Geophysicist

Salary
Technician: £14,000
Graduate: £20,000 to £25,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £30,000 to £50,000

Main Employers

• Hydroelectric power plants
• Research institutions
• Oil, water, gas and other natural resources industries

Job Profile
Geophysics is the study of the Earth by quantitative physical methods. It includes seismology, atmospheric science, meteorology, climatology, tectonophysics, exploration engineering, glaciology and geology.

Geophysicists are scientists who use their knowledge of physics, chemistry and mathematics to measure, examine, and explore the physical properties of the earth's interior and exterior characteristics. Geophysicists use seismic waves to display transects across areas of up to hundreds of kilometres, from the depths of the ocean to the tops of volcanoes. The main responsibility is controlling the data quality by monitoring displays and performing some initial interpretation, as the data is later interpreted by a seismic interpreter. Geophysicists can often be found planning for construction projects, pipeline or cable routes. Many work in discovering oil, water, gas or other natural resources.

Role and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

• Examining natural phenomena, such as tidal waves and electromagnetic fields
• Detecting geological structures through initial reconnaissance of unexplored terrain
• Plotting measurements on topographical maps
• Deploying, monitoring and retrieving seismic equipment
• Monitoring acquired raw data
• Manipulating data to achieve aesthetically and scientifically accurate results
• Compiling charts and reports

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include: Applied Science; Engineering; Geology; Geophysical Sciences; Geophysics; Mathematics; Physics

It is not possible to enter this profession with an HND only, although you may be gain entry to this sector in technician roles. A degree is required, with more employers requesting an MSc, PhD, or three years’ worth of experience.

Coursework should include a basic geological core curriculum, including stratigraphy, structural geography, and mineralogy, and basic physics curriculum, including quantum mechanics, classical physics, electromagnetism, and gravity. It should also include logic, mathematics, and ecological science, a recent addition which is becoming more important to employers.

Career Development
Geophysics is an academic field which crosses over into a number of areas. Early specialisation is important when applying for jobs, such as working with gravity or electronic fields.

One of the largest employers of geophysicists is the oil industry where the employment market is very dependent on the price of oil. When prices fall, there is less exploration and extraction of oil.

Progression within a large company could be to a senior role in management, a specialist technical role or a generalist role with increased responsibility. Training depends on the type of employer or company. Many employers will provide in-house training and larger companies may provide a long-term training programme. Some have the opportunity to work overseas, some move into consultancy work and some become self-employed. The ease of movement between roles depends on the company structure.

Those who succeed in geophysics must be flexible and challenge previously held assumptions if their data proves those assumptions untrue.  

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