UCSB的地球科学系在从喜马拉雅山的最高山峰，南极洲的旷野到尚未发现的海底深处的各个地区进行了实地研究。我们的研究生和本科生直接参与探索隐喻的兴奋。由杰出和敬业的教师授课（包括美国国家科学院的几名成员，以及UCSB杰出教学奖的获得者），学生们将发现正在展开的行星戏剧。本专业侧重于对地球过程的定量和物理解释。与地质科学专业的学生相比，地球物理专业的学生学习的数学和物理课程更多，而地球材料和地质现场方法的课程则更少。
The Geophysics Emphasis of the Earth Science major involves study of Earth's physical properties, including its magnetic and gravitational fields, planetary movements, and seismic activity. This emphasis includes monitoring volcanic activity, 3-D imaging of the Earth's interior, modelling of earthquake rupture dynamics, and even exploration of how Earth's fluid (atmosphere, oceans) and solid parts interact. We use principles of wave propagation, gravity, mechanics, and solid dynamics to understand diverse phenomena: How do earthquakes shake the surface Where and why do tectonic plates bend and break Are remote volcanoes erupting as you read this (and how could we tell) We train students in a range of skills used in the quantitative sciences and across industry, including signal processing, computer programming, spatial thinking, and quantitative reasoning.