Géophysique

Géophysique is the scientific study of the Earth using physical principles and methods. It is a broad discipline that encompasses the study of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and solid body. Geophysicists investigate a wide range of phenomena, from the planet's magnetic field and seismic activity to its thermal processes and gravitational field.

The field of geophysics can be broadly divided into several sub-disciplines. Solid-earth geophysics focuses on the internal structure and composition of the Earth, including the crust, mantle, and core. This often involves the study of earthquakes (seismology), the Earth's magnetic field (geomagnetism), and the Earth's gravity (gravimetry). Atmospheric geophysics, on the other hand, deals with the physical processes occurring in the Earth's atmosphere, such as weather patterns, atmospheric electricity, and the ionosphere. Oceanography, or physical oceanography, is concerned with the physical properties of the oceans, including currents, tides, and wave dynamics.

Geophysical methods are employed in various practical applications, including the exploration for natural resources like oil, gas, and minerals, as well as in environmental studies, hazard assessment (such as predicting earthquakes or volcanic eruptions), and archaeology. The data collected through geophysical surveys and measurements are analyzed using mathematical models and computational techniques to understand the complex processes shaping our planet.