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| Geophysics
involves the application of principles and theories of physics
to estimate the properties of the Earth's subsurface from surface
observations. Solid Earth Geophysics involves the use of geophysical
theory and instrumentation to investigate the interior of the
Earth. Environmental or near-surface geophysics to examines
the upper two-hundred meters of the subsurface. Seismology,
which is a branch of geophysics, investigates the interior of
the earth using seismic waves generated by earthquakes or man-made
events such as explosions. |
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There
are many career opportunities in geophysics. Oil companies hire
many geophysicists to aid in the exploration of oil and natural
gas. They use many tools, but rely heavily on seismic refraction
to determine the nature of the subsurface. Environmental and
engineering companies use geophysicists to determine the nature
of the shallow subsurface as to its suitability for construction,
susceptibility to pollution, or likelihood of a damaging earthquake.
Mining companies uses geophysics to find and develop ore bodies
and to protect against environmental damage during mining. |
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To get an idea of what you might be called
upon to do as an engineering geophysicist, consider the following
scenario, published in, The Leading Edge, July 1997 pages 1039
- 1043. Imagine you are approached by a housing developer interested
in identifying the possible extent of a hazard underlying a
planned development. She explains that at the turn-of-the-century
extensive subsurface coal mining was conducted in and around
an area undergoing a recent housing boom. Some of these mines
ventured close enough to the surface that in 1896 a mine adit
was flooded, killing a dozen miners after it collapsed under
a nearby stream. |
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She asks for your advice concerning the possibility of using
geophysical methods to detect the existence underground tunnels
and voids beneath the development site. After asking questions
regarding the specifics of the area and the developer's needs
and expectations, you suggest that a gravity survey might be
the most cost-effective technique for providing the information
required to continue the project safely. She invites you to
prepare and submit a formal bid on the project. A situation
like this arising in environmental and engineering geophysics
is not difficult to imagine. |
| The
Bachelor of Science degree in geology with a specialization
in geophysics provides students with the tools necessary for
employment in a variety of career paths. However, many students
elect to complete a Master of Science degree to qualify for
an even broader range of employment opportunities. |
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