Geology and Geophysics

2020-10-24 1
Geology
• Definition: The science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the
earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the physical, chemical, and
biological changes that the earth has undergone or is undergoing.
• Relationship of Geophysics to Geology: E.g. Human anatomy for
students of medical specializing in specific fields.

2020-10-24 Source: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/geology 2

Geophysics
• Definition: Geophysics is the application of physics to study the Earth,
oceans, atmosphere and near-Earth space. It is a broad subject that encompasses
many of the major sciences – physics, astronomy, planetary science, geology,
environmental science, oceanography, and meteorology. Many different scientists
from different disciplines class themselves as geophysicists, including
seismologists, meteorologists, glaciologists, geomagnetists and geodesists.
• Careers: Geophysicists go on to develop in a broad range of careers, including
those in natural resource exploration, satellite based Earth observation, natural
hazard mitigation, archaeological studies, conservation and climate studies,
government policy and military applications.

Source: british geophysical association

2020-10-24 3
https://geophysics.org.uk/what-is-geophysics/
Why Geophysics matters
• Geophysical observations are fundamental to our understanding of the Earth and
how it works for and against us. For example, motion in the Earth’s deep core
gives rise to our magnetic field, which protects us from harmful solar radiation.
Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, on the other hand, have the ability destroy
on a terrible scale. Geophysics is essential for exploring for energy, water, and
mineral resources, monitoring environmental impact and change and assessing
natural and manmade hazards. It is used in subsurface investigations for
engineering and archaeology, as well as in forensic science, such as nuclear test
ban treaty verification.

2020-10-24 Source: Going underground (RAS) 4

Why Geophysics matters (Cont.)
• Volcanic eruption: Geophysicists have found a way to predict an eruption (by
observing volcanic ash and movement of magma) on a timescale that allows those
most at risk to take precautions. E.g. Ireland, 2010.
• Plate tectonics and Earthquakes: Field work and satellite data combine to
show geophysicists how the surface of the Earth is continually adjusting to the
stress of plate movements. The results reveal how the planet works on a human
timescale, helping us to understand earthquake risk.
• Solar storms: It involve high-energy particles that are hazardous to human
health and can damage satellites. Magnetic field protects the Earth from it.
Geophysicists study the impact of solar winds and how magnetic field protects it.

2020-10-24 Source: Going underground (RAS) 5

Why Geophysics matters (Cont.)
• 3D/4D Seismic surveys and other techniques: This advanced
technologies help explore in a better way as compare to 2D surveys. Other
techniques like fracing, when applied on field make the reservoirs producing
which were considered unproductive five or six years ago.
• Other natural hazards: Natural hazards harm those living close by, but can
affect society worldwide. Geophysicists work on the processes that underpin Earth
hazards and on means to monitor and mitigate their effects. E.g. Tsunami 2010 in
Japan.

2020-10-24 Source: Going underground (RAS) 6