234412 — Geophysicist

Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth, locates minerals, petroleum or ground water, and detects, monitors and forecasts seismic, magnetic, electrical, geothermal and oceanographic activity.

• conducting preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits with prospectors, Mining Engineers, Metallurgists, and other mineral scientists and engineers
• preparing and supervising the production of laboratory reports and scientific papers
• conducting studies of the structure, nature and formation of the earth's crust and the minerals contained in it
• studying and dating fossils and rock strata to develop knowledge of the evolution and biology of life forms, and to assess their commercial applications
• studying the effects of natural events, such as erosion, sedimentation, earthquakes and volcanic activity, on the formation of the earth's surface and sea beds
• carrying out exploration to determine the resources present by sampling, examining and analysing geological specimens, rock cores, cuttings and samples using optical, chemical, electronic and mechanical techniques
• conducting surveys of variations in the earth's gravitational and magnetic fields to determine its physical features
• investigating the propagation of seismic waves to determine the structure and stability of the earth's mantle and crust
• studying the causes of earthquakes and other stress states of the earth's crust
• performing laboratory and field studies, and aerial, ground and drill hole surveys