geophysics
noun
geo·phys·ics ˌjē-ə-ˈfi-ziks 
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a branch of earth science dealing with the physical processes and phenomena occurring especially in the earth and in its vicinity
geophysical
ˌjē-ə-ˈfi-zi-kəl
adjective geophysically
ˌjē-ə-ˈfi-zi-k(ə-)lē
adverb geophysicist
ˌjē-ə-ˈfi-zə-sist
noun 
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Geophysics applies the principles of physics to the study of the Earth. It deals with such things as the movement of the Earth's crust and the temperatures of its interior. Another subject is the behavior of the still-mysterious geomagnetic field. Some geophysicists seek out deposits of ores or petroleum; others specialize in earthquakes; still others study the water beneath the Earth's surface, where it collects and how it flows.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Full moons always rise close to sunset opposite the sun, which can give them a reddish-orange tinge, said Kevin Lewis, an associate professor of planetary geophysics at Johns Hopkins University. 
BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2022 But nondestructive techniques like geophysics and surface geology can only give you a broad picture. Howard Lee, Ars Technica, 17 Aug. 2022 Two police officers were killed; a professor of geophysics; a four-month-old in her mother’s arms. Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2022 In geophysics, researchers happily use it to monitor the movements of tectonic plates, which creep along at paces of at most a few centimeters per year. Richard A. Lovett, Outside Online, 17 Aug. 2020 The institutes will bring together researchers and engineers in data science to develop and apply new technologies in several areas of science spanning biology, physics, neuroscience, geophysics, and climate change. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021 Gathering at Princeton's Andlinger Center for Energy and Environment, the group of leaders addressed an audience of about 200 people to describe what Destiny Studies means through diverse lenses including geophysics, finance, energy and law. Michael Del Castillo, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2021 During this time, the researchers focused on mapping the seafloor, exploring tectonic processes, measuring heat flow, sampling microbes, and geophysics of the hydrothermal vents in the Gulf, a statement reports. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2021 Tschauner named the mineral after Ho-kwang ‘Dave’ Mao, a scientist who made many pioneering discoveries in high-pressure geochemistry and geophysics. Gabriela Miranda, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2021 See More
BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2022 But nondestructive techniques like geophysics and surface geology can only give you a broad picture. Howard Lee, Ars Technica, 17 Aug. 2022 Two police officers were killed; a professor of geophysics; a four-month-old in her mother’s arms. Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2022 In geophysics, researchers happily use it to monitor the movements of tectonic plates, which creep along at paces of at most a few centimeters per year. Richard A. Lovett, Outside Online, 17 Aug. 2020 The institutes will bring together researchers and engineers in data science to develop and apply new technologies in several areas of science spanning biology, physics, neuroscience, geophysics, and climate change. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021 Gathering at Princeton's Andlinger Center for Energy and Environment, the group of leaders addressed an audience of about 200 people to describe what Destiny Studies means through diverse lenses including geophysics, finance, energy and law. Michael Del Castillo, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2021 During this time, the researchers focused on mapping the seafloor, exploring tectonic processes, measuring heat flow, sampling microbes, and geophysics of the hydrothermal vents in the Gulf, a statement reports. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2021 Tschauner named the mineral after Ho-kwang ‘Dave’ Mao, a scientist who made many pioneering discoveries in high-pressure geochemistry and geophysics. Gabriela Miranda, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
circa 1889, in the meaning defined above