100 YEARS OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH AND PROSPECTING IN ROMANIA (1925–2025). GEOPHYSICS – EARTH SCIENCE IN A HISTORICAL AND MODERN PERSPECTIVE

The article presents, in an integrated historical and conceptual perspective, the evolution of geophysics in Romania from the initiation of organized geophysical prospecting in 1925 to the Centenary of 2025. The main development stages are highlighted, from the first systematic investigations carried out in the context of the establishment of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), to the consolidation of a national geophysical school connected to international scientific networks. The first part is dedicated to the founders of Romanian geophysics, grouped into two successive “waves”. The first wave - around Ludovic Mrazec, with Sabba S. Ștefănescu, Iulian Gavăt, Toma Petre Ghițulescu and Mircea Socolescu - marks the transition from isolated observations to the systematic use of gravimetry, magnetometry, seismics and electrometry in natural resource exploration. The second wave - represented by Liviu Constantinescu and Radu Botezatu - brought the Romanian school to theoretical and institutional maturity through essential contributions to seismology, geomagnetism, geodynamics and regional modelling. The article further discusses geophysics as an integrated Earth science, the relationship between Earth Physics and applied geophysics, and the role of new technologies (InSAR, GPR, microseismic monitoring, 4D reservoir monitoring, artificial intelligence) in high-resolution subsurface investigation. Key research and educational institutions are presented - the Geological Institute of Romania, INCDFP, the “Sabba S. Ștefănescu” Institute of Geodynamics, GeoEcoMar, Prospectiuni S.A., the Faculty of Geology and Geophysics - as well as examples of graduates who reached leading positions worldwide. The conclusion emphasizes that the Centenary of Romanian Geophysics is not only a celebratory moment, but also reaffirms a mission: advancing the understanding of Earth’s structure and dynamics, ensuring responsible resource exploration, reducing natural risks, and contributing to environmental protection and societal safety.