Despite this muddying of the distinction between geology and geophysics, there persists a strange polarization of our field that largely reflects these outdated distinctions. What is the real distinction between a geologist studying tectonics and a geophysicist studying tectonics? Ideally, none. The realities, however, seem to be that whenever something involves quantitative data or models we call it geophysics and if it involves geologic mapping or a discussion of a geologic/tectonic history we call it geology. There also seems to persist a long held myth that quantitative results ("geophysics") are somehow naturally better and more important than qualitative results. I've personally never been math phobic -- I even have an identical twin who writes papers primarily in equations and I've written a few modeling papers myself. Nonetheless, people who work on qualitative problems shouldn't be bullied by this myth because I frankly feel there is more information in the rock record than in most geophysical data, if we could unambiguously understand what that record is telling us.
2007-03-14 03:13:26
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answer #1
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answered by Pey 7
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Geology is the general study of rock. Geophysics is the application of physical measurement. Typical geophysics measures are electrical conductivity and seismic sensing. Most geophysical work is searching for underground oil. Geophysics requires much more intensive training in higher mathematics and computer processing than is required for geology. Because of the expensive tools required, geophysicists always work for corporate entities. Geologists on the other hand have more opportunity for independent practice and work alone or in small groups. The main opportunities for both fields are mostly geared to the needs of the mineral extraction industry, in particular oil and gas, and to a lesser extent to major civil construction projects and hazard estimation.
2016-04-04 04:43:22
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Geophysics: The scientific study of the physical characteristics of the Earth, including its hydrosphere and atmosphere, and of the Earth's relationship to the rest of the universe.
Geologist: The person who specializes in geologic research and study.
In summary geophysics is a field of science and the geologist is the actual person who carries out the research.
2007-03-14 03:47:23
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answer #3
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answered by minerdave 1
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If you ask a geologist to catch elephants, he will go in south america, come back without anything telling you the expedition was a technical success as they proved there are no elephant in South America.
If you ask a geophysicist to do the same, he will bring you a rabbit and tell you the internal structure is basically the same and the scale is just a problem of migration and stacking.
2007-03-14 05:00:09
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answer #4
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answered by omalinur 4
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Geology is the rock laying on the ground. Geophysics is the rock thrown through your window by a punk.
2007-03-14 03:11:05
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Geologists determine geology by studying rocks, landforms and other things that can be seen directly. Geophysicists determine geology by studying electromagnetic waves, seismic waves and other methods that can't be seen directly. I have seen geophysicists claim "There must be a mafic dike down there" to explain a gravity anomaly. Nobody has seen it, but a geophysicist will put it there.
2007-03-14 03:26:26
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answer #6
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answered by Amphibolite 7
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What Is A Geophysicist
2016-09-30 00:44:25
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answer #7
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answered by ? 4
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