Abstract: Geophysics is a multi-discipline subject involving many aspects which have quickly deve-loped in the 20th century. It had greatly contributed to the progress of science and technology and the development of society and economy in the past hundred years. The geophysics in the 21th century is facing both opportunity and challenge. However, as it developed swiftly in the world the “crisis” of geophysics in China has emerged.We must realize the connotation of geophysics as a whole, strength the overall construction of geophysics subject and settle the essential and guide effects of geophysics from the viewpoint of development of systemic geosciences. Several problems are discussed as follows:(1) the development progress and the strategic significance of geophysics;(2) summary of the main great achievements of geophysics in the 20th century;(3) main contents in geophysics research;(4) the guide and task of geophysics in contemporary China;(5) the challenge and opportunity faced of geophysics in China;(6) the trend of geophysics at the present in China;(7) sincere suggestions.

Key words: geophysics, great achievements, opportunity and challenge, crisis faced, guide and task