geophysics

American  

[jee-oh-fiz-iks] / ˌdʒi oʊˈfɪz ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of geology that deals with the physics of the earth and its atmosphere, including oceanography, seismology, volcanology, and geomagnetism.

---

geophysics British  

/ ˌdʒiːəʊˈfɪzɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study of the earth's physical properties and of the physical processes acting upon, above, and within the earth. It includes seismology, geomagnetism, meteorology, and oceanography

---

geophysics Scientific  

/ jē′ō-fĭz′ĭks /

1. The scientific study of the physical characteristics of the Earth, including its hydrosphere and atmosphere, and of the Earth's relationship to the rest of the universe.

---

geophysics Cultural  

1. The science devoted to the study of the physical properties and processes of geological phenomena, including fields such as meteorology, oceanography, and seismology.

---

Other Word Forms

• geophysical
  adjective
• geophysically
  adverb
• geophysicist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of geophysics

First recorded in 1885–90; geo- + physics

Explanation

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.

Example Sentences

Cyclone seeds, weather formations that have the potential to become tropical cyclones, are behind the extreme weather, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

"This is an incredibly exciting study", Professor Qiuli Li from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics wrote in a detailed peer review.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2024

Currently, he is an assistant professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at the University of Utah.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2024

Satellite imagery from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency showed that the ash has spread to the west, northwest, northeast and southeast, covering Manado and North Minahasa, according to a statement from Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2024

In Climate in Earth History, Studies in Geophysics, pages 118-125, 4 figures.

From Metabolic Adaptation to Climate and Distribution of the Raccoon Procyon Lotor and Other Procyonidae by Mahlke-Johnson, Kathleen P.