AI in Earth Sciences Workshop 2026
EnviTrace is organizing a two-day AI in Earth Sciences Workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on March 23–24, 2026. The workshop will bring together geoscientists, engineers, data scientists, and decision makers to explore how physics‑informed AI can support practical, field‑ready solutions for energy, water, and the environment.
Why AI?
AI and machine learning, combined with physics‑informed models and curated geoscience data, are transforming how we explore and manage the subsurface. These approaches enable faster, more accurate insight into subsurface conditions and processes. They help identify and manage critical mineral resources, optimize renewable energy systems, monitor environmental impacts, and support decisions that safeguard communities and ecosystems.
Why Earth Science?
Earth science sits at the center of many of today's most urgent challenges: enabling low‑carbon energy systems, protecting water resources, securing critical minerals, and understanding our changing climate. This workshop focuses on how AI methods can deepen our understanding of the subsurface and link scientific insight to real projects and operations.
Workshop Focus Areas
The workshop will highlight methods and case studies across topics such as:
- Physics‑informed AI and hybrid modeling
- Geothermal resource development
- Waste management and subsurface storage
- Critical minerals and rare earth exploration
- Hydrogen reservoirs and underground energy storage
- Groundwater quality and environmental remediation
- Induced seismicity forecasting
- Remote sensing and spatiotemporal analysis
Program Overview
The tentative program spans two days:
Monday · March 23, 2026 – AI Foundations for Earth Sciences
- Keynote: The Future of AI‑Enabled Earth Insights State‑of‑the‑art methods that blend physics, data, and machine learning for subsurface intelligence.
- Panel: TBD Discussion with experts from academia, industry, and government.
- Technical Sessions & Abstract Talks Rapid‑fire presentations on seismic imaging, reservoir modeling, climate risk, and environmental monitoring.
- Networking Reception Informal networking with fellow participants and partners.
Tuesday · March 24, 2026 – Applied AI for Subsurface Operations
- Workshop: TBD Hands‑on exercises focused on applied workflows and uncertainty quantification.
- Case Studies & Abstract Talks Real‑world deployments of AI in geothermal, hydrogen storage, carbon management, and mineral exploration.
- Closing Roundtable A collaborative roadmap for AI in Earth Sciences innovation, workforce development, and open tooling.
Call for Abstracts
We invite short abstracts (300 words max) highlighting novel AI methods, open datasets, reproducible workflows, and impact‑driven applications in Earth sciences. Abstracts will shape oral presentations, lightning talks, and posters across both days of the workshop.
Submissions should:
- Include title, authors, affiliations, and a primary contact email.
- Indicate the preferred presentation format (oral, lightning, or poster).
- Note any data‑sharing or open‑source resources associated with the work.
Key dates
- Abstract & registration deadline: January 17, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: February 10, 2026
- Final program release: March 1, 2026
Logistics
Santa Fe is easily accessible via Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) with shuttle service to downtown. The venue will offer Wi‑Fi and exhibition space, with lunch and refreshments provided on both days, including a Monday evening networking reception.
For more details and to pre‑register and submit an abstract, please visit the AI in Earth Sciences Workshop 2026 announcement page on the EnviTrace website.