Physics

Marine physicists and engineers apply their knowledge of the ocean and its boundaries when performing basic research and solving problems in ocean acoustics, ocean optics, marine physics, marine geophysics, signal processing, and ocean technology.

Scripps scientists develop advanced ocean technology for in situ and remote environmental measurement programs and for testing new engineering concepts.

Autonomous underwater vehicles are important tools to help image underwater acoustic sources and the ocean environment. One such vehicle at Scripps has been deployed on a number of successful missions to record acoustic and environmental data, thus providing scientists with a new and powerful probe into the deep ocean.

Scripps geophysicists have initiated a study to observe how the submerged South American tectonic plate is deforming. This project incorporates the first use of seafloor geodetic markers within a subduction zone. The observations should help researchers judge how motion of the colliding plates is distributed, allowing them to more accurately assess the potential magnitude of seismic events in the region.