Geophysics is the part of Earth Sciences that studies the activity of the physical forces responsible for the origin, evolution and structure of the Earth (K.J. Zöppritz, 1880). In the case of Applied geophysics, we refer to it when different techniques and mathematical methods are used to investigate the physical parameters of the materials that form the subsoil by measuring from the Earth's surface. These methods include instrumentation for acquiring data on the ground and also tools and software for treatment and processing, to obtain models of physical properties (electrical, thermal, mechanical, magnetic, gravimetric, radioactive, etc.) of the subsoil. Sometimes, applied geophysics is carried out inside a drilling (borehole) providing direct information about the materials throughout the entire borehole.

The ICGC applies different geophysical methods to explore the subsoil and resolve uncertainties related to different areas of work (geological mapping, seismology, geological engineering, geological risk, natural resources and hydrogeology, among others). It also intervenes in resolving the needs that may arise within the scope of the Department to which it is assigned or in other departments of the Public Administration, and occasionally carries out geophysical studies for specific external requests and for the proposal and elaboration of technical criteria for the application of the different geophysical methods.

The ICGC collaborates closely with universities in national and European projects, directing doctoral theses, master's and final degree projects, and participates in national and international research projects related to geophysics and its applications.

In the field of applied geophysics, the ICGC carries out research activities, both at an experimental level, with the implementation of new methodologies, modeling, development of specific software, etc., and at an instrumental level with the design of new devices and data quality control.

The information generated in the different geophysical exploration works of the subsoil allows to nourish the Geophysical Database of Catalonia, with the main objective of publicly serving the data and models that are stored there.

Reference

K.J. Zöppritz (1880). “Der gegenwärtige Standpunkt der Geophysik”, Geographisches Jahrbuch, 8: 1-76.