What is Geophysics?

Geophysics entails the study and exploration of the Earth's interior through physical measurements collected at the earth's surface, in boreholes, from aircraft, and from satellites. Using a combination of mathematics, physics, geology, chemistry, hydrology, and computer science, a geophysicist analyzes these measurements to infer properties and processes within the Earth's complex interior.

Because the Earth supplies all of our material needs and is the repository of our waste products, the breadth and importance of this field of science are evident. Oil companies and mining firms use the exploratory skills of geophysicists to locate hidden resources throughout the world. Geophysicists assess the material properties near the Earth's surface when sites are chosen for large engineering and waste-management operations. Geophysical technology is used in environmental applications such as tracking the flow of contaminants and searching for groundwater. On the global scale, geophysicists attempt to unravel Earth processes and structures from its surface down to its central core using measurements of heat distribution and flow; gravitational, magnetic, electric, thermal, and stress fields; and ground motion caused by earthquakes or explosions.

Departmental History

Founded in 1926, the Department of Geophysics at the Colorado School of Mines is the largest department in the U.S. specializing in applied geophysical research and education. Even so, with 12 full-time faculty and class sizes ranging from 12 to 20, students receive individualized attention in a close-knit environment. Given the interdisciplinary nature of geophysics, the undergraduate curriculum requires students to become thoroughly familiar with geological, mathematical, and physical theory, in addition to exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of the various geophysical methodologies.

Traditionally, the resource industry has been, and continues to be, the largest employer of CSM geophysics graduates. Within this industry, graduates find employment with the major oil companies, contractors involved in seismic and borehole logging surveys, and mineral exploration. Graduates also find employment in the emerging engineering and geotechnical industries with positions offered by government agencies and the myriad of small contracting firms specializing in shallow subsurface characterization for environmental, water management, and civil engineering applications.