What is a Seismologist?

Seismology is the study of seismic waves, energy waves caused by rock

suddenly breaking apart within the earth or the slipping of tectonic plates.
We know these as events as earthquakes. They can also be caused by
explosions from volcanic eruptions and testing of nuclear bombs.
Seismology also studies seismic waves deliberately induced by controlled
explosions, large trucks, and construction equipment, usually to search for
underground sources of petroleum and natural gas.

Seismologists study earthquakes and their results, like tsunamis, and

landslides. They may also monitor active volcanoes for tremors and signs of
an impending eruption. They use seismographs and computer equipment
to collect and analyze data on seismic events.

What Does a Seismologist Do?

Most seismologists work in petroleum exploration where they plan,
generate, monitor, and analyze controlled seismic waves from explosions
and vibrations from trucks. The information collected from the waves'
movement and interactions with underground features help seismologists
determine where oil and gas may be found.

Where Does a Seismologist Work?

Most seismologists, and 26% of geoscientists as a whole, are employed in
oil and gas extraction. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't
report on seismologists specifically, it reports that another 16% of
geoscientists were employed in engineering services as of 2012. 12% of
geoscientists provided management, scientific, and technical consulting
services. 7% worked in state government, and another 7% were employed
by the federal government.

Seismologists studying large earthquakes often work in observatories or

analysis centers with hyper-computing capabilities. These are usually run or
supported by national governments. Smaller earthquakes are analyzed at
regional research centers tied to university or government laboratories.
 What Is the Average Seismologist
Salary?
BLS reports the average annual wage for geoscientists as a whole was
$93,580 as of May 2020. Those employed in oil and gas extraction earned
the highest median salary at $125,670, followed by those working in the
federal government, at $104,210.*

Seismologist Jobs & Job

Description
Seismologist careers match the study of the Earth with the study
of physics to research and apply the creation and continuation of energy
transferred through the Earth's materials. The overall aim is to interpret the
composition and structures of the earth as well as evaluate potential
dangers. While seismologist jobs do vary considerably, many of the below
tasks are common to all jobs:

 Analyze and interpret seismic data to categorize different sources - such

as the difference between an earthquake and an explosion
 Use data sets to evaluate hazards
 Review research and literature relating to current discoveries in the field
 Provide evaluative reports to governments, engineering companies or
other external stakeholders

What Is the Job Demand for

Seismologists?
Employment of geoscientists overall is projected to grow 7 percent between
2020 and 2030.* Exploration for oil and gas, new drilling techniques,
hydraulic fracturing, and increased interest in the environment will partly
drive this growth. Geoscientists with master's degrees will have the best
opportunities.