Abstract Geophysical methods can be used to create images of the Earth's interior that constitute snapshots at the moment of data acquisition. In many applications, it is important to measure the temporal change in the subsurface, because the change is associated with deformation, fluid flow, temperature changes, or changes in material properties. We present an overview of how noninvasive geophysical methods can be used for this purpose. We focus on monitoring mechanical properties, fluid transport, and biogeochemical processes, and present case studies that illustrate the use of geophysical methods for detecting time-lapse changes in associated properties.