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
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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.
Examples of geophysics in a Sentence
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Decoding what is going on in the center of the Earth is one of the most challenging problems in geophysics.
—
Simon Redfern, Discover Magazine, 10 Feb. 2015
The scientists used computer models to simulate the geophysics of Mars, and found that a plume some 95–285 degrees Celsius hotter and slightly less dense than the surrounding mantle centered almost directly under the fossae would do the trick.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2023
The glacier is around 1/10 of a square mile — or between 50 and 60 acres, said Matthew Sturm, a geophysics professor with the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute and the leader of its Snow-Ice-Permafrost Group.
—Alena Naiden, Anchorage Daily News, 27 Dec. 2022
Handmade Vodka, is a former Longhorn who received degrees in geology and geophysics from the university.
—Dallas News, 31 Jan. 2022
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Simon Redfern, Discover Magazine, 10 Feb. 2015
The scientists used computer models to simulate the geophysics of Mars, and found that a plume some 95–285 degrees Celsius hotter and slightly less dense than the surrounding mantle centered almost directly under the fossae would do the trick.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2023
The glacier is around 1/10 of a square mile — or between 50 and 60 acres, said Matthew Sturm, a geophysics professor with the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute and the leader of its Snow-Ice-Permafrost Group.
—Alena Naiden, Anchorage Daily News, 27 Dec. 2022
Handmade Vodka, is a former Longhorn who received degrees in geology and geophysics from the university.
—Dallas News, 31 Jan. 2022
See All Example Sentences for geophysics
Cite this Entry
“Geophysics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geophysics. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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geophysics
noun
geo·phys·ics
ˌjē-ə-ˈfiz-iks
: a science that deals with the physical processes occurring in or near the earth
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