Geophysics

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/geophysics

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How big is Geophysics?Understanding mantle convection, core dynamics, plate boundary processes, and paleoclimatology
2. What is geophysics and why do scientists study it?Geophysics is the study of Earth using physics. Scientists use it to learn about the planet’s layers, earthquakes, volcanoes, and natural resources.
3. How do scientists find out what’s inside the Earth?They use seismic waves from earthquakes or drills. By measuring how fast the waves travel, they can map the Earth’s layers like a giant X‑ray.

Seismic Tomography: A technique using seismic waves to create 3D images of Earth's interior, similar to medical CT scans.
Geodynamo: The physical process within Earth's core believed to generate its magnetic field.
Isostasy: The equilibrium that exists between the Earth's crust and mantle, influencing land elevation.