geophysics

/ˈdʒiəˌfɪzɪks/

Geophysics is the science that deals with how interactions between matter and energy — physics — affect physical properties and processes on, in, and around the planet.

Geophysics is an earth science that combines elements of geology and physics. It involves understanding and analyzing many different geologic phenomena, such as Earth's magnetic field and the temperature, fluidity, and composition of Earth's layers. Geophysicists use instruments to measure things like sound waves, gravity, and magnetism. They may use seismographs to detect and record ground vibrations. The data geophysicists gather can be analyzed using mathematics to do things like map underground rock layers, locate oil and mineral deposits, or predict earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Definitions of geophysics

1. noun

   the science that studies how energy and matter interact in the earth's surface, interior, and surrounding space
   synonyms: geophysical science

   types:

   geomorphology, morphology

   the science that studies the characteristics, configuration, and evolution of rocks and land forms

   hydrology

   the branch of geology that studies water on the earth and in the atmosphere: its distribution and uses and conservation

   seismology

   the branch of geology that studies earthquakes

   volcanology, vulcanology

   the branch of geology that studies volcanoes

   magnetics, magnetism

   the branch of science that studies magnetism

   geodesy

   the branch of geology that studies the shape of the earth and the determination of the exact position of geographical points

   plate tectonic theory, plate tectonics, tectonics

   the branch of geology studying the folding and faulting of the earth's crust

   lithology, petrology

   the branch of geology that studies rocks: their origin and formation and mineral composition and classification

   type of:

   geology

   a science that deals with the history of the earth as recorded in rocks