Neural computing in geophysics

Abstract

The 17th century philosopher-mathematician Rene Descartes offered the statement “Cogito, ergo sum” or “I think, therefore I am” as proof of his personal existence. While modern computers using artificial intelligence technologies cannot match Descartes’ profundity, they are beginning to mimic some endeavors previously thought to be completely restricted to the human domain. Neural computing is one area of artificial intelligence that has recently left the laboratory and is being used to solve real and practical problems in geophysics and geology. In this article, we explore the history, operation, and current status of neural computing, and discuss some applications of this new technology.