Geophysicist

Are you interested in the elements of the Earth? Do you have a fascination for volcanoes, weather, or oceans? If so, you might want to consider a career as a Geophysicist.

Geophysics involves the study of the world—from deep within the Earth’s crust to the far reaches of space. Aside from the name “Geophysicist,” you are known to the world by such titles as Volcanologist, Seismologist, or Tectnophysicist.

As a Geophysicist, you study elements, and work to better understand forces such as gravitational pull and the energy inside the black hole. Although you spend time in a laboratory, much of your work takes you to active systems, such as storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis—often on a moment’s notice. When a volcano exhales a puff of steam, you speed to the site to start collecting data.

Your knowledge is used in many industries. For example, you might work for a mining or oil company, discovering new reserves or identifying the potential for mineral deposits in an area. In construction, you evaluate building sites for stability.

You use specialized equipment to take measurements. These tests provide dating and historical information, such as how often a particular volcano has erupted over the course of millions of years, or how quickly the coastline is eroding due to environmental changes. Since the past is often an indicator of the future, this data allows you to make predictions for the future. Thanks to you, communities can create emergency plans, such as warning systems and escape routes.