Petrophysicists help engineers identify the best locations to drill for natural resources.
Petrophysics is the study of the physical and chemical properties of natural resources such as rocks, soil and fluids. Petrophysicists analyze reservoirs of these materials and help engineers determine the best areas and procedures for drilling and excavation. Many petrophysicists are employed in the oil and gas industry, though some work in the water resource and mining industries as well.
Duties
Petrophysicists study data about natural resource reservoirs and draws conclusions about the reservoir's properties. They provide the information to engineers and geologists who are then able to make models and plans for drilling.
Education
Petrophysicists usually have a master's or doctoral degree in physics. There are no formal graduate programs in petrophysics, but students may choose to concentrate their study in this area at many college and universities. Those interested in a career as a petrophysicist should also take classes in chemistry, geophysics, reservoir geology and reservoir engineering.
Working Conditions
Petrophysicists work in labs and offices. They usually work standard 40-hour weeks, but some projects may require night and weekend work as well.
Salary
According to Indeed.com, a career information website, the average annual salary for petrophysicists was $113,000 as of July 2010.
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for physicists, including petrophysicists, will increase by 16 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is a faster rate than the average for all occupations.
Tags: help engineers, natural resources
