Become a Geophysicist... A What?
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What is a geophysicist?
A geophysicist is someone who studies the Earth using gravity, magnetic, electrical, and seismic methods. Some geophysicists spend most of their time outdoors studying various features of the Earth, and others spend most of their time indoors using computers for modeling and calculations. Some geophysicists use these methods to find oil, iron, copper, and many other minerals. Some evaluate earth properties for environmental hazards and evaluate areas for dams or construction sites. Research geophysicists study the internal structure and evolution of the earth, earthquakes, the ocean and other physical features using these methods.
What are the types of geophysicists?
Geophysics covers a broad range of earth science and offers a variety of options. This list includes some, but not all, of the divisions of geophysics:
Seismologists
Seismological Society of America
Marine geophysicists
MIT-WHOI Joint Program
MarineCareers - interviews and profiles
Petroleum geophysicists
Society of Exploration Geophysics
Mining geophysicists
Society of Exploration Geophysics
Environmental geophysicists
Society of Exploration Geophysics
Atmospheric physicist
American Meteorological Society - career guide
Gravity geophysicist
Magnetic geophysicist
Introduction to Geomagnetism
Electromagnetic geophysicist
Electrical geophysicist
Exploration geophysicists
Heat flow field work
gps surveyWhat background do I need in high school?
It's best to take as many math and science classes as possible, as well as computer science. If your high school offers earth science or any other earth-focused sciences, take them.
What background do I need in college?
A strong background in sciences, with emphasis on math, physics and geology is important. Students with a physics major often have an easier time in graduate school than those with only a geology major. The more...