Geofysica

Geofysica, or geophysics, is the scientific discipline that uses the laws and methods of physics to study the Earth. It focuses on understanding the planet’s interior structure, surface processes, oceans, atmosphere, and related phenomena, with the aim of revealing its composition, dynamics, and history.

Core areas and methods include seismology, which analyzes seismic waves to image the Earth’s interior; gravity and magnetic field measurements used to map density and magnetization variations; electrical and electromagnetic methods (such as magnetotellurics and resistivity) that probe subsurface conductivity; geodesy and satellite gravimetry to measure the Earth’s shape, rotation, and mass distribution; heat flow and geothermal studies; hydrology and groundwater investigations; and remote sensing for large-scale observations.

Applications encompass natural hazard assessment and risk reduction for earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis; exploration for hydrocarbons, minerals, and other resources; groundwater assessment and management; environmental monitoring and engineering site characterization; and climate-related geophysical studies such as ice mass balance and sea-level change.

History and organization: Geophysics emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries as physics-based methods were applied to Earth science, advancing through seismic, magnetic, gravity, and later airborne and satellite techniques. International coordination occurs through bodies such as the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), along with numerous national and regional societies that support research and education in the field.