Geophysics is one of the major components of the geosciences as a broad discipline. Geophysics is the self-identified discipline of 12.7 percent of the U.S. geoscience research faculty (Wilson, 2018b) and 17 percent of master’s students, but only 8 percent of doctoral level students (Wilson, 2018a). With 65 percent of geophysics graduates going into the oil and gas sector, much of that attrition is likely driven by direct employment. However, among graduate students, 19 percent of students intending to continue their education indicate geophysics as their target area of study, but percentage of students actually reporting themselves as geophysics is lower (Wilson, 2018a). This disconnect in self-identification is likely reflective of increasing levels of integration of geoscience techniques within research, leading to a variety of discipline identifications aligned with domain application (e.g. petroleum geology or environmental geology) rather than the underlying primary disciplinary basis.
Recent trends in geoscience employment are showing evidence of a possible structural change to geoscience occupational categories, away from a segmented discipline portfolio scaffolded by experience, to one driven by greater integration of the science. This integration is centered on two major areas. The first area is focused on solving complex geoscience problems, augmented by machine learning and data science. The second is comprised of geoscientists focused on data acquisition strategy and sensor development. This apparent emerging paradigm will influence the careers for current students and new graduates, who will represent the bulk of the geoscience workforce through to the 2060s. With evidence that many competencies expected of geophysicists, such as robust quantitative skills, are critical predictors of success in this emerging environment, the employment outlook is positive. However, also evident is the demand for strong geologic cognitive problem solving. The ideal result will be a more integrated geology and geophysics portfolio of competencies, which, like seen in current researcher self-identification, may yield less occupational identification with geophysics but will not necessarily be a predictor of degradation of the discipline’s role in the geosciences.
Presentation Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Start Time: 1:50:00 PM
Location: 204C (Anaheim Convention Center)
Presentation Type: Oral
