Geophysicist conducts research into the physical nature of the Earth, including its atmosphere and hydrosphere, to increase scientific knowledge and to develop practical applications in such fields as radio communications, navigation, flood control, soil and water conservation, water supply and power, drainage and irrigation, volcanology and mineral exploration. He/she investigates and measures seismic, gravitational, electrical, thermal and magnetic forces affecting Earth and optical and acoustic phenomena in the atmosphere. He/she studies the structure of rock formations to locate mineral, gas and oil deposits using physical and electrical testing instruments such as seismograph and magnetometer.