What Is Geophysics?

Geophysics studies Earth using physics. For example, it looks at earthquakes and magnetic fields. So, it helps us understand how the Earth works beneath its surface.

Main Areas of Geophysics

Geophysics is actually a pretty broad field to be in. But it mostly focuses on 4 main areas of study:

Seismology: Study of earthquakes and the Earth’s interior.
Magnetism: Looks at Earth’s magnetic field.
Gravimetry: Measures the gravity field of Earth.
Geoelectricity: Explore electrical and magnetic properties.

These are the main areas of geophysics. But how do they collect data related to these fields?

“Geophysics is the study of Earth using physics to explore its inner and outer spaces.”

Methods and Tools in Geophysics

Did you know that our most advanced drills barely scratch the surface of the Earth? So, that’s why we have to use tools to investigate the properties of your planet.

Enter geophysics. Seismographs and magnetometers are like detectives’ tools for geophysicists.

Seismographs record earthquakes by capturing ground movements. Imagine a pen that dances when the Earth shakes. That’s a seismograph.

Magnetometers, on the other hand, are like compasses on steroids. They measure Earth’s magnetic field, helping to find minerals underground.

Applications of Geophysics

Here are some of the major applications of geophysics:

Finding Resources: It helps find oil, gas, minerals, and water underground. So, we know where to dig.
Natural Disaster Prediction: It can predict earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. This saves lives by giving warnings.
Environmental Studies: Geophysicists check soil and water contamination. They help clean up the environment.
Engineering Projects: Before building structures like dams or bridges, geophysicists check to make sure the ground is safe to build.

I’d say engineering projects and finding natural resources are the big ones. But I see more geophysicists going into environmental consulting nowadays too.

What Do Geophysicists Do?

Geophysicists collect data from everywhere – land, air, and sea. On land, they place instruments like seismographs and use radar to peek underground.

In the air, they fly planes equipped with sensors to scan large areas. And at sea, they use ships with special tools to map the ocean floor and measure magnetic fields.

I can’t stress this enough but quality control is key. As a field geophysicist, you’ll analyze and process data. This involves a huge amount of time to QC that data.