There's only one Earth: We should know how it works
Geophysicists study Earth and planetary processes through laboratory experiments, computational and theoretical modeling, remote imaging, and direct observation. At Stanford, our teaching and research focus on understanding systems critical to the future of civilization. Students apply expertise to fundamental research sustaining life on Earth, combining underlying science with studies of Earth’s environment and resource needs. Such breadth of exposure is highly sought after and leads to careers in academia, industry, and government.
Degree programs
Undergraduate Programs
The mission of our undergraduate programs is to expose students to a broad spectrum of geophysics, including: resource exploration, environmental geophysics, seismology, and tectonics.
Meet some of our community members
Exploring Earth's equations

Jenny Suckale, Assistant Professor
Read about JennyToday's Earth science is data driven
The satellite and supercomputer are the tools of modern geoscientists whose work spans from climate change projections to earthquake simulations and energy resources optimization. Stanford Earth scientists are as likely to be in front of an electronic screen, analyzing torrents of remote-sensing data as they are to be drilling ice cores in Antarctica.

Geophysics Events
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Geophysics PhD Defense -- Ji In Jung, "Evolution of the Lunar Dynamo"
PhD Defense-Mitchell Earth Sciences -
Geophysics Seminar - Neesha Schnepf, "The Magnetic Fields of Natural Hazards"
Class/Seminar-Mitchell Earth Sciences
Geophysics-related news
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Researchers found that up to 13 million acres of California’s Central Valley may be suitable for recharging groundwater. The largest portion of this area occurs on agricultural land, with most corresponding to orchards, field crops, and vineyards.
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Stanford researchers have combined machine learning with high-resolution satellite and airplane observations to understand the physics behind large-scale ice movements in Antarctica. The results show that current models are missing key complexity needed to accurately predict the dynamics and mass loss of the Antarctic ice sheet now and in the future.
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Historic rains filled Greater Los Angeles reservoirs and shallow aquifers nearly to capacity in 2023. But drought conditions persisted in deeper aquifers, according to a new analysis of seismic data from California’s earthquake monitoring network.