Geophysicists currently lead the effort to explore marine reserves of oil, natural gas, gas hydrates, and minerals. Although geophysical techniques do not eliminate the need for exploratory drilling, they minimize this expensive process by detecting and delimiting prospects. In addition to accruing new data through field research, UTIG scientists synthesize and disseminate the scientific knowledge and technical information crucial to natural resource exploration. Several projects are sponsored by industry. UTIG scientists also serve as advisers to several students sponsored by industry.