Program Overview

Do you want to help solve some of the biggest global challenges facing our planet?

Then geophysics may be for you.

From record-breaking heatwaves and wildfires to disastrous floods, climate change is already impacting our planet. We have produced world-leading research proving that human-caused climate change has changed both the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

Join us as we explore the amazing planet Earth, from its hot core to its crust, oceans, atmosphere, and everything in between.

What is geophysics?

Did you know that geophysics has a significant impact on the welfare of society and our world?

Geophysics is:

Earth system science

• This is about understanding the Earth's systems interactions and complexities. We can explore everything from liquid metal in the Earth's core to moving continents on the Earth surface. We study the composition of the deep Earth to the rapidly changing composition of the Earth's atmosphere.

Science of natural disasters

• We can use geophysics to monitor the processes that result in catastrophic events. For example, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

Big science and big data

• We use a process called remote sensing to gather vast amounts of data. We often obtain this data through satellites, aircraft and drones. We can collect data from the edges of space to the very centre of the Earth to understand, model and predict how the Earth behaves.

Computer science

• Using coding and building computer models helps us understand complex data and predict how the Earth will behave in the future.

Environmental science

• We are seeking ways to provide renewable sources of energy. Plus, finding the materials and technologies that enable them. Geophysics is also about understanding the physics of environmental change. We can look for ways to mitigate the harmful impact of humans and repair damages of the past.

Multiscale science

• Our understanding can range from how atoms behave under immense pressures and temperatures deep within the Earth, to examining interactions between planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond.

Climate science

• Understanding how the atmosphere and oceans interact also allows us to predict the impact of human activities on the rapidly changing climate. We can benchmark our progress towards a net-zero future.

Bringing it all together

• It is the interdisciplinarity and interconnected nature of geophysics that defines much of what we do. It is also why geophysics plays such an essential role in creating a more sustainable and equitable future for us all.

What is meteorology?

Meteorology uses similar methods and techniques as geophysics to study:

• Atmospheric dynamics
• Climate change
• Meteorological phenomena, such as rain, snow, storms and hurricanes

There is a strong connection between geophysics and meteorology. Many of the Earth's processes can affect our atmosphere, climate and weather - including:

• Gravity
• Heat transfer
• Ocean currents
• Volcanic eruptions

As well as being fascinating, the study of geophysics and meteorology are increasingly vital to us all.

Climate change is causing extreme weather such as heatwaves, heavy downpours, droughts and hurricanes all over the planet. It is predicted extreme weather events will become even worse in the coming decades, causing significant challenges for both society and the environment.