Marine Geophysicist

Louise Tizzard, Wessex Archaeology

How did you get into your job?

I originally studied geology at university and then worked as a marine geophysicist for an offshore survey company. A marine geophysicist uses geophysicalUsing scientific techniques to take images and map the physical properties of the seafloor, what it looks like and what it is made of. techniques, such as sonaremit sound waves, which travel through the sea and reflect back up when they meet either an obstruction or the seafloor surface. Sonar geophysicalUsing scientific techniques to take images and map the physical properties of the seafloor, what it looks like and what it is made of. survey techniques are used to record what they seafloor looks like. and magnetics, to investigate the seabed and the sediment layers under the seabed. This gave me the opportunity to see the world and gain a lot of experience working onboard ships. Then, following a PhD in marine geology, I was looking for an opportunity that would incorporate all the skills that I had acquired but that would provide a new challenge. I have worked for Wessex Archaeology since 2006 and my position has allowed me to use my knowledge and experience in marine geophysics but apply it to a archaeology.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

My day to day job varies. Generally, I spend the majority of my time conducting archaeological assessments of geophysicalUsing scientific techniques to take images and map the physical properties of the seafloor, what it looks like and what it is made of. data. This may involve processing sidescan sonaremit sound waves, which travel through the sea and reflect back up when they meet either an obstruction or the seafloor surface. Sonar geophysicalUsing scientific techniques to take images and map the physical properties of the seafloor, what it looks like and what it is made of. survey techniques are used to record what they seafloor looks like.is a geophysicalUsing scientific techniques to take images and map the physical properties of the seafloor, what it looks like and what it is made of. technique, which uses soundwaves to record the physical properties of the seafloor. It measures the intensity of the sound waves that are reflected back from the seafoor. This can indicate hard surfaces (reflected sound) compared to soft surfaces (where less sound is reflected). Areas of no return, where there is no reflection, are shown as shadows, which are the most useful for interpreting shipwreck features as they indicate where something rises up from the seafloor., magnetometryis a geophysical survey technique, which measures magnetic changes. It is useful for locating metal shipwrecks. and bathymetry datainformation about the structure or topography of the seafloor. to interpret ship and aircraft wrecks on the seabed, or processing sub-bottom profileris a geophysicalUsing scientific techniques to take images and map the physical properties of the seafloor, what it looks like and what it is made of. survey technique, which uses soundwaves to record a profile or section of what the seafloor looks like underneath the surface. data to interpret the sediment layers under the seabed and make assessments on now submergedbeneath the surface of the water land surfaces. Submergedbeneath the surface of the water land surfaces are areas that were exposed as dry land in the past when the sea level was much lower than today, but are now covered by the sea.

My job also involves report writing and the day to day management of projects, such as the East Coast RECRegional Environmental Characterisation survey - a scientific research project to assess the physical (geology), biological (ecology) and archaeological environment of a particular study area. project.

What is your favourite part of the job?

My favourite part of the job is that it is varied and that I am always learning something new. This might be learning new technical skills, such as new processing software, or keeping up to date with the latest research concerning marine archaeology.

What skills/qualifications are useful for your profession?

I have a geological background but many others working as marine geophysicists in archaeology have either geophysicalUsing scientific techniques to take images and map the physical properties of the seafloor, what it looks like and what it is made of. or archaeological backgrounds. As such, there are many different qualification routes that are available. 

Any other career tips?

My top career tip would be, if possible, find a job you love doing.  It makes life a lot easier!