Geophysicist

Overview

Geophysicists study the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth, locate minerals, petroleum or ground water, and detect, monitor and forecast seismic, magnetic, electrical, geothermal and oceanographic activity.

Day-to-day

• determines the resources present by sampling, examining and analysing geological specimens, rock cores, cuttings and samples using optical, chemical, electronic and mechanical techniques
• surveys variations in the earth's gravitational and magnetic fields to determine its physical features
• investigates the propagation of seismic waves to determine the structure and stability of the earth's mantle and crust
• studies the causes of earthquakes and other stress states of the earth's crust
• performs laboratory and field studies, as well as aerial, ground and drill hole surveys.

Considerations

• physically demanding
• requires driving
• working outdoors.