What is geophysics?
Q: What is geophysics?
A: Geophysics is the physics of the Earth and its environment in space. It involves studying the Earth by measuring things and collecting data, such as its shape, gravitational and magnetic field, internal structure and composition.
Q: When did geophysics become a recognized area of study?
A: Geophysics was only recognized as a special area of study in the 19th century.
Q: Who were some early geophysicists?
A: There were geophysicists in ancient history. The first magnetic compasses were made in the fourth century BC and the first seismoscope was built in 132 BC. Isaac Newton applied his theory of mechanics to the tides and precession of the equinox.
Q: What are some ways that studying geophysics can help with problems?
A: Studying geophysics may help with problems such as mineral resources, reducing natural hazards, and protecting the environment. Geophysical survey data can help find petroleum reservoirs, mineral deposits, groundwater, and archaeological relics. Such data can also tell which areas have environmental damage that should be fixed.
Q: What instruments are used to measure aspects of Earth's environment?
A: Instruments are developed to measure aspects of Earth's environment such as its shape, density and gravity field, as well as parts of the water cycle. In addition modern instruments are used for remote exploration of both solid earths and oceans.
Q: How does geophysics relate to other sciences like astronomy or meteorology?
A: Geophysics studies how electricity and magnetism affect atmospheres like ionosphere or magnetosphere; it also studies how earth interacts with sun which relates to astronomy; it also studies hydrological cycle including snow/ice which relates to meteorology
