Marine Geophysicist
One of the most important jobs in the ocean
Job Description and Salary
Marine geophysicists study the physical aspects and history of the Earth. They identify and examine rocks, study information collected by instruments in satellites, conduct geological surveys, construct field maps, and use instruments to measure the Earth's gravity and magnetic field. They also analyze information collected through seismic studies, which involves bouncing energy waves off buried rock layers. Many geologists and geophysicists search for oil, natural gas, minerals, and groundwater.
Average salary of a filed marine geophysicist salary: $58,000
Education and Demand
Entry level positions need a Bachelor's degree
Higher positions need a Master's degree
College professors and government workers need a PH.D
Therefore, in order for one to advance in this field, they would need to obtain a more advanced degree in their area of study. Experience also plays a role in being able to advance into superior positions in the field of geophysics.
Higher positions need a Master's degree
College professors and government workers need a PH.D
Therefore, in order for one to advance in this field, they would need to obtain a more advanced degree in their area of study. Experience also plays a role in being able to advance into superior positions in the field of geophysics.
There is a growing demand for marine geophysicists as the interest in discovering and utilizing resources under the ocean floor continues to increase. More and more people are starting to become more interested in exploring the ocean floor and seeing what all it has to offer.
Commonly used tools
Seismographs
It is an instrument used to detect and record an earthquake. During an earthquake, the base moves and the mass does not. The motion of the base with respect to the mass is commonly transformed into an electrical voltage. The electrical voltage is recorded on paper, magnetic tape, or another recording medium. This record is proportional to the motion of the seismometer mass relative to the earth.An instrument used to detect and record earthquakes.
Bathymetric maps
It works by showing geophysicists the depth of the area of the ocean floor they are researching and looking into. Each color reprpesents a different range of depths. These maps serve as the submerged equivalent of an above-water topographic map.
Geophysical Data System (GEODAS)
It is extremely useful in keeping track of all the data one has collected and to have access to other important research. It was developed by the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) to keep and store geophysical data in one place. GEODAS software manages several types of data including marine trackline geophysical data, aeromagnetic survey data, and gridded bathymetry/topography.
Study the ocean floor and the depths of different areas
The different colors show different depths of the ocean floor from sea level.
Going down below the surface to study the ocean floor
Field geophysicists sometimes actually go in the water to get readings and do research.
Try to find resources under the sea
Electronic waves help geophysicists determine where resources are under the ocean floor.
Areas of Study and New Devleopments
Tectonics, Petrology, Geochemistry, Paleoceanography, and coastal and margins geology
Mid-Ocean Ridge Study: together with many students and colleagues, Richard Hey has developed the propagating rift hypothesis into an accepted part of plate tectonic theory and showed that along-ridge oceanic microplates develop by a combination of rift propagation and independent plate rotation. Our current research includes hydrothermal and structural investigations along Earth's fastest seafloor spreading center, the 28o-32oS East Pacific Rise. This work near Easter Island suggests that the surrounding Easter and Juan Fernandez microplates may have originated as overlap zones of very large-scale duelling propagators. This fastest spreading center is also the shallowest and most inflated part of the Pacific-Nazca boundary and is one of the most hydrothermally active parts of the global mid-ocean ridge system known.
Mid-Ocean Ridge Study: together with many students and colleagues, Richard Hey has developed the propagating rift hypothesis into an accepted part of plate tectonic theory and showed that along-ridge oceanic microplates develop by a combination of rift propagation and independent plate rotation. Our current research includes hydrothermal and structural investigations along Earth's fastest seafloor spreading center, the 28o-32oS East Pacific Rise. This work near Easter Island suggests that the surrounding Easter and Juan Fernandez microplates may have originated as overlap zones of very large-scale duelling propagators. This fastest spreading center is also the shallowest and most inflated part of the Pacific-Nazca boundary and is one of the most hydrothermally active parts of the global mid-ocean ridge system known.
Pros and Cons
Pro: They get to explore the largest part of the Earth that the world has relatively no knowledge about.
Con: In order to move up in the ranks and gain superior positions, one needs to obtain a master's or PH.D degree which takes more schooling and time.
Pro: There is a growing demand for geophysicists as the interest for discovering resources below the ocean floor is increasing
Con: There is a low starting salary for most geophysicists.
Con: In order to move up in the ranks and gain superior positions, one needs to obtain a master's or PH.D degree which takes more schooling and time.
Pro: There is a growing demand for geophysicists as the interest for discovering resources below the ocean floor is increasing
Con: There is a low starting salary for most geophysicists.
Work Conditions
Most spend their time in the office, but others split their time between the office and in the field or in laboratories. Exploration geophysicists work overseas or in isolated or remote areas.
Why are geophysicists necessary?
1. Geophysicists apply geological knowledge to engineering problems in constructing large buildings
2. They also help identify safe places for hazardous waste management areas and landfills
3. They help discover new potential mineral, oil, or gas deposits.
2. They also help identify safe places for hazardous waste management areas and landfills
3. They help discover new potential mineral, oil, or gas deposits.
Learn More!
Geophysicists help us learn what is below the ocean's surface. Go to this website to learn more!
Website: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh9899/207.htm
Learn More!
To the left, it shows the different depths in the ocean. Go to this Website to learn more!
Website: http://noc.ac.uk/science-technology/research-groups/mg/marine-geophysics
Field Geophysicists Studying Below the Ocean's Surface
Collecting research requires doing hands on work sometimes
One of the Most Popular Books on Findings of Geophysical Research
Geophysicists publish their findings so we can learn more about what lies beneath our feet.
Geophysicists Getting Seismic Wave Readings
Seismic waves can tell geophysicists a lot about what is below the ocean's surface