Geophysics

Geophysics Curricular Group 

Geophysics applies the principles of mathematics and physics to understanding processes in interior of the Earth and planets, using a variety of data and methods. For example, geophysicists use seismic and magnetic data to estimate the motions of the earth's core, make geodetic observations to monitor the stress buildup driving California earthquakes, and apply the theory of complex systems to understand the motion of beach sand.

A natural focus of many Scripps geophysicists is the Earth beneath the oceans. Marine geophysics uses shipborne, seafloor, and sub-seafloor instruments to measure the seismic, electrical, magnetic, and gravitational properties of the oceanic crust and mantle, including continental margins and ridge-crest processes. There also is increasing use of satellite data to study the seafloor.

Geophysicists also use rigorous mathematical methods to determine what can (and cannot) be inferred about Earth from available data. Examples include estimating geodynamo behavior from historical and paleomagnetic data, determining variations in Earth structure from global and regional seismic data, applying geodetic measurements to constrain the subsurface accumulation of stress on faults, and modeling the observable effects of mantle flow near oceanic spreading centers.

Scripps geophysicists have emphasized the development and use of new instruments. For example, they use GPS, land-based and seafloor strainmeters and tiltmeters, absolute gravimeters, and interferometric satellite radar to measure crustal motion. Scripps researchers have deployed arrays of instruments for regional seismic studies in several parts of the world, and operate a substantial portion of the global seismic network and a pool of ocean bottom seismographs.

The rigorous methods used for geophysical studies can be applied to many environmental problems. Collecting, processing, and understanding large data sets is a core part of these fields. These skills, plus a fundamental understanding of basic principles, are the goals of the Scripps program in Geophysics.

In geophysics, first-year students are expected to enroll in courses that cover topics important to a broad range of investigations. Beyond this, there is no single course of study appropriate to the geophysics curriculum; instead, the individual interests of the student will permit, in consultation with the advisor, a choice of course work in specific areas.

By the end of the first year, students usually select a particular area of focus and choose a major professor. In the summer or early Fall Quarter of the second year of residence each student will be given written and oral Departmental Examinations, which are intended to cover the student's formal training. A brief presentation of possible research interests will also be expected at this exam.

As students advance beyond the first year, they begin to function quite effectively as research assistants, high level technical personnel or, in some cases, as teaching assistants. Furthermore, during their third to fifth year they are working toward writing their dissertations.