A FOND FAREWELL (January 01, 1992)

Appropriately, it was in 1964, the year the Kidd Creek geophysical discovery exploded into public prominence, that Dr. Peter Hood created his first comprehensive review of the world of geophysical instrumentation. It appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal, our sister publication. At the outset, Dr. Hood tells me, it had essentially two objectives. First, the report gave the Geological Survey of Canada, Dr. Hood’s employer, a close look at the geophysical field and its players. Second, it gave exploration managers an up-to-date insight into geophysical techniques.

Since that first article appeared, it has evolved into perhaps the most definitive listing of new geophysical products and improvements to existing instruments. Unfortunately, this year’s will also be the last under the guidance of Dr. Hood. He has chosen to retire.

In the nearly three decades of Dr. Hood’s annual review, geophysical instrumentation has grown more and more sophisticated. The most significant changes, he tells me, were the incorporation of microprocessors in ground geophysics. At the same time, both the level of sensitivity and ruggedness of all geophysical instruments have improved immensely.

“With microprocessors in ground geophysical instruments, an operator can generate results in the evening. It speeds up the rate of data acquisition appreciably,” he said.

As well, during Dr. Hoods’ tenure, the industry became a Canadian success story. “Geophysics is one of the fields that Canada excels in. We have a world-wide reputation, and I think the article has contributed by making the equipment and services well known inside and outside of Canada.”

Fortunately, while Dr. Hood won’t be at his regular post at the GSC any longer or appear in the pages of this magazine, he tells me he may not be retiring altogether. Several people have called expressing interest in his possible role as a consultant.

He hasn’t firmed up anything yet. First he wants to spend a little time in Florida. Happy retirement, Dr. Hood. And thank you.