Seismologists

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Physical Geography
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society

Overview: Seismologist are a type of geoscientists that in general study physical aspects of the Earth including its composition, structure, and processes. Seismologists focus on earthquakes and related hazards like tsunamis and landslides. They use specialized instruments to collect data on natural hazard events, specifically seismographs. Studying the activities of the Earth’s crust requires seismologists to travel to many sites to collect data, but they will also work in laboratories to analyze and prepare the reports of the collect data. While all seismologist will spend time in the field, they can work for both public and private sectors. In the private sector, businesses have seismologists use their tools to explore for oil and natural gas deposits. Working for the public sector, they focus determining the severity and extent of earthquakes to help government agencies.

Geographers at work: Physical geographers, Geomorphologists

Recommended College Courses: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, Advanced GIS, Remote Sensing, Introduction to Physical Geography, Environmental Management, Introduction in Environmental Geography, Geomorphology, Environmental Hazards, Location Analysis

Skills: Geospatial technology, Quantitative Methods, Environmental Mapping and modeling, Computer Programming, Field Methods, Location analysis

Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Learn more about Seismologists from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/youre-a-what/seismologist.htm?view_full