Geophysics and Meteorology

Imagine exploring our planet – from its hot core through to its crust and oceans, atmosphere and beyond. Geophysics and meteorology are important to us all, as the impacts of global climate change and extreme weather events pose ever greater challenges for society and the environment.

If you are curious about how the Earth works, want to tackle complex world issues, love the outdoors, and have an aptitude for physics and maths, then this may be the degree for you.

Geophysics is the study of physical processes through the use of physics and mathematics and applying them to the Earth. Meteorology uses similar methods and techniques to study:

- atmospheric dynamics

- climate change

- meteorological phenomena

There is a strong connection between geophysics and meteorology. Many of the Earth's processes such as gravity, heat transfer, ocean currents and volcanic eruptions can affect our atmosphere, climate and the weather.

This programme offers you a thorough grounding in geophysics, allied with an appreciation of atmospheric processes and techniques to study them.

Through this programme, you will discover the inner workings the Earth. You will be equipped with the fundamental physical principles and mathematical techniques of geophysics, and their application to diverse fields including:

- Examining the Earth's changing environment and climate through monitoring changes in sea level, surface temperatures, and polar ice sheets

- Mapping environmental pollution above and below ground

- Measuring rock and soil properties prior to civil engineering work

- Exploration and production of energy and water resources

- Mineral exploration

- Examining the behaviour of the Earth's deep interior and understanding how planets formed and have changed over their lifetime

- Understanding the Earth's atmosphere including its structure, thermodynamic processes, rain formation, radiation, and air pollution

- Interpreting weather systems and climate processes

Geophysics and meteorology impact significantly on the welfare of society and our planet. Exploration geophysics has helped us find energy sources that have driven social and economic advances over the last century. Now, these techniques are being used to safeguard our natural environment. For example, gravity surveys can tell us about mass losses from the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica, as well as changes in the water table in regions reliant on groundwater. Large scale global seismology has helped us to identify areas at risk from earthquakes and tsunami.

The use of the Earth's natural resources is evolving. You will learn how applications for natural resource exploration are shifting into new innovative technologies to ensure the Earth's resources are used and disposed of more sustainably. You will benefit from the research and expertise of our academics, many of whom are at the forefront of this change.

If you study Geophysics and Meteorology at the University of Edinburgh, you will become part of an academic community in one of the leading geoscience departments in the UK and one of the top-ranked universities in the world. You will learn from one of the largest groupings of geophysicists and climate scientists in Europe who are undertaking world-leading research in a wide range of areas.

This programme follows the 4-year BSc Geophysics and Meteorology programme until the end of Year 4. In Year 5 you will work on an additional independent research project.

**Flexible options**

Our degree programs are flexible, allowing you to switch between different Geophysics programmes at the start of your second year. You can also transfer to Physics at the end of your first year.

All of our Geophysics degrees are available as a 4-year BSc. You can also choose the 'Professional Placement' option, and spend a year at an external organisation, to graduate with an integrated masters degree.