Friday, July 18, 2014

Useful Information Pertaining To Seismology

Useful Information Pertaining To Seismology

By Carey Bourdier


Seismology is the science of studying earthquakes, and because this ground movement has the potential to effect human life catastrophically, this is a very important branch of science. If you are interested in a career in seismology, here is some information that you might find helpful.

It can be noted that a seismologist does not only limit himself to the study of earthquakes. This is a kind of scientist that also studies the earthquake effects like devastating tsunamis that people have experienced in the recent years. A seismologist also studies other seismic activity sources like volcanic activity and other seismic sources that are manmade like explosions and also hydraulic fracturing.

To become a seismologist, one will need several tools and equipment for this line of science. An important tool is a seismometer, also often called a seismograph, a very important tool to use in this line of science. Seismic waves generated during the occurrence of earthquakes are measured using ground motion measurements.

Using a theodolite will also be learned and this is tool that helps scientists mark changes over time by the measurement of creep movements. There is also the tilt meter, a tool used to measure ground changes and this is also called an inclinometer. This tool, the tilt meter, is used to monitor seismic activities near volcanoes. These are only some of the tools and equipment you will use as a seismologist.

Many seismologists have master's degrees and even doctoral degrees in geophysics and most definitely do have these advanced, graduate degrees. One will learn about the gravitational forces of the earth and also the electrical and magnetic forces, and these will be learned during the study to become a seismologist. The internal composition of the earth and also the atmosphere will also be studied in this field of science. Working at the universities around the country and conducting important research studies or perhaps for the United States Geological Survey are possibilities, after earning this degree. Other opportunities in the private sector like the mining industry or the construction and petroleum industry, are among the many jobs of seismologists.

In the United States there are quite a few that offer degrees in geophysics and while some offer undergraduate degrees, you will find that most universities are more likely to offer graduate degrees in geophysics. Sometimes this means you will earn a bachelor's degree in earth sciences or another discipline of the earth sciences. California Institute of Technology, for example, offers undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees in geophysics. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California at Berkeley are two other prominent universities where you can work toward a career in seismology.




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