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Geophysics, a major discipline of the Earth sciences and a subdiscipline of physics, is the study of the whole Earth by the quantitative observation of its physical properties. Geophysical data are used in academics to observe tectonic plate motions, study the internal structure of the Earth, supplement data provided by geologic maps, and to nondestructively observe shallow deposits. Geophysical survey data are used to analyze potential petroleum reservoirs and mineral deposits, to locate groundwater, to locate archaeological finds, to find the thicknesses of glaciers and soils, and for environmental remediation. The theories and techniques of geophysics are employed extensively in the planetary sciences in general.

[edit] Fields and related disciplines

[edit] Fields

Geodesy,^[1] measurement of the Earth: GPS, vertical and horizontal motions of the Earth's surface, navigation, the study of the Earth's gravitational field, and the size and form of the Earth
The study of large-scale motions of the Earth's surface and interior, including:

Tectonophysics, the study of the physical processes that cause and result from plate tectonics
Geodynamics, the study of modes of transport deformation within the Earth: rock deformation, mantle flow and convection, heat flow, lithosphere dynamics
Seismology, the study of earthquakes and the propagation of elastic waves through the Earth

Most of our knowledge of the Structure of the Earth is derived from seismology
Shallow seismology is used in exploration geophysics (to find oil and gas) and for environmental characterization of the subsurface

Geomagnetism, the study of the Earth's magnetic field, including its origin, telluric currents driven by the magnetic field, the Van Allen belts, and the interaction between the magnetosphere and the solar wind. This field is associated with paleomagnetism, or the measurement of the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field over the geologic past.
Mathematical Geophysics, The development and applications of mathematical methods ^[2] and techniques for the solution of geophysical problems.^[3]
Geophysical surveying:

Exploration and engineering geophysics, using surface methods to detect or infer the presence and position of concentrations of ore minerals and hydrocarbons
Archaeological geophysics, for archaeological imaging or mapping
Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, for locating underground storage tanks (UST's) or utilities, delineating landfills, locating voids or potential subsidence, finding depth to, P-wave or S-wave velocity of, or rippability of bedrock, or the pathway of groundwater movement

[edit] Related Disciplines

Volcanology, the study of volcanoes, volcanic features (hot springs, geysers, fumaroles), volcanic rock, and heat flow related to volcanoes
Atmospheric sciences, which includes:

Atmospheric electricity and the ionosphere
Aeronomy, the study of the physical structure and chemistry of the atmosphere.
Meteorology and Climatology, which both involve studies of the weather.

The study of water on the Earth, hydrology, physical oceanography and glaciology
Geological and geophysical engineering and Engineering geology, applying geophysics to the engineering design of facilities including roads, tunnels, and mines
The study of the rocks and minerals, including petrophysics and aspects of mineralogy such as physical mineralogy and crystal structure

[edit] History of geophysics

Main article: History of geophysics

The development of geophysics has been motivated by many theoretical and practical issues.

The term of geophysics was probably first used in Germany, where it appeared in scientific writings of the mid-19th century. The word geophysics was first used by Fröbel^[4]^[5] as "geophysik" in 1834.

[edit] See also

Physics portal

[edit] References

^ Torge W., Geodesy, Walter de Gruyter Co., 3rd Edition, (2001).
^ Yang X.S., Introductory Mathematics for Earth Scientists, Dunedin Academic Press, (2009).
^ Chemin, J. Y. et al, Mathematical Geophysics, Oxford University Press, (2006).
^ Buntebarth, G. (1981) "Zur Entwicklung des Begriffes Geophysik", Abhandlungen der Braunschwiegischen Wissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft 32, 95-109
^ Beck, H. (1961) Alexander von Humboldt, 2 Vols (Wiesbaden: Steiner)

[edit] External links

[0] Torge W., Geodesy, Walter de Gruyter Co., 3rd Edition, (2001).

[1] Yang X.S., Introductory Mathematics for Earth Scientists, Dunedin Academic Press, (2009).

[2] Chemin, J. Y. et al, Mathematical Geophysics, Oxford University Press, (2006).

[3] Buntebarth, G. (1981) "Zur Entwicklung des Begriffes Geophysik", Abhandlungen der Braunschwiegischen Wissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft 32, 95-109

[4] Beck, H. (1961) Alexander von Humboldt, 2 Vols (Wiesbaden: Steiner)

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