the Council into an effective, global voice for SEG Sections, Associated Societies, and Technical Sections. He also pioneered Council-driven global education through webinars, dramatically expanding access to SEG knowledge in regions previously unreached.

His volunteer contributions included the creation of eighty-five educational tutorials, many published as Tutorial Nuggets — The Book, Volumes 1 and 2, and foundational work establishing the GSH Journal, which continues to serve the Houston geophysical community.

In recognition of his extraordinary service and impact, Mike received numerous honors, including:

• SEG Special Commendation (1999)

• SEG Honorary Membership (2003)

• SEG Life Membership Award (2019)

• SEG Council Medal (2024)

Mike Graul was not only a master educator and innovator but also a mentor, colleague, and friend whose enthusiasm for learning was contagious. His influence can be found in classrooms, boardrooms, journals, and field operations across the globe. All who benefited from his teaching, leadership, and friendship are grateful for his lasting contributions to the science and geophysics profession.

He will be remembered with deep respect, admiration, and affection.