A geophysicist is a scientist who studies the physical properties of the Earth, and who may also study the physical properties of other planets along with moons and other objects found in space. In order to work in this field, it is usually necessary to have a graduate degree. Numerous universities around the world offer graduate programs in geophysics, with both masters and doctorate degrees available to students.
The field of geophysics is actually quite broad, and a geophysicist may engage in a wide range of activities as part of his or her work. The study of geophysics includes the study of surface properties of the Earth, like the characteristics of the Earth's crust, the study of the atmosphere, the study of the interior of the Earth, and the study of the Earth's oceans. A geophysicist can work in the field, collecting data, making observations, and calibrating equipment. Geophysicists are also found in the lab performing controlled experiments and conducting analysis of samples, in the classroom teaching students, and in the employ of government agencies and private organizations interested in topics within geophysics.
Anyone who has a deep interest in the physical properties of the Earth might be interested in a career as a geophysicist. Some topics studied by geophysicists include: the components of the inside of the Earth; earthquakes; volcanoes; weather patterns; the movement of tectonic plates; the formation of the Earth and other planets; properties of planets; potentially habitable planets beyond Earth; the geomagnetic field associated with the Earth; mapping and measuring the Earth; and the role of the ocean in the world's climate.
One interesting area in geophysics is geophysical exploration. Companies which utilize natural resources like oil and minerals usually hire geophysicists to survey areas of interest and develop reports which are used to determine whether or not further investment is worthwhile. Geophysicists can also work for government agencies, monitoring the activities of companies which exploit natural resources, enforcing boundaries between resource claims, and studying the way in which resource extraction impacts the environment.
This career comes with some hardships. It is often necessary to travel to remote areas to get measurements or to explore new natural resource claims, and conditions at these areas may be primitive. There's also a lot of take home work, and a geophysicist must be prepared to pursue continuing education for life, attending conferences, subscribing to trade publications, and engaging in other activities which will increase depth of knowledge in this field.
