Geophysics, the study of the earth by quantitative physical methods, especially by seismic reflection and refraction, gravity, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, and radioactivity methods.
It includes the branches of:
-
- Geothermometry (heating of the earth, heat flow, volcanology, and hot springs)
- Hydrology (ground and surface water, sometimes including glaciology)
- Physical oceanography
- Tectonophysics (geological processes in the earth)
- Exploration and engineering geophysics
- Geophysical Engineering
A related field is geochemistry.
Exploration geophysics is the use of seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic, etc., methods in the search for oil, gas, minerals, water, etc., with the objective of economic exploitation. The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (seg.org) has the most recent update of the sciences and technologies of exploration geophysics (see also petroleum geology). Exploration Geophysics careers are in such widely varying industries as oil & gas exploration, mining, environmental studies, planetary physics and even archaeology.
Geophysics offers the most challenging blend of advanced mathematics and physics. The rewards for successful geophysicists range from high paying jobs to the opportunities to contribute to the relatively new field.
Related articles
