Geofysiska

Geofysiska, or geophysics, is the branch of Earth sciences that uses physical methods to study the Earth's interior, structure, and processes. It combines physics, geology, and mathematics to measure natural physical fields such as seismic waves, gravity, magnetic and electrical fields, and, increasingly, electromagnetic and thermal signals. The aim is to infer properties like density, elasticity, magnetization, and conductivity without direct sampling of rocks at depth.

Geophysical methods can be broadly grouped into active and passive techniques. Seismic methods use controlled sources or natural earthquakes to map subsurface interfaces and properties through the travel times and amplitudes of seismic waves. Gravity and magnetic surveys detect anomalies caused by variations in density or magnetization. Electrical and electromagnetic methods measure how soils and rocks conduct electricity or respond to electromagnetic fields, revealing water content and mineralization. Remote sensing, borehole logging, and geodesy complement field surveys.

Data from geophysical surveys are interpreted through modeling and inversion, blending measurements with geological knowledge to produce subsurface images or models. The process is often non-unique and sensitive to noise, requiring careful calibration, cross-validation with other data, and uncertainty analysis. Advances in computational power, signal processing, and sensor technology have expanded the resolution and scope of geophysical investigations.

Geophysics supports resource exploration (oil, gas, minerals), groundwater assessment and management, environmental monitoring, and civil engineering projects such as site characterization for dams and tunnels. It is also used in volcanology, seismology, paleoclimate studies, and planetary science to study other bodies in the solar system. Education and training in physics, geology, and mathematics underpin professional geophysicists.