Department of Geophysics

• Introduction

• Teaching

• Research

• Extension and outreach

Introduction

Geophysics is a discipline of earth sciences that employs physical measures and physic mathematic models to explore, analyze and comprehend the structures and dynamics of our planet, including its interior, the ocean and the atmosphere. The discipline also sets out challenges that geophysicists intend to resolve integrating theoretical and numeric modeling, in addition to data obtained by sophisticated measurement systems.

The location of our country offers unique opportunities for geophysics research oriented towards understanding and resolving of problems related to the Andean region and the interaction between oceans, the atmosphere, and earth.

The Department of Geophysics (DGF), with over 50 years of trajectory, provides all the necessary services for research and education and is also a branch of the National Seismic Center.

Teaching

The Department of Geophysics provides for a bachelor degree, two masters, a doctorate, and three minors. Importantly, the DGF is the only center in Chile that directs Geophysics postgraduates. It also houses the National Seismological Center which manages the national network of seismic stations, receiving important and timely information related to earthquake observation in Chile.

• Bachelor of Geophysics: This program can be accessed through the Common Plan.

• Master of Meterology and Climatology: prepares specialists in activities where knowledge of meteorology, climatology and related areas is relevant.

• Master of Science in Geophysics: The program provides for a strong background in theoretical and applied aspects in geophysics and enables graduates to participate creatively in the evolution and quantitative problem solving related to earthquakes, seismic hazards, seismotectonics, natural resource exploration (mining, energy, petroleum, water), the study of geological structures at the regional level, geothermics, land use laws, environment, air pollution, use of operational meteorology and climate information for hydrological oceanographic, agricultural and mining use.

• PhD. Program: the only alternative in the country for doctoral training that is fully accredited and offers specializations of Civil Hydraulic Engineering and Mechanical Thermofluids Engineering, and Atmospheric Sciences. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to make significant contributions to research, development and productive activities in high technology.

• Minor:

1. Meteorology and Climate
2. Renewable Energies
3. Computer Science

Research

DGF researchers concentrate their efforts on understanding both phenomena as well as processes that occur on the earth. These lines of research are:
Atmospheric Sciences: seeks to understand the phenomena and atmospheric processes that occur in Chile, South America and adjacent oceans, in time frames that span one day to hundreds of years. Noteworthy in this field are the researchers in climate dynamics (including variability and climate change), synoptic meteorology, atmospheric boundary layer processes, and atmospheric chemistry.

Solid Earth: related to seismology, seismotectonics, geodynamics, and the exploration of natural resources (minerals, water, gas) through the use of geophysics mining techniques such as seismic methods, gravimetrics and electrical.
The research area is divided into:

• Seismology
• Applied Geophysics

Extension and outreach

The tasks of the Department of Geophysics include not only teaching and research, but it also carries out a series of actions to publicize scientific knowledge of the discipline.

• Seminars and talks are held and aimed at postgraduate Geophysics students.
• As a part of the seismic observation, the National Seismological Center maintains an online up to date report on the latest quakes with a magnitude equal to or greater than 3.0.
• DGF Library: contains a specialized collection of more than 2,000 books on Geophysics and related sciences, an up to date historic series of the most relevant international magazines in the discipline as well as a direct connection to electronic catalogs of the University of Chile and other academic institutions.
• Under atmospheric sciences studied in the DGF, Weather Information is provided by the DGF through a website dedicated to the dissemination of weather information for Chile.
• DGF Climatic Bulletin (Boletín Climático DGF, in Spanish): its objective is to analyze the climatic variability with a special emphasis on the evolution of grand scale factors that affect rainfall patterns at the center of the country. It also enjoys the sponsorship and collaboration of the Meteorological Office of Chile.
• Dissemination of Geophysics Education in high schools: for this, a website is maintained: www.atmosfera.cl