Physics and dynamics of Earth's interior
Physics and dynamics of Earth’s interior studies the structure, chemical composition, dynamical processes, and evolution of the Earth’s interior, through a variety of geophysical methods, including theories, observations, experiments, and numerical simulations. The Earth's internal layers make up most material of Earth, and there is a large amount of material and energy exchange between the interior and surface layers including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Consequently, studying the physics and dynamics of Earth’s interior is of great importance to understanding the origin and evolution of the Earth system, the exploration and utilization of Earth resources, the prediction and prevention of natural disasters, and the protection and sustainable development of the environment.
Related research areas in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences include seismology, geodynamics, mineral and rock physics, geo-electromagnetism, and space geodesy. Specific research directions include, but are not limited to, the propagation of seismic waves and the internal structure of Earth, theoretical seismology and numerical techniques, generation of earthquakes and strong ground motion, measurements of crustal deformation and inversion of seismic sources, mechanical properties of rocks and rupture processes, physical properties of earth materials under extreme pressure and temperature conditions and the constituting materials of the interior, structure and evolution of the crust and lithosphere, plate tectonics and mantle convection, core dynamics and geodynamo, high precision inversion of Earth’s gravity field, and mass distribution and transport of the Earth system.
Applied Geophysics
Applied geophysics combines fundamental disciplines physics, mathematics, and geoscience with cutting-edge technologies including computer science and instrumentation, and uses non-intrusive remote sensing to solve practical problems in oil, gas and mineral exploration, environmental and groundwater investigation, civil engineering, geologic hazards, archaeology, etc. Applied geophysics provides essential support for the security of strategical natural resources, sustainable development of economy, construction of massive infrastructures, national defense and public security. Applied geophysics in ESS includes seismic exploration, gravity, magnetic and electrical exploration, borehole geophysics, marine and polar geophysical detection, engineering and environmental geophysics. With the strength in applied geophysics, the department manages the Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Oil and Gas Exploration in Deep and Remote Ocean, and has maintained a strategical collaboration with industrial partners like the China National Petroleum Corporation. Graduates in applied geophysics are employed in international and state oil companies, railway and transportation sectors, civil construction sectors, power and energy sectors, environmental sectors, and other relevant private and public institutions.
Space Physics and Planetary Science
Space physics and planetary science have been a quickly-growing science frontier since the dawn of space age. Space physics, also known as space plasma physics, studies various physical phenomena and processes in the solar system. It covers a wide range of topics such as the solar corona, solar wind, planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres, auroras, cosmic rays, and synchrotron radiation. Space physics also studies space weather, which serves to forecast hazards originated in space, protect spacecraft and astronauts, and promote space environment awareness. Planetary science deals with the physical properties, chemical composition, internal structure, formation and evolution of various planet and exoplanet systems. It is a highly interdisciplinary field and incorporates many different disciplines, including planetary geology and geochemistry, planetary geophysics, atmospheric science, space physics, and astrobiology, etc. Planetary research aims to understand the formation and evolution of celestial bodies, expand human territories beyond the Earth, and support the sustainable development of humankind by re-understanding the Earth. In addition, space exploration is a key perspective of space physics and planetary science. The advancing of space exploration technologies is starting the era of space resource exploitation and space industries. The curriculum in space physics and planetary science will train students not only with essential theoretical knowledge in mathematics and physics, but also important experimental skills. The prospective graduates should have good understanding of modern physics, master state-of-the-art computer skills, and be proficient with basic electronics and space exploration technologies, so they would be well prepared for various job opportunities (research, education, management, etc.) in space science.
