Geophysics (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what geophysics is, its object of study, application and other characteristics. Also, what are its branches.

geophysics volcano eruption — Geophysics uses observable phenomena to understand the inaccessible interior of the planet.

What is geophysics?

Geophysics is one of the main branches of Earth Sciences, which undertakes the geological study of our planet from a physical point of view. That is, it deals with the study of all phenomena linked to the terrestrial structure, the physical conditions of the planet or the history of its formation and evolution.

It is an eminently experimental discipline, which uses quantitative methods for the analysis of seismic waves and other natural phenomena, such as gravity, electromagnetism and terrestrial radioactivity, among other aspects of our planet. Its objective is to achieve the most complete understanding of the physical systems that occur within and around it.

Features of geophysics

Geophysics is an exact science, which uses the scientific method. He usually turns to other disciplines in search of knowledge and tools to carry out his studies. However, For the most part, the specific study objects of geophysics are unreachable and invisible thus preventing direct analysis by scientists, for example, of the planet's interior.

That is why they study phenomena such as seismic waves that, indirectly, speak about the geophysical nature of the Earth. In other cases, they take observations from related disciplines to establish links of similarity with their own, such as astrophysics and astronomy, since by studying other planets in the Solar System, relevant data can be obtained for the study of ours.

You may be interested: Geographic Region

Object of study of geophysics

geophysics northern lights magnetosphere atmosphere radiation — Geophysics studies atmospheric phenomena such as the northern lights.

Geophysics is interested in the study and understanding of the physical system of the planet, emphasizing its geological considerations, such as its interior composition, but also paying attention to its exterior: the atmosphere and hydrosphere, for example, and their respective exchange processes. matter and energy. Broadly speaking, we can define their fields of study as:

Study of the variations of the gravity land.
Study of the earth's crust and the seismic phenomena within it.
Study of the atmospheric physics and especially the bombardment of solar radiation against the magnetosphere.
Study of electricity flow in the geosphere and atmosphere.
Study of thermal properties of the Earth, as well as the movement of heat within it.
The interconnection fields of all the previous points.

Application of geophysics

Geophysics offers humans a varied range of possible applications of their knowledge, especially those linked to seismological nature: the possibility of preventing, identifying and studying earthquakes and earthquakes.

In that sense, understanding the tectonic dynamics of the lithosphere and its cycles is key knowledge for the world's seismic tracking services. It is also useful for different branches of geological engineering and mineralogy the latter with a significant economic impact in many latitudes of the planet.

Branches of geophysics

Geophysics consists of two different branches, which are:

Internal geophysics Interested in the study of the interior of planet Earth, it also includes the following fields of knowledge, among others:
- Seismology Or the study of tectonic movements and seismic waves in the subsoil.
- Geothermometry Or the study of the spread of heat in the interior of the planet.
- Geodynamics Or the study of the interaction of tectonic forces and the deformations they cause in the Earth's lithosphere and mantle.
- Tectonophysics Or the study of tectonic dynamics and continental drift.
- Volcanology. Or the study of volcanoes, lava and magma.
External geophysics Interested in the study of the exterior of the planet, that is, the terrestrial environment. It includes the following fields of knowledge, among others:
- Geomagnetism Or the study of the Earth's magnetic field (magnetosphere).
- Paleomagnetism Or the historical study of the magnetosphere.
- Gravimetry. Or the study of the gravitational varieties of the planet.
- Oceanology. Or the study of the oceans at all possible scales.
- Aeronomy. Or the study of the upper layers of the atmosphere.
- Climatology. Or the study of the meteorological and climatic dynamics of the planet.