Wed Feb 12 15:40:02 UTC 2025: ## Andhra University’s Geophysics Department Celebrates 75 Years of Excellence

**VISAKHAPATNAM, February 12, 2025** – The Department of Geophysics at Andhra University (AU) is celebrating its platinum jubilee from February 17th to 19th. Established in 1949, the department holds the distinction of being the oldest geophysics department in India, starting concurrently with Banaras Hindu University.

According to the Head of the Department (in-charge), Prof. C.V. Naidu, the department initially focused on meteorology, oceanography, and the physics of the earth, introducing a pioneering two-year M.Sc. course in marine geophysics in 1976. Hydrology has been a key component of the curriculum since its inception, and the department played a crucial role in the founding of the Association of Hydrologists of India in 1981.

The department boasts a strong record of alumni working in prestigious institutions such as the Geological Survey of India, the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, and the National Geophysical Research Institute. Its international collaborations, particularly during the International Indian Ocean Expedition (1959-1965), significantly contributed to its growth and reputation. Renowned professors like P.M.S. Blackett, E.C. LaFond, and Manik Talwani mentored students from its early years.

K.S.R. Murthy, a former emeritus scientist and alumnus (1968-71), highlighted the strong foundation laid by the founding faculty, emphasizing the department’s impact on research advances in geophysical exploration, understanding the Earth’s interior, and studying natural hazards. AU’s Geophysics Department alumni are now making significant contributions worldwide.

Read More