How to become A Seismologist

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions strike terror in most people, but that’s not the case with Seismologists who carve a career out of the scientific study of these unpredictable natural disasters so they can help those who are impacted by them.

• Earth Scientist
• Geophysicist

What do Seismologists do?

A Seismologist would typically need to:

• Study earthquakes and their waves to find out the Earth’s structure and composition
• Choose effective data acquisition plans and appropriate seismic-measurement and data-processing techniques before embarking on a project
• Deploy seismometers in seismic-active locations and observe their readings to detect irregularities
• Make use of computers to manage data, control quality and communicate between the field and office centres
• Design, adapt, improve and test seismic equipment, data collection procedures and mathematical processing techniques
• Complete logs and documents; compile charts and reports; work within budget, resource and time constraints  
• Analyse the internal structure of the Earth to figure out the factors that cause or predict an earthquake, if employed as a research Seismologist
• Publish their findings on source characteristics and seismic wave propagation in scientific journals and present them at academic forums
• Guide engineering and building professionals build safe structures in active seismic zones
• Teach college- or university-level courses and monitor the students’ work
• Compile and analyse data from all the earthquakes that happened worldwide during a specific period, if focused on observation
• Map each earthquake and collect data such as its exact location and magnitude to help relief workers provide appropriate aid in the affected area
• Develop mechanisms to enhance knowledge exchange between Seismologists and people working in disaster risk reduction
• Apply the scientific knowledge to commercial or public safety purposes if working in related multidisciplinary fields
• Use sound waves to help the energy industry discover oil and natural gas trapped beneath the Earth’s surface
• Measure reservoir volumes to assess potential oil and gas yield; liaise with scientists and other professionals in the field
• Help detect nuclear explosions to ensure that all nations on Earth are complying with nuclear test bans

Depending on the nature of their particular job, Seismologists may spend time out in the field in seismic-active zones, oil-rich locations, offices or laboratories. Travel also depends on the kind of job you hold and the extent of your responsibilities.

Seismologists who work in offices and labs can expect 40-hour workweeks while those in the field experience irregular work schedules and long hours. 

You must pass a civil service test to qualify for employment by a government agency. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Seismologists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Seismologists are generally employed by:

• Universities
• Government Entities
• Observatories
• Analysis Centres
• The Mining, Oil and Natural Gas Industries
• Consultancy Firms
• Colleges
• Environmental Agencies
• Construction Firms
• Water Companies
• Mining Companies

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology, are crucial for  Seismologists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Research is incomplete because it may be tough to obtain permits for job-related equipment
• Limited funding from government or nonprofit organisations
• Long, irregular work schedules and extensive travel, especially when working in the field
• Observation may involve trekking through rugged and remote terrains in extreme weather conditions
• Locating oil may include working around dangerous drilling equipment

Since employers prefer candidates who have made use of their time to gain a functional knowledge of the field, you can begin in high school. Join your school Science Club, execute a seismology-centric project for your local science fair and seek summer geoscience experiences at nearby colleges and universities.

A master’s degree will help a budding Seismologist gain the valuable practical experience essential to work in the field. They travel to earthquake-prone areas to collect data and physical specimens for lab analysis. Typically, such data is used to create computer simulations of earthquakes and get laboratory experience.

Look out for summer camps that allow students to collect and analyse their own data. Praiseworthy execution of a summer job as an assistant in a geophysical team may lead to full-time work after graduation. You can get authentic listings in the field from your school placement office.

Large multinationals also offer paid internships and summer vacation work based on projects of operational significance. The fieldwork and research trips will give you an insight into the profession along with significant working knowledge.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in seismology to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Most Seismologists have a master’s degree in geophysics or engineering, although a bachelor’s degree in geology, physics, chemistry or mathematics will fetch you an entry-level position. High-level research, exploratory geophysicist or collegiate teaching roles will require a doctorate in geophysics.

