A geophysicist is a scientist who researches the physical properties of the Earth, as well as the physical properties of other planets, moons, and other space objects. It is usually necessary to have a graduate degree in order to work in this field. Graduate programs in geophysics are available at a variety of universities around the world, with master’s and doctorate degrees available.
Geophysics is a broad field, and a geophysicist may be involved in a variety of activities as part of his or her job. Geophysics is the study of the Earth’s surface properties, such as the characteristics of the Earth’s crust, as well as the study of the atmosphere, the study of the Earth’s interior, and the study of the Earth’s oceans. A geophysicist can collect data, make observations, and calibrate equipment in the field. Geophysicists can also be found in the lab conducting controlled experiments and sample analysis, in the classroom instructing students, and in the employ of government agencies and private organizations interested in geophysics topics.
A career as a geophysicist may appeal to anyone with a strong interest in the Earth’s physical properties. The components of the Earth’s interior; earthquakes; volcanoes; weather patterns; the movement of tectonic plates; the formation of the Earth and other planets; properties of planets; potentially habitable planets beyond Earth; the geomagnetic field associated with the Earth; mapping and measuring the Earth; and the role of the ocean in the world’s physics are just a few of the topics studied geophysicists.
Geophysical exploration is an exciting area of geophysics. Geophysicists are usually hired companies that use natural resources like oil and minerals to survey areas of interest and develop reports that are used to determine whether or not further investment is worthwhile. Geophysicists can also work for government agencies, monitoring the activities of companies that exploit natural resources, enforcing resource claim boundaries, and researching the environmental effects of resource extraction.
There are some drawbacks to this profession. Traveling to remote areas to obtain measurements or investigate new natural resource claims is common, and the conditions in these areas can be primitive. There is a lot of homework, and a geophysicist must be willing to continue their education throughout their careers attending conferences, subscribing to trade publications, and participating in other activities that will broaden their knowledge base in this field.