Impact of technology on geophysics
Homer E. Newell · Eos · 1979
Geophysics involves the application of the principles of physics to the study of the earth as a planet. As a result of the complexities and the variations in time and position, geophysical research places demands on a wide range of technological capabilities, including instrumentation, transportation, communications and computation. This paper discusses the impact of these four aspects of technology on geophysics. It is based on a report of the Geophysics Study Committee of the National Academy of Science. The chapters in that report examine the technologies of greatest importance within the individual disciplines of geophysics; they include a brief review and 11 essays that provide examples of the ways in which technology has directly influenced geophysical research and corresponding practical applications. They also draw attention to major areas of technology that are likely to have a significant impact on the future of geophysics.