Department of Earth and Space Sciences

Geophysics 

The main areas of geophysical research include: seismology and the physics of Earth’s interior, geophysical exploration, and space geodesy. Research content includes: seismic forward modeling and inversion, mechanics of earthquake rupture, seismic strong ground motions, Earth’s internal structure, formation, and evolution processes, conventional and unconventional oil and gas resource exploration, geological structure surveying and monitoring engineering, and crust deformation measurement methods and applications, etc.

The study of geophysics not only improves the scientific understanding of the Earth itself and the development and utilizations of resources but also supports important industrial sectors and high-tech fields in the development of the national economy including: utilization and development of oil and natural gas, coal and geothermal resources, and metal and nonmetal deposits, as well as the forecasting and prevention (or control) of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, rock bursts, and other natural disasters, and protection and monitoring of the Earth’s ecological environment, etc.  

Space Physics

Space physics studies the physical phenomena and dynamic processes that take place mainly in the solar atmosphere, interplanetary space, and the Earth’s atmosphere. The study of space physics helps deepen the understanding of the overall change between the solar and terrestrial systems. Space physics serves to forecast space activities, provide space environment awareness, and protect space resources. 

Space Geodesy

Space Geodesy is a new discipline based on modern means of observation of the Earth’s surface and surrounding space. The discipline uses satellites, airborne equipment, and ground detectors to observe the Earth’s shape, size, gravity field, and evolutionary process.

Existing space geodetic measures include long baseline interferometry, laser gauges, satellite altitudes, gravity satellite measurements, global satellite navigation and positioning systems, and space-borne synthetic aperture radar interferometry. Space geodetic measurements have become an important means to establish and maintain the Earth’s frame of reference, determine geodetic parameters, study deformations in the Earth’s crust and other geodynamic phenomena, monitor geological disasters, and to serve human life and civilization. 

Planetary Science

Planetary sciences deal with the physical properties, chemical composition, and internal structure of solar systems and exoplanets. Through encircling satellite detection, lander inspection, sampling, manned exploration, and other means, the research staff explores and understands the formation and evolution of the solar system, the evolution of the planetary systems, the internal structure of the planets and their atmospheric system, and develops an all-round, multi-angled answer to the origin, change, and evolution of planets.

Planetary science is an extension of earth science and the related research can deepen the understanding of the evolution and origin of celestial bodies, extend the survival of human territories, and achieve a re-understanding of the Earth to promote the future of sustainable human development.