Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Geophysicist
Earth's physical properties — mining and oil exploration
What this life looks like
You use physics to see inside the Earth. Geophysicists measure physical properties of the Earth — its gravitational field, magnetic field, seismic waves, and electrical conductivity — to locate mineral deposits, oil reservoirs, and underground water, to assess earthquake risk, and to understand the deep structure of our planet.
What she actually does
You design and conduct geophysical surveys using instruments that measure seismic waves, gravity, magnetics, and electrical properties, process and interpret large datasets from these surveys, model subsurface geology based on geophysical data, advise mining and oil companies on where to drill, and contribute to earthquake monitoring and hazard assessment.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Companies | TotalEnergies, Shell, Tullow Oil Africa — seismic exploration for petroleum reservoirs |
| Mining Companies | De Beers, AngloGold, Barrick — mineral exploration geophysics in Africa |
| National Geological Surveys | Council for Geoscience South Africa, Nigerian Geological Survey — national mapping |
| Consulting Firms | CGG, WesternGeco, SRK Consulting — geophysical services to mining and oil industries |
Why it matters in Africa
Africa's mineral wealth — including strategic minerals critical to the global clean energy transition such as cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements — cannot be found and responsibly extracted without geophysical expertise. Africa also has significant earthquake and volcanic hazard zones where geophysical monitoring is critical.
Your pathway in
- Study Physics, Mathematics, and Geography at school
- Pursue a degree in Geophysics, Physics, or Earth Sciences at university
- Develop proficiency in geophysical software and data processing tools
- Complete fieldwork attachments with mining, oil, or geological survey organisations
- Consider postgraduate study for specialised geophysics research roles
Skills you will need
- Seismic data acquisition and processing
- Gravity and magnetic methods
- Geophysical modelling software
- GIS and remote sensing
- Mathematics and physics application
- Report writing
A woman in this field
Prof. Estella Atekwana
Nigeria/USA
Estella is a Nigerian-born geophysicist and Dean of the College of Letters and Science at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). She has pioneered research on the geophysics of African rift systems and groundwater, with field work conducted across sub-Saharan Africa. She is a champion of geoscience education in Africa and has trained numerous African students through research collaborations.
Take your first step
- Study Physics and Mathematics intensively — geophysics demands strong quantitative skills
- Research geophysics or earth science degree programmes at universities in your country
- Follow the African Geophysical Society and read about geological resources in your country
- Learn about seismology and what seismographs measure through free online resources