This paper describes tools and techniques for the exploration of geo-scientific data from the oil and gas domain in stereoscopic virtual environments. The two main sources of data in the exploration task are seismic volumes and multivariate well logs of physical properties down a bore hole. We have developed a props-based interaction device called the cubic mouse to allow more direct and intuitive interaction with a cubic seismic volume. This device effectively places the seismic cube in the user's hand. Geologists who have tried this device have been enthusiastic about the ease of use, and were adept only a few moments after picking it up.We have also developed a multi-modal visualisation and sonification technique for the dense, multivariate well log data. The visualisation can show two well log variables mapped along the well geometry in a bivariate colour scheme, and another variable on a sliding lens. A sonification probe is attached to the lens so that other variables can be heard. The sonification is based on a Geigercounter metaphor that is widely understood and which makes it easy to explain. The data is sonified at higher or lower resolutions depending on the speed of the lens. Sweeps can be made at slower rates and over smaller intervals to home in on peaks, boundaries or other features in the full resolution data set.

I N this special section, we are pleased to present extended versions of four outstanding papers that were originally presented at the IEEE Virtual Reality 2006 Conference (VR 2006). IEEE Virtual Reality is the premier international conference on all aspects of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. The conference program at VR 2006 consisted of nine sessions on the following topics: perception, simulation and visualization, applications of VR, distributed and collaborative systems, evaluation and user studies, augmented reality, tracking and projection displays, 3D interaction, and haptic and olfactory displays. For this special section, the international program committee selected four excellent papers from the 28 accepted research papers. As always, the choice was difficult since many of the other papers were also excellent candidates. The first paper, by Sean D. Young, Bernard D. Adelstein, and Stephen R. Ellis, received the best paper award at the VR 2006 for its high relevance to the field of virtual reality and simulation. The authors asked the question, "Does taking a motion sickness questionnaire make you motion sick?" Surprisingly, their research indicates that the answer is "yes!" The paper demonstrates that the administration of the questionnaire itself makes the participant aware that the virtual environment may produce motion sickness. The study shows that reports of motion sickness after immersion are much greater when both pre and posttest questionnaires are given than when only a posttest questionnaire is used. Since pretest questionnaires cannot simply be dropped in most cases, the authors suggest a number of ways to reduce this effect and discuss the implications of their observations. Augmented reality (AR) systems, which combine realworld and virtual imagery, present a unique set of perceptual issues for the user. The paper by J. Edward

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