Geophysicists help to decipher the earth's interior and magnetic, electric and gravitational fields. Our profession is one that is filled with the riches of mathematics and physics. There are few things as satisfying as predicting how the earth will respond to a given event, and then going out into the field and recording geophysical measurements which prove our theory. Others try to understand those parts of the earth which have a more direct bearing on current human affairs, for example the exploration of the earth's crust for hydrocarbons and minerals. Some of us have the particular challenge of making specific predictions, based on our geophysical measurements, which pinpoint where and how a borehole, several miles deep, is to be drilled.
Geophysicists work with some of the most exciting tools around.
Our supercomputers can process geophysical measurements, such as massive amounts of 3-D siesmic data, at unprecedented speeds. We also use the most advanced computer graphics tools available today to help interpret and visualise the geophysical data that we record. Many large oil companies are even routinely using virtual reality techniques to help us understand the geology in our petroleum fields by letting us become a part of the computer model that we build to represent the earth. You must maintain a keen desire to learn. Always strive to continually learn and apply knowledge so that you can maintain competiveness.