About
Welcome from the Geophysics Department Chair
As geophysicists, we seek to understand how the Earth works—from its deep interior to its fluid envelopes and indeed to other planets. While we draw on a wide range of tools—including field and laboratory measurements, data analysis, and numerical modeling—our work is unified by a foundation in fundamental physical principles.
Our motivation is both timeless and urgent. We are driven by a deep intellectual curiosity about our planet and its place in the solar system, as well as by a strong commitment to addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. Our research helps to make communities safer and more resilient in the face of natural hazards, environmental change, and resource demands.
At Stanford Geophysics, we investigate the forces that deform Earth's crust, explore the structure of our planet and other planetary bodies, and study groundwater systems critical to human life. We analyze the melting of glaciers and ice sheets contributing to sea level rise, and examine the dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere in the context of a rapidly changing climate.
We are at the forefront of developing new tools to explore the Earth, including seismic and electromagnetic imaging of the subsurface and deep learning methods to detect and locate earthquakes. A deeper understanding of earthquake and volcanic processes will ultimately help mitigate the impacts of these natural hazards.
Our undergraduate and graduate programs equip students with critical skills in wave physics, laboratory and field methodologies, machine learning, and high-performance computing. Our alumni go on to successful careers in academia, national laboratories (such as the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA, and the Department of Energy), and a wide range of industries including natural resources, computing, data analytics, and risk analysis.
Within the department, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. We value the diverse ideas, experiences, backgrounds, and cultures that each member brings. Together, we strive to build an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to shared goals.
Do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or would like more information.
Paul Segall
Geophysics Chair
Geophysics is a field that integrates geology, mathematics, and physics in order to understand how the Earth works. Geophysicists study Earth processes through a combination of laboratory experiments, computational and theoretical modeling, remote imaging, and direct observation. Research in the Geophysics Department at Stanford has both fundamental and strategic elements, addressing basic scientific and critical societal needs. This balance is a unique strength of our department - one that is strategically important for us to preserve, and one that that we express in our vision and mission statements. Our students benefit from this breadth of exposure and are highly sought after for rewarding careers in academia, industry, and government.
Our Department is leading research in many areas where geophysical expertise will be increasingly important for coping with challenges that humanity faces in the 21st century as the finiteness of energy and water resources becomes critical, as the world's growing population puts increasing demands on the environment, and as populations and complex infrastructure continue to expand in areas exposed to a spectrum of natural and human-induced hazards. Our role in advancing knowledge in these societally vital areas build upon our basic science advancing fundamental understanding of complex geosystems on Earth and other planets and satellites in the Solar system.
Our Vision
Understanding Earth. Benefiting Society.
Our Mission
To develop, apply and catalyze the adoption of advanced geophysical methods to further understanding of complex Earth systems and processes; and to train students to become future leaders in their fields. The research and training we do aspires to address critical societal as well as scientific challenges.
