WHAT IS GEOPHYSICS?
Geophysics is the science which deals with investigating the Earth, using the
methods and techniques of Physics. The physical properties of earth materials
(rocks, air, and water masses) such as density, elasticity, magnetization, and
electrical conductivity all allow inference about those materials to be made
from measurements of the corresponding physical fields - gravity, seismic waves,
magnetic fields, and various kinds of electrical fields.
For example, detailed measurement of the way the magnetic field of the Earth
varies from place to place can be interpreted in terms of the distribution of
rocks and minerals in the vicinity of the measurements.
Because Geophysics incorporates the sciences of Physics, Mathematics, Geology
(and therefore Chemistry) it is a truly multidisciplinary physical science.
The two great divisions of Geophysics conventionally are labelled as Exploration
Geophysics, and Global Geophysics. In Global Geophysics, we find studies of
In Exploration Geophysics we find the same physical studies applied, usually on
a smaller scale, to the search for resources such as oil, gas, minerals, water
and building stone.
Most practicing Geophysicists work in Exploration Geophysics, which is an
applied research science of high significance to modern industrial societies.
Generally, Geophysicists will be part of a team with other Earth Scientists
(Geologists and Engineers) working on exploration problems. For more about
Exploration Geophysics, cross to
our general introduction
or visit the
Curtin University site
If you would like to spend some time really learning about Geophysics, browse
around the
Colorado School of Mines site.
which is an innovative development many of us are watching with interest.
(A slightly-modified version is at the
University of Melbourne Applied Geophysics
site.)
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