Geophysics

EGDI Geophysics

Geophysics studies the physics of the Earth and its environment in space. It emphasises the exploration of Earth's interior using physical properties measured at or above Earth's surface, and it produces mathematical models to predict those properties.

EGDI contains data layers with geophysical data of different kinds, like seismic and geoelectric measurements:

More geophysical datasets will be added to EGDI in the future.

Geophysical observations and models for subsurface characterisation

Geophysics studies the Earth’s interior using physical properties measured at or above the surface and develops models that support the interpretation of subsurface structures. Harmonised access to geophysical information helps researchers and practitioners compare results across borders and connect geophysical evidence to geological context.

What you can do with EGDI Geophysics resources

Use this theme to discover geophysical datasets and models and to understand key details before reuse, including spatial coverage, resolution, methods and constraints. EGDI tools help users search, validate, and explore resources consistently across different providers.

Typical use cases

Regional-to-European-scale interpretation: link geophysical evidence to harmonised geological framework layers.
Screening for applied studies: support preliminary assessments for subsurface energy, storage, groundwater and resource contexts.
Research and education: provide authoritative context for modelling and communication.

Recommended workflow (3 steps)

Find geophysical resources using EGDI Data Search and refine results by topic and location.
Validate metadata in the Geological Metadata Catalogue to confirm resolution, methods and constraints.
Explore geological context in the Geological Map Viewer of Europe (and related framework layers) to support interpretation.

Related EGDI resources

EGDI Data Search – discover datasets and structured metadata.
Geological Metadata Catalogue – review harmonised metadata records and constraints.
Geological Map Viewer of Europe – visualise harmonised layers and geological context.
Map Services and Layers - list of all the map layers accessible on the map viewer.
Document Repository - find documents (PDFs, images, and CSV files) by searching their metadata and their content.

Other Scientific Themes

Basic Geology

Multiscale space-related datasets and data products are the fundamental components of geological baseline information delivered by national geological survey organisations. These datasets and products show and explain the geological architecture of the surface and subsurface of the Earth’s crust.

Boreholes

EGDI contains data on different sets of boreholes. Currently a WMS services is available.

Earth Observations and Geohazards

The systematic observation of the Earth’s surface and the monitoring of ground deformation allows the precise mapping and assessment of geohazards. Geohazards can have severe impacts on human lives and properties and may lead to serious socio-economic consequences.

Geochemistry

Chemical elements are the Earth’s building blocks. Geochemistry is the study of the distribution and concentration of Earth’s elements.

GeoEnergy

Energy is vital to the functioning of our society. We need energy to heat our homes, to produce food, for transport, and much more. But energy consumption poses two major challenges. First, our huge dependency on fossil fuels. Second, domestic energy production is decreasing.

GeoERA

Establishing the European Geological Surveys Research Area to deliver a Geological Service for Europe (GeoERA).

Geoheritage

Earth’s geological processes are happening around us all the time. The results are often distinctive geological sites (geosites) that can be unique, visually appealing or have scientific value.

Marine Geology

About two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. In line with this, Europe’s seas total about fifteen million square kilometres, fifty percent more than its land area.

Mineral Resources

We live in a mineral-based world. It has been said that “if you can’t grow it, you have to mine it”. Indeed, virtually everything we use on a daily basis is manufactured from the Earth’s mineral resources. Mineral raw materials provide us with our basic needs – energy, infrastructure, transportation, technology and more.

Urban Geology

Geological and geotechnical information about the subsurface of cities are of paramount importance and of high socio-economic value for their development and the maintenance of critical infrastructure.

Water Resources

Groundwater, present almost every where beneath our feet, is by far (99%) the largest freshwater resource on earth. As rain falls, it recharge and continuously feeds, rivers, lakes, wetlands and coastal waters.