Geophysics is the study of the Earth and its environment using quantitative physical methods. The discipline was originally confined to only geophysical equipment applications such as the Earth's shape, internal structure, magnetic and gravitational fields, volcanoes and earthquakes. More recently, geophysical equipment has been developed to investigate the interplay between the earth and its atmosphere, the Moon and planets, solar-terrestrial relations and in the exploration of outer space. One of the earliest such devices is undoubtedly the magnetic compass. Examples of this primitive technology have been dated as far back as China in the fourth century BC. Today, more sophisticated devices are easily downloadable as mobile phone applications. Apart from satisfying scientific curiosity, the study of structures beneath seas and other bodies of water has important economic implications. Equipment such as all terrain survey hovercraft has been employed for the purposes of archaeological site surveying, geological mapping and unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a nondestructive surveying method that uses radar pulses to take images of subsurface objects and topology. It can be used in many different media, such as rocks, ice, soil, fresh water and structures. The best images are obtained in ice as far as several hundred meters. In dry materials like granite and limestone, penetration is as far as 15 meters. In moist, clay soils or in media with high electrical conductivity, images may be obtained down to only a few centimeters. The use of geophysical equipment was pioneered in Great Britain during the 1940s and 1950s. In the early days, measurements were taken manually and also recorded by hand. Today, advances in instrumentation, data processing and imaging have made it easier to collect a vast amount of data in a short period of time. Rapid data collection also makes it possible to detect more subtle deviations in subsurface architecture. Advanced Geosciences, Inc. specializes in manufacturing and development of high-resolution geophysical equipment for resistivity meter and IP imaging. (http://www.agiusa.com)
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