Minerals Geophysics

DFOS Lab

Image: Richard Krahenbuhl

What is Minerals Geophysics?

  • Minerals Geophysics generates detailed, high-resolution images of the Earth’s interior to access critical minerals necessary to sustain society’s current and future technological and energy needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AI rendering created by Derrick Chambers with MidJourney.

Mining is probably the most important industry throughout human history. It lays the foundation of our daily life. From the clay pot cooking hot soup to the giant container vessels shipping cargo around the world, or even the mighty spaceships shuttling through galaxies, the mining industry provides all sorts of material to make them. Learning and developing geophysical techniques that aim to assist the mining industry brings me great joy and a sense of satisfaction, because I know that my work will benefit billions of people and make their lives better.

Zhou Liu

PhD Student, Mines Geophysics

Explore the Work

Minerals Geophysicists map subsurface mineral deposits and support their characterization and efficient exploration. (Photo: SkyTem)

Minerals Geophysicists aid mineral exploration to reduce its environmental impact and facilitate sustainable resource development. (Image: Mira Geoscience)

Minerals Geophysicists identify space minerals in preparation for in-situ resource utilization and human habitation. (Image: NASA)

Minerals Geophysicists identify and map seabed minerals needed for technological development with a low environmental footprint. (Image: NOAA)

Components of the Track

Geophysics Courses

  • GPGN 411 Gravity and Magnetics
  • GPGN 420 Electrical and Electromagnetics
  • GPGN 470 Remote Sensing

Geology and Geological Engineering

  • GEOL 310 Earth Minerals
  • GEOL 311 Mining Geology

Distributive Science

  • PHYS 200 Physics II: Electromagnetics and Optics
  • MATH 201 Intro to Statistics