ROCK ON: HNC’S PHYSICISTS EXPLORE GEOPHYSICS WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
09.11.2026HNC’s A Level Physics students recently took part in a fascinating workshop with Professor Adam Booth from the University of Leeds, exploring where a degree in Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences could lead and taking part on a hands-on workshop to locate an earthquake!
Geophysics is a physical science that applies the principles of Physics methods to the study of the earth, oceans and atmosphere. A Level Physics students recently welcomed Professor Booth from the University of Leeds for an insightful lecture which explored the importance of Geophysics and how its study leads us to a deeper understanding of how and why our planet works the way it does. During the lecture Professor Booth shared more about the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, and where his career in Geophysics research has taken him, from the glaciers of Antarctica to studying meerkat burrows in South Africa.
On the day, the group also took part in a hands-on workshop, comparing rock samples and looking at the differences between a piece of coral and a piece of rock salt from a mine in North Yorkshire. The next activity saw the group locating an earthquake using real-world data and techniques, locating the earthquake in Turkey by using traces from five seismometers.
Chris Smith, Faculty Lead Enrich, Maths and Science, shares more “Geophysics is a genuinely fascinating science – and one that is a highly employable area to progress to, with many unfilled vacancies for qualified Geophysicists in the UK alone. It was brilliant to hear from Professor Booth about his research across the globe, and the important role that Geophysicists play in helping us to understand the world we live in – a role that is more important than ever with our changing climate. Students at HNC are encouraged to explore a wide range of careers, and I know this has inspired our students to think outside of the box when applying for their next steps. Thank you to Professor Booth for joining us!”
Joins us for our Open Event on Wednesday 11 November to discover more about how we educate, enrich and enlighten our students at HNC.
New Hey Road, Huddersfield, HD3 4GL
