'Geophysics', a branch of
earth sciences, is the study of the
Earth by quantitative
physical methods, especially by
seismic,
electromagnetic, and
radioactivity methods. The theories and techniques of geophysics are employed extensively in the
planetary sciences in general.
The field of geophysics includes the branches of:
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Seismology (
earthquakes and elastic
waves)
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Gravity and
geodesy (the Earth's gravitational field and the size and form of the earth)
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Atmospheric science, which includes:
:
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Atmospheric electricity and
terrestrial magnetism (including
ionosphere,
Van Allen belts,
telluric currents,
Radiant energy, etc.)
:
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Meteorology and
Climatology, which both involve studies of the weather.
:
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Aeronomy, the study of the physical structure and chemistry of the atmosphere.
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Geothermometry (heating of the Earth, heat flow,
volcanology, and hot springs)
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Hydrology (ground and surface water, sometimes including
glaciology)
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Physical oceanography
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Tectonophysics (geological processes in the Earth)
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Geodynamics (numerical study of the inner Earth)
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Exploration and engineering geophysics
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Geophysical Engineering
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Glaciology
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Petrophysics
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Applied geophysics
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Mineral Physics
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Engineering geology
See also
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Fluid dynamics
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Society of Exploration Geophysicists
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American Geophysical Union
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Important publications in geophysics(geology)
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important publications in Geophysics(physics)
External links
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USGS Geomagnetism Program
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Case studies from TerraDat Geophysics documenting the use in shallow engineering and environmental applications
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Center for Gravity, Electrical, and Magnetic Studies
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Stanford University Department of Geophysics