Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geophysics

Geophysicists study and explore the Earth’s interior through physical measurements collected at the Earth’s surface, in boreholes, from aircraft, and from satellites. Using a combination of mathematics, physics, geology, chemistry, hydrology, and computer science, a geophysicist analyzes these measurements to infer properties and processes within the Earth’s complex interior. Noninvasive imaging beneath the surface of Earth and other planets by geophysicists is analogous to noninvasive imaging of the interior of the human body by medical specialists. The Earth supplies all materials needed by our society, serves as the repository of used products, and provides a home to all its inhabitants. Therefore, geophysics have important roles to play in the solution of challenging problems facing the inhabitants of this planet, such as providing fresh water, food, and energy for Earth’s growing population, evaluating sites for underground construction and containment of hazardous waste, monitoring noninvasively the aging infrastructures (natural gas pipelines, water supplies, telecommunication conduits, transportation networks) of developed nations, mitigating the threat of geohazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, avalanches) to populated areas, contributing to homeland security (including detection and removal of unexploded ordnance and land mines), evaluating changes in climate and managing humankind’s response to them, and exploring other planets. The principal objective for students pursuing the PhD degree in Geophysics is: Geophysics PhD graduates will be regarded by their employers as effective teachers and/or innovative researchers in their early-career peer group. In support of this objective, the PhD programs in the Department of Geophysics are aimed at achieving these student outcomes: Graduates will command superior knowledge of Geophysics and fundamental related disciplines. Graduates will independently be able to conduct research leading to significant new knowledge and Geophysical techniques. Graduates will be able to report their findings orally and in writing.