M.S. in Geophysics

Departmental research activities span from fundamental and precise laboratory studies of rocks and minerals to field studies in remote and rugged locations to high-performance computing and subsurface visualization. Faculty members are involved in domestic and international field studies including: Seismic petrophysics for exploration and reservoir characterization; Seismic source mechanisms of tectonic and volcanic earthquakes; Mantle and crustal-scale seismic tomography; Magnetic susceptibility and paleointensity of rock formations in Australia, India and Brazil; Paleomagnetic studies of the Keweenaw/Midcontinent Rift Volcanic.The geophysics program is highly quantitative, requiring a firm background in mathematics and physics. Students will study the earth through physical measurements, employing theory, laboratory and/or field experimentation, and modeling. Graduates of the program will have broad training in geophysics and develop expertise in one or more of the following specialties: Geomagnetism; earthquake seismology; exploration seismology; volcano seismology. Research activities include development of complex computational models of earth systems, laboratory experiments analyzing earth material phenomena, analysis of remote sensing data, and field measurements of volcano logic, hydrologic, and petroleum systems.