What is Geophysics?

Application of physics to studies of the Earth,

other planets
Includes Earth, Atmosphere, Oceans, Planetary

Moon, and
systems

What is
Geophysics?
The study of the earth by quantitative physical
methods
Often refers to solid-earth geophysics only,

thus excluding portions of other subjects

Exploration geophysics is the use of seismic,
gravity,
magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic,
etc., methods in the search for oil, gas, minerals,
water, etc., with the objective of economic
exploitation.

Examples of Geophysics

Applied Geophysics
Pure and
Solid Earth
Surface Geophysics

Applied Geophysics
(economic objectives)
Exploration Geophysics
Engineering Geophysics

Environmental Geophysics
Groundwater Geophysics
Archaeo Geophysics
Forensics

Applications?
Approach to earthquake hazards
Plate tectonics, the study of the interior
structure of the earth
Human's ability to exploit natural resources
Engineering
Environmental
Hydrological

Geophysical Methods
Passive methods: measure natural
properties or fields of the Earth, e.g.,
gravity, magnetic, radioactive, etc.
Active methods: perturb the natural
system and measures the response.
Artificial signals are introduced into
the earth and subsequently recorded
after being modified by the earth
materials

Geophysical Methods

Gravity - Isostasy, density variations

Magnetic - magnetic intensity
Seismic - Reflection, Refraction
Electric - Conductance/ Resistance

Limitations
Lack of sufficient contrast in physical
properties
Inverse modeling: the process of observing
the effects (geophys. measurements) and
solving for the cause
Warning: Various causes could produce the
same effect; no unique solution/ interpretation
Better to use more than one method or
combine data from one method with some
existing info (e.g. well logs, outcrops)

Limitations
Resolution: the ability to separate two
features that very close together or,
the smallest change in input that will
produce a detectable change in output
Noise: any unwanted signal, can be
from the instrument, uncontrollable
conditions, operator; noise can mask
the contrast or manifest as an
uncertainty in the inversion process

Shallow Subsurface
Investigations
Preferred method: depends on the
specific objective of the investigation
Examples:
Magnetic method to locate a corroded
steel drum containing toxic material;
seismic refraction for regional mapping
of shallow structures;
Electrical resistivity for hydrogeological
investigations

Steps in Geophysical Investigation

Method selection: technical, cost considerations
Designing the survey: choosing the configuration
that works best to serve the objective
Acquisition: conducting the survey, data collection
Processing: processing of the geophysical data;
curve fitting, modeling, signal processing using
soft wares (geophysicists are better at this)
Interpretation: physical meaning of the data,
choosing between the alternatives, integrating
with info from other sources

Examples of geophysical methods?

Gravity

Examples of geophysical methods?

Magnetics

Examples of geophysical methods?

Seismic

a. Reflection
b. Refraction
c. Surface or borehole

Examples of geophysical methods?

Resistivity

What does a Geophysicist do?

Explores for oil and gas

What does a Geophysicist do?

Shoots seismic surveys

What does a Geophysicist do?

recording truck
geophones
energy source

reflecting boundary

reflecting boundary
Shoots seismic surveys

What does a Geophysicist do?

Vibroseis trucks

Shoots seismic surveys

What does a Geophysicist do?

Shoots seismic surveys in Africa

What does a Geophysicist do?

Shoots seismic surveys in the mountains

What does a Geophysicist do?

Process seismic data

What does a Geophysicist do?

Seismic Image of Ancient Reef in Alberta

[400 million years old]

Uses computer technology to interpret seismic data

What does a Geophysicist do?

Uses computer technology to interpret seismic data

What does a Geophysicist do?

Uses high tech visualization to interpret seismic data

What does a Geophysicist do?

Collects aeromagnetic and gravity data

What does a Geophysicist do?

Finds water in Malawi

What does a Geophysicist do?

Archaeological surveys in Israel

What does a Geophysics student do?

Surveys in the Arctic Islands as though on Mars

What does a Geophysicist do?

Goes on geology field trips

What does a Geophysics student do?

Goes to geophysics field school

What does a Technologist do?

Data management

Who hires Geophysicists and

Technologists?
The Petroleum Industry
oil and gas exploration and production
Engineering Companies
environmental studies
Mining Companies
mineral resource exploration
Universities
teaching and research
Governments
regulatory agencies

How much does a Geophysicist earn per year?

With an oil company:
New hire: $40,000-70,000
5 years experience: $70,000-100,000
10 years experience: $90,000-140,000
20 years experience: $130,000-150,000
* based on 2006 data

How much does a

Geophysical Technologist earn?
With an oil company:
New hire: $32,000-$44,000
5 years experience: $56,000
10 years experience: $72,000
20 years experience: $75,000
* based on 2004 data

END