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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Other Word Forms

• geophysical adjective
• geophysically adverb
• geophysicist noun

Etymology

Origin of geophysics

First recorded in 1885–90; geo- + physics

Example Sentences

This research shows how combining geology and geophysics can uncover hidden features beneath Antarctica and deepen our understanding of the forces shaping the planet.

From Science Daily

By drawing on plasma physics, atmospheric science, and geophysics, this approach expands the traditional view that earthquakes are driven solely by forces inside the planet.

From Science Daily

“With these findings, we can look at the big picture of mitigating this record-breaking subsidence,” said Rosemary Knight, the study’s senior author and a professor of geophysics at Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability.

From Los Angeles Times

These findings hold the potential for applications across various fields, including seismology and geophysics, particularly in monitoring underground conditions with limited observation points.

From Science Daily

“They need to be breakthrough exploration projects that drive scientific and societal benefit,” said newly appointed Hub director Mark Simons, a Caltech geophysics professor and former JPL chief scientist.

From Los Angeles Times