Geophysics is a subject of natural science that studies the physical processes and physical properties of the Earth and its surrounding space environment, and the use of quantitative methods for their analysis. It is the application of physics to study the Earth, oceans, atmosphere, and near-Earth space. Geophysicists study a wide range of scientific disciplines, including physics, geology, environmental science, oceanography, and meteorology. They investigate the Earths shape, its gravitational, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields, its internal structure and composition, and other physical phenomena.

Geophysics is a highly interdisciplinary subject, and geophysicists contribute to every area of the Earth sciences, and some geophysicists conduct research in the planetary sciences. Geophysics is applied to societal needs, such as mineral resources, mitigation of natural hazards, and environmental protection. Geophysical survey data are used in exploration geophysics to analyze potential petroleum reservoirs and mineral deposits, locate groundwater, find archaeological relics, determine the thickness of glaciers and soils, and assess sites for environmental remediation.

Geophysics is important because it helps us understand the Earths properties and physical processes. Geophysical observations are fundamental to our understanding of the Earth and how it works for and against us. For example, motion in the Earths deep core gives rise to our magnetic field, which protects us from harmful solar radiation. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, on the other hand, have the ability to destroy on a terrible scale. Geophysics is also essential for exploring for energy, water, and mineral resources, monitoring environmental impact and change, and assessing natural and manmade hazards. It is used in subsurface investigations for engineering and archaeology, as well as in forensic investigations.

In summary, geophysics is a subject of natural science that studies the physical processes and physical properties of the Earth and its surrounding space environment, and the use of quantitative methods for their analysis. It is a highly interdisciplinary subject that contributes to every area of the Earth sciences and is applied to societal needs such as mineral resources, mitigation of natural hazards, and environmental protection.