Introduction to this special section: Rock physics

As a means of interpreting subsurface geophysical and petrophysical data in terms of engineering reservoir properties, the discipline of rock physics has been central to delivering value for an ever-growing pool of underground energy applications. As the industry looks in new directions, from the sequestration of carbon dioxide to the production and storage of geothermal heat and hydrogen, many new challenges arise that position rock physics as a major enabler to a new sustainable energy portfolio. Delivering on that promise will in part necessitate the ingenuity and dedication of a new generation of rock physicists as skilled in the understanding of fundamental chemo-physical processes at play as they are in the astute use of modern digital tools. But as with any great project, foundation comes first, and long-recognized challenges that have already prompted decades of rock physics modeling efforts still require our attention if we are to succeed in these new endeavors.