Geophysics as a science has contributed significantly to our understanding of the earth’s characteristics and physical processes.
What is Geophysics?
Geophysics is the study and measurement of the physical characteristics of the planet Earth, such as the magnetic and gravitational fields, the makeup of the core, the surface, and the atmosphere, the motions of tectonic plates, seismic activity, and many other things. Seismology, petroleum exploration, environmental study, and mining are just a few of the fields in which geophysicists can work.
So-called seismic data collecting is a common geophysical technique that helped pioneer the mapping of the earth’s interior. The same concepts used in medical ultrasound are used to collect seismic data. Pressure waves are often transmitted into the earth. When the waves in the subsurface run across boundaries between geological layers, they have subsequently reflected the surface. The reflected waves are captured by receivers on the earth’s surface, giving us a visual of the surface of the planet.
Geophysicists use a range of gravimetric, electrical, electromagnetic, and magnetic techniques in addition to seismic data collection to map and comprehend the structure of the earth. We can learn more about the overall structure of the Earth from earthquakes. Geophysicists can use mathematical and numerical models to understand the processes that produced these structures once structures in the subsurface have been mapped using imaging techniques.
How to become a Geophysicist
Seismic, gravitational, magnetic, and electrical data collecting techniques are used by geophysicists to collect observations while they examine the structure and composition of zones beneath the surface of the earth. The two primary subfields of geophysics are global geophysics, which uses the same methodologies to analyze Earth as a whole and examine earthquakes, magnetic fields, and other phenomena, and exploration geophysics, which deals with the search for Earth’s resources. Seismology and seismic interpretation, borehole geophysics, mineral exploration, engineering geophysics, environmental or groundwater geophysics, or computer processing and software development are just a few specializations that geophysicists frequently pursue.
Training & Education for a Geophysicist
The typical educational requirement to become a geophysicist is to obtain a scientific degree, preferably at the honors level, with a major in geophysics, geoscience, or a mix of geology and physics. Typically, you must get your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education to enroll in these courses. It is typically necessary to have prerequisite courses in English, mathematics, chemistry, physics, or biology. Different criteria apply to different universities, and some offer flexible entry requirements. For further information, get in touch with the institutions that interest you.
Where do Geophysicists Work?
Geophysicists have always been in high demand. Listed below are a few of the most typical employment options:
- The energy industry (hydrocarbons, hydropower, thermal, wind)
- Mining sector
- Research (universities and research institutes) (universities and research institutes)
- Teaching at the high school and university levels in mathematics, physics, earth science, and IT
- Businesses engaged in building tunnels, bridges, and other substantial structures.
- Consulting for the public sector (research departments, government).