Make sure your academic program includes a basic geological core curriculum (stratigraphy, structural geography and mineralogy) and a basic physics curriculum (quantum mechanics, classical physics, electromagnetism and gravity). Employers increasingly prefer applicants who also have expertise in logic, mathematics and ecological science.

Focus on Earth science, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and a popular foreign language in high school. English and public speaking courses will enhance your communication skills.

Certification in data quality management, applied statistical modelling for data analysis and project management from an objective and reputed organisation can help a promising Seismologist stand out in a competitive job market and allow them to become an independent consultant. 

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

A valid driving licence is essential. You may need to pass a series of medical tests to qualify for some jobs.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. After a customary probationary period and acquiring much-needed knowledge, Seismologists may progress to specialist, leadership and management roles.

Once they reach the limits of their specialities in responsibility and independence, most Seismologists favour teaching, particularly at research institutions that allow a lot of leeway in an investigation.

While top positions in the industry and government are open to veteran Seismologists,  some consider becoming the owner or partner in a consulting firm. You can also move to a company or location that offers more job satisfaction career advancement.

Candidates with a master’s degree in geophysics or engineering and related work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Seismologist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge and enables the regular renewal of desirable certifications.

Most employers put their Seismologists through intense training sessions based on mission, internal protocols, health and safety, field training and responsibilities. There may be a probationary period wherein you will learn from and prove yourself to a more experienced colleague. 

If you do not have access to competency-based appraisals, develop and build on knowledge exchange activities to defend yourself against sloppy research practices in a community where most of the work done is unsupervised. 

Continue to challenge yourself. Take advantage of any internal or external training programmes offered to teach you new skills like operating a new piece of equipment. You may need to arrange and fund your own CPD if you work for a smaller company.

Seismologists can expect support and additional training from the academic institution or from Vitae, a non-profit global leader with over 50 years of experience in enhancing the skills of researchers.

In partnership with governments, funders of research, professional bodies, trusts & foundations, universities, and research institutes, Vitae offers training, resources, events, consultancy, and membership.

More Than One Way To Study Earthquakes

Some Seismologists study seismo-tectonics - the interdependence of faults, stress and seismicity. In contrast, others analyse focal mechanisms of rupture from seismic wave data. 

Some focus on seismic zoning to define varying levels of seismicity, and others specialise in earthquake engineering; they work with engineers to minimise the damage earthquakes cause to structures in the neighbourhood. 

Finally, we have multidisciplinarians who collaborate with professionals from the fields of computers, electronics, physics, telecommunications and civil engineering.

“Ideal” Seismic Zones

The one that comes immediately to mind is the “Ring of Fire along the Pacific margin where the significant number of plate boundaries translates into a lot of seismic and volcanic activity. Then there are the subduction zones off Washington, Alaska, Japan and South and Central America.

Some Technical Terms Explained

A subduction zone is where one tectonic plate moves beneath another and sinks into the Earth’s mantle like those around island nations such as Sumatra, Taiwan and the Philippines. It is associated with faults as well as volcanoes.

Faults are focused areas of deformation or strain in response to increased stress from compression, tension or shear stress in the rock at the surface level or deep under the Earth's subsurface. The Devil’s Punchbowl in Southern California comprises rocks twisted like taffy by fault motion.

Tools Of The Trade

Along with computer modelling to do various simulations and models to represent the Earth, Seismologists use data mining, statistics and other data analysis techniques to understand Earthquakes in their entirety. 

They work with seismometers, GPS and radar to record and understand the Earth’s movement during and between earthquakes.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Seismologists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Seismologist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Japan records as many earthquakes as it does because the entire country is located in a very active seismic area and has the densest seismic network globally.

It isn’t just the scientific aspect of the job, although that’s fascinating enough; it's figuring out puzzling seismic activities to help the whole world sustain itself that keeps Seismologists going strong.

Trust your intuition. Study a speciality that resonates with you in-depth and find a related project to gain experience.