Borehole geophysics encompasses measurement techniques conducted in boreholes.

BGR's ground-based geophysics department has extensive expertise in the local exploration of vadose zones, such as groundwater bodies and mine dumps, with both field and laboratory investigations. Electromagnetic techniques are a key focus in both areas.

BGR's marine geophysics group is active worldwide and covers a broad spectrum of methods with its equipment: gravimetry, (electro-) magnetics, reflection and refraction seismics, and heat flow. In addition to the development of methods and equipment, work focuses on the exploration of raw materials, for example in the license area held by BGR for polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean.

As the national seismological service, BGR monitors earthquakes in Germany and around the world. It performs the duties of the national data center for the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Natural seismicity and the induced seismicity generated underground by industrial processes pose hazards that must be considered in the context of general public services and, in particular, when extracting raw materials and energy.

Geophysical measurement methods provide considerable information about the internal structure of salt, clay, and crystalline rocks. Their major advantage in underground applications is the largely non-destructive nature of the rock survey. They have therefore proven particularly useful in the exploration and characterization of host rocks for the final disposal of radioactive waste